Applications to study abroad during academic year 2026-2027 now closed

Health, Safety & Insurance Abroad

International Insurance

All Holy Cross students participating in semester, academic year, or Maymester study abroad programs are automatically enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a best-in-class global health, safety, and emergency assistance provider. ISOS coverage is recognized for offering top-tier support, giving students 24/7 access to international healthcare, crisis response, and travel assistance. Importantly, ISOS supports Holy Cross students both before and during their time abroad. If you have health questions, specific medical requirements, or have prescription needs, you can contact ISOS prior to departure to ensure you have the continuity of care you deserve.

Through ISOS, students benefit from:

Emergency medical and security assistance: Coordination of hospital care, emergency evacuations, and local provider referrals
Comprehensive health and travel insurance: Coverage for illness, injury, and medical emergencies while abroad
Mental health and counseling services: Confidential emotional and psychological support
Travel guidance and support: Real-time safety alerts, destination intelligence, and help with lost documents or travel disruptions
Advice on continuity of care: coordination of prescription medications and/or treatments, especially those that may not be available abroad.

The cost of this Global Assistance Program is approximately $225 per semester, which will appear on your tuition bill. For Maymester programs, ISOS insurance is included in the total program cost.

The College of the Holy Cross subsidizes this coverage to ensure your health, safety, and well-being from pre-departure planning through your time abroad. For more information, visit International SOS.

Do I need US-Based Heath Insurance while I'm abroad?

All students are required to maintain their U.S.-based health insurance coverage while abroad in case they need to return to the U.S. outside of the enrollment period. Students who normally opt out of the Holy Cross SHIP insurance, can continue to opt out while they are abroad as long as they have some other type of coverage in the U.S

Mental Health

Studying abroad comes with all kinds of adjustments that can affect student mental health. Adapting to a new culture and environment can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. There are numerous mental health resources both at Holy Cross and abroad that we encourage students to access. The Office of Study Abroad provides detailed information about these resources during pre-departure orientations.

Safety Abroad

The Office of Study Abroad prioritizes safety and well-being for all its students. In collaboration with ISOS and the College’s Risk Management Team, we comply with The Standards of Best Practice established by The Forum on Education Abroad to provide support to students throughout their study abroad journey.

Page updated

Report abuse