Emergencies Abroad

In the event of serious illness, injury, accident or other medical emergency:

1. Contact the local equivalent of 911 or go directly to the nearest clinic or hospital

2. Contact the supplemental international insurance provider, CISI, at +1 (312) 935-1703

a. Be prepared to provide your name, policy number, the address and phone number of the medical facility along with the treating physician’s name (if known)

b. CISI will evaluate your case to determine if adequate care is available

c. CISI may be able to arrange direct payment to the facility. However, if they are unable to arrange to pay the provider or medical facility directly, travelers will be reimbursed for treatment costs.

3. Students studying abroad should notify their program or faculty director at the earliest opportunity.

4. Faculty, staff or students traveling independently should contact the KSU 24/7 International Emergency Phone at +1.470.578.6666. Identify yourself as a student, faculty or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad to be routed appropriately.

In the event that a traveler has been a victim of a crime, discrimination or harassment, etc.:

1. Students studying abroad should contact their program or faculty leader at the earliest opportunity.

2. Faculty, staff and students traveling independently should contact the KSU 24/7 International Emergency Phone at +1.470.578.6666. Identify yourself as a student, faculty or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad to be routed appropriately.

3. U.S. Citizens can also contact the U.S. Department of State’s American Citizens Services for assistance in a safety emergency.

a. Visit the U.S. DOS emergency abroad webpage to locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, obtain contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to read more emergency information.

From overseas: +1 (202) 501-4444

From inside the US: 1 (888) 407-4747

In the event of a security incident such as terrorism, natural disaster or political insecurity, etc.:

1. Monitor local media and follow directives of local emergency personnel

2. Be prepared to shelter in place or move to a safe location

3. Students studying abroad should contact their program or faculty leader at the earliest opportunity.

4. Faculty, staff and students traveling independently should contact the KSU 24/7 International Emergency Phone at +1.470.578.6666. Identify yourself as a student, faculty or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad to be routed appropriately.

5. U.S. Citizens can also contact the U.S. Department of State’s American Citizens Services for assistance in a safety emergency.

a. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or visit the U.S. DOS emergency abroad webpage to locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to read more emergency information.

From overseas:  +1 (202) 501-4444

From inside the US: 1 (888) 407-4747

During times of political unrest or widespread transmission of disease, travelers may find themselves in a situation where they have to remain where they are for a period of time. This is referred to as “sheltering in place.”

If you must shelter in place:

• Acquire safe food and water supplies to last you several days (ideally two weeks) in case of acute shortages.
• Keep copies of important documents, prescriptions and medications, cash, electronics and phone chargers handy in a “go bag” in case the situation improves and you are able to leave the vicinity.
• Connect with the embassy of your nationality. If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the U.S. Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates directly from the Embassy (you can sign up for STEP even if you are not a U.S. citizen).
• Monitor local news and reputable international outlets for updates.
• Add important numbers such as the KSU International Emergency Phone as well as local equivalents of 911 to your phone.
• Monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State.

Medical assistance while sheltering in place:

• If you are in need of mental health assistance, please contact the international insurance provider, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), to locate mental health providers. CISI can also connect you with remote mental health providers if there is a lack of providers nearby or if you are limited in ability to connect with a provider in-person. We encourage you to stay connected (by phone, chat, etc.) with your social networks, including parents, family members and friends, to share how you’re feeling and get support.
  • CISI Contact Information
  • (Toll free): 855-327-1419
  • (Accepts collect calls): +1-630-694-9794 or Email: medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us
• If you need medical attention or do not have enough prescription medication to last until you are able to depart the country, contact CISI immediately to identify and locate a reputable local source for medical care. You can also look up medical providers using the International Provider Search tool by logging in to your “myCISI” account at https://www.culturalinsurance.com

In case of emergency, seek medical attention at the nearest hospital.

In the event of a positive COVID-19 test result upon arrival, in-country or prior to departure:

1. Follow all guidance from local medical personnel.

2. If directed to a mandatory quarantine in a designated facility:

• determine where you will be staying;
• inquire for how long and when the next test(s) will be conducted;
• verify access to meals and communication capabilities;
• verify access to an on-site or local medical provider;
• request documentation related to your mandatory quarantine orders.

3. Faculty leading education abroad programs should contact globalsafety@kennesaw.edu or the KSU 24/7 International Emergency Phone at +1.470.578.6666 to notify of participants directed to a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation during an education abroad program.

4. Faculty, staff and students traveling independently should contact the KSU 24/7 International Emergency Phone at +1.470.578.6666. Identify yourself as a student, faculty or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad to be routed appropriately.

5. Keep all documentation to file a claim with CISI for reimbursement for costs incurred. The following documents must be submitted with your claim form:

• Proof of positive test.
• Proof of Quarantine requirement:
  • If required by treating physician/medical authority, a letter must be from the treating physician.
  • If required by government officials or authorities, a letter must come from the governmental official or authority.
• Proof of negative test, showing you can travel again.
• Receipts for any eligible expense.
• Proof of non-refundable expenses. 

Claims can be submitted to CISI at:

Mailing Address: 1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905 
Email: claimhelp@mycisi.com 
Fax: (203) 399-5596 

In the event that you are arrested abroad, do not admit to wrongdoing or sign anything until such a time that a U.S. consular official has been notified and you have obtained access to appropriate legal counsel.

It is critical to understand the services as well as limitations of the U.S government and university to assist U.S. citizens arrested abroad.

U.S. consular officials are able to provide the following assistance:

• Visit U.S. citizens in jail following notification of arrest
• Provide information for local legal resources
• Notify emergency contacts (with permission)
• Advocate for treatment consistent with international standards
• In the event that a KSU student, faculty or staff member is arrested abroad, the university can make appropriate contact with U.S. consular officials, local authorities and emergency contacts. However, the university will be limited in its availability to provide assistance.