Using Your Insurance

International insurance is a great benefit for travelers—providing potential support throughout the travel abroad experience, from initial planning to follow-up care.

Insurance Contact Information

Student Policy Number: GLM N10893392
Faculty/Staff Policy Number: GLM N14287310
Phone: +1-866-693-6873 (Outside the US), 1-312-935-9242 (Inside the US)
Email: GallagherGlobalAssistance@ajg.com

Before You Go

Before going abroad, you can utilize your international insurance for:

  • Appointments. Find and schedule appointments with medical providers abroad.
  • Pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition and know you will need routine care while abroad, international insurance can assist in locating and scheduling appointments with those resources. (The cost of maintenance care and medications is not covered for pre-existing conditions.)
  • Check legality of medications. Not all over-the-counter and prescription medications are legal in all countries. International insurance can verify the legality of medications in your destination country and recommend alternatives that you and your treating physician can consider.
  • Medications abroad. International insurance can assist in arranging to have prescriptions issued or refilled while in country. If a prescription is required in country (either upon arrival or during the program), the international insurance provider can locate an appropriate health care provider and schedule a consultation appointment. For pre-existing conditions, the international insurance can assist with arrangements but will not pay these costs.

While You're Abroad

While abroad, you can access your international insurance 24/7 via phone.

  • Health Emergency
    • Seek care immediately.
    • When able, call international insurance and tell them your location and care you have received. International insurance will connect with the hospital and attempt to establish a Guarantee of Payment (GoP) and ensure you are receiving quality care. A GoP allows the insurance company to pay the hospital or provider directly on your behalf. (See information below.)
    • When able, inform International Safety and Security; we can assist you in coordinating with international insurance and monitor your situation.
    • Ask for receipts of care for any expenses paid up front to show proof of care received. Receipts are necessary for filing a claim, which must be submitted within 90 days of receiving care. Learn more about filing a claim for reimbursement.
  • Four important tips:
    • You must call, not email, for your first communication with the international insurance.
    • You are covered by the international insurance but may be required to pay for care. You should file a claim to be paid back for covered care. This is a major difference from what you may be familiar with in the United States.
    • The international insurance may recommend a telehealth appointment instad of in-person. If you prefer a local appointment, let them know.
    • If you have questions or issues with the international insurance, email safetyabroad@illinois.edu
  • Routine Care: You have several options to find and arrange care while abroad
    • Go to a clinic. For minor issues, you can go into a clinic or pharmacy for help. Your local staff may be able to advise you on local options. If you have to pay for care or prescriptions, you can submit a Claim for Reimbursement to get paid back for covered care. Check out the Student Guide or visit our website to learn more about the claims process.
    • Call Doctor Please! This is an insurance app that lets you connect with providers via telehealth. You can call international insurance to request this service or follow the instructions in the Student Guide to download the app.
    • Call Gallagher for an appointment. If you prefer an appointment to see a provider in person, you can call international insurance and ask them to arrange the appointment for you. This may take a couple of days, but this way th einternational insurance may be able to arrange payment on your behalf for covered services
  • Calling International Insurance (Step-by-Step Guide)
    • Call international insurance at +1-866-693-6873 or +1-312-935-9242. Provide the university's policy number: GLM N10893392 (for students).
    • Explain your need, ask to find a local health care provider, and request a Guarantee of Payment (GoP) for your medical visit. The GoP can take as long as 72 hours to arrange.
    • If you do not hear from the insurance after 12-24 hours, follow up with them by phone or email.
    • Upon arrival to the hospital or medical clinic, provide your Insurance ID Card to the healthcare provider
    • Note: Despite international insurance arrangements, the clinic or hospital will decide whether or not to accept the GoP. They may require you to pay directly. If so, you can claim reimbursement.
    • Ask for, and keep, detailed receipts of care if you pay for any services upfront or with your own money. You should submit a claim for reimbursement within 90 days of receiving care. Learn more about filing a claim for reimbursement.
  • Quarantine
    • The university’s international insurance policy covers the cost of medical care to treat COVID-19, monkeypox, or other infectious diseases. The university also has a quarantine benefit. Details are available under the first FAQ of the Insurance FAQs page.
    • Important note: The quarantine benefit will NOT apply to mandatory quarantine upon arrival as a precaution required by the host government. This is a known cost and should be planned for accordingly. It also requires an official test with written results; a home test is not sufficient for reimbursement.

After Receiving Care

You should submit a claim for reimbursement within 90 days of receiving care. Visit the Claims for Reimbursement page for more information.

After You Return

After you return, you should ensure all claims for reimbursement have been submitted within 90 days of receiving care. Visit the Claims for Reimbursement page for more information.

The insurance policy includes a maximum benefit of $5,000 with no deductible for up to 30 days of follow-up care after return to the U.S. This is used to continue or complete minor treatments started while abroad, such as medical tests, consultations, cast removal, or other procedures. The benefit requires that a case and treatment be started while abroad to document the origin as occurring abroad. Make sure to be in contact with international insurance to assist with the logistics of this care.