CISI Insurance
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage Abroad
Every student studying abroad needs to have comprehensive coverage that can be used for medical and security emergencies while in another country. Some countries require students to also purchase special insurance coverage that gives visiting students access to their health care system for routine visits to the doctor. Your home insurance and the basic coverage required to obtain a visa typically do NOT provide care for emergencies or prolonged treatments while abroad.
William & Mary requires ALL students studying abroad to have Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) insurance, which is specially designed for the needs of students abroad. It includes:
- basic health insurance
- coverage for emergency medical services or security evacuation
- repatriation
- emergency medical family reunion
- 24/7 telephone assistance, medical referral, medical monitoring, and prescription drug replacement/shipment
The World Class Coverage Plan with CISI is administered through William & Mary and provides a special range of coverage, tailored for William & Mary students. While you are abroad, CISI will become your primary insurer.
Coverage is provided for $170 a semester for your specific program’s period of study. If you plan to travel before or after your program’s period of study, you can purchase additional coverage for the time of travel directly from CISI or another comparable company at the standard rate, which is somewhat higher than the group rate.
Please note that NO insurance will cover accidents involving extreme sports such as bungee jumping, helicopter skiing, rock climbing, shore diving, etc. Before undertaking such activities, take out additional insurance to be sure you are covered.
When and how do I use CISI insurance?
The policy’s benefits and claim form can be found on the Global Education Center website. It is recommended you give a copy of this plan and/or website link to your parents or other appropriate contact in case there is an emergency while abroad. You will also receive a quick reference card via email prior to departure, that you should carry with you at all times during your period of coverage.
Things to keep in mind:
- How you use this insurance varies from country to country depending on their health care system.
- Team Assist, an auxiliary service of CISI insurance, provides 24-hour telephone assistance. They can help find English-speaking doctors and refer you to the best medial facility for your injury or illness.
- The CISI coverage through W&M carries a zero deductible.
- Be prepared to pay for medical bills “out of pocket” while abroad. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you keep receipts for all medical expenses in order to file a claim for reimbursement. It is also important that you have access to money (cash or ATM) to cover these “out of pocket” expenses, if needed.
- If you need long term medical care or incur significant medical expenses, you should contact Team Assist immediately to open a case file. Make sure that your in-country health provider understands the importance of their communicating with Team Assist to facilitate payment.
- CISI has a myCISI mobile app where you can view your insurance documents, file claims, view safety alerts, search for medical providers, and more.
Important Note: CISI is NOT travel insurance, meaning it won’t cover lost luggage, plane delays, etc. If you want coverage for these types of incidents, you will need to purchase separate insurance.
If you have questions about the CISI insurance coverage while abroad, contact them directly at +1-203-399-5130 or claimhelp@mycisi.com. Also, the Global Education Office at the Reves Center is only a call or email away +1-757-221-3590 or wmabroad@wm.edu.