Study Abroad Health Insurance

Pitzer students participating in study abroad and non-Pitzer students participating in Pitzer Programs are covered by an international travel insurance policy through Zurich. This plan is offered by the Claremont Colleges and coverage is automatic. Students do not need to enroll themselves. The coverage lasts for the duration of your study abroad program, plus 15 days prior to your program start date or 15 days after your program end date. A copy of the plan brochure, ID document and medical claim reimbursement form will be uploaded to your study abroad application portal. Please familiarize yourself with the benefits outlined in the brochure.

Coverage Highlights

• 24/7 travel assistance through On Call International
• Zero deductible/no co-pays/no co-insurance
• Pre-departure information services
• Non-emergency care for an illness or injury (including appointment assistance)
• Acute onset of a pre-existing physical health condition
• Continuing care for a pre-existing mental health condition
• Emergency treatment for accidents, injuries, illness, etc.
• Mental health services (including counseling/therapy)
• Prescription medication
• Care coordination/quality assurance
• Telehealth services
• Travel delay benefit (for disruptions during travel or due to COVID-19)
• Medical evacuation
• Security/natural disaster evacuation

Exclusions/Limitations

• Routine or preventive care, including physicals and dental care
• Some routine maintenance of a pre-existing condition (i.e., regular injections for Crohn’s disease; check with SHIP and On Call International before departure)
• Routine physicals
• Immunizations
• Elective care and elective surgeries
• Extreme risk activities – Hang-gliding, bungee jumping, parasailing, mountain climbing, kayaking, spelunking, etc. 

Pre-Departure Information Services

Students with health conditions are encouraged to contact On Call International, the 24/7 international travel assistance provider available under the Zurich international health insurance policy prior to departure to get more information about – and potentially make arrangements for – care in their study abroad location. For example, students who require regular medical care while abroad, including counseling, blood work, allergy shots, etc., can get advice and potentially pre-arrange care with On Call International prior to departure. 

To contact On Call International for pre-departure information services, either call (1-978-651-9219) or email (mail@oncallinternational.com) the following information:

• Personal and program information: Name, DOB, study abroad program location, and dates; *indicate that you are a student at the Claremont Colleges seeking pre-departure information
• Claremont Colleges policy number: GPT 4850976
• A description of your health needs and questions

Paying for Healthcare Abroad

The cost of any medical care needed abroad will be covered under the Zurich policy if it meets the criteria outlined above. But there are two possible mechanisms for payment: 1) paying in cash up-front at the time of service and submitting a claim for reimbursement, or 2) arranging a Guarantee of Payment in advance. On Call International makes every effort to direct travelers to facilities with which they have a direct financial relationship so that travelers do not incur out-of-pocket costs. However, this is not always possible in all locations abroad, and it is sometimes necessary to pay up-front and file a claim for reimbursement.

Payment options are outlined below.

• Reimbursement Claims: If you pay up-front for care, you will need to submit a Medical Expense Claim Form to Zurich. A copy of the claim form is available in your study abroad application portal. All claims must be accompanied by an itemized bill including the name and address of provider (doctor, hospital, lab, ambulance service, etc.), name of patient, date(s) of service, amount charged for each service, total amount charged and diagnosis or reason for treatment. Claims should be filed as soon as possible after the service has been rendered to ensure timely payment.
• Guarantee of Payment: If On Call International has – or can establish – a direct billing relationship with a doctor, hospital, or clinic, then they can issue a Guarantee of Payment, as long as this is requested prior to the time of your appointment or admission. To request a Guarantee of Payment, contact On Call International (Collect call: +1-978-651-9219, mail@oncallinternational.com, SMS Text: +1-844-302-5131) in advance of your care and provide them with the following information:
  • Patient details: name, DOB, current location (city/country), local contact information
  • Claremont Colleges policy number: GPT 4850976
  • A description of your symptoms (and whether or not they are related to any pre-existing conditions in case referral to a specialist is required)
  • Information about the doctor or hospital where you already made an appointment (date, time, and address of service) or general availability for an appointment (if seeking appointment assistance or provider referral)

On Call International will then process all bills with the medical provider directly.

Extended Travel Before/After Program

If you elect to travel on your own prior to or at the end of your program (+/- 15 days), you are expected to purchase additional coverage. There are dozens of companies that specialize in international medical insurance policies, including On Call International, the travel assistance provider available under the Claremont Colleges plan.