Signing up for international insurance for university-related travel is easier under a new system that eventually offer automatic security alerts and other features.
For more information
Contact the risk management office at orm@iastate.edu or 294-7711.
Previously, most faculty and staff couldn't enroll themselves in international travel insurance. The AccessPlus requisition process required sign-off from designated personnel. With the new travel portal website, employees or a proxy can enroll directly, said Kurt Beyer, senior risk and systems analyst for the risk management office.
Signing up for international travel insurance is voluntary but strongly encouraged. The policy, provided through CISI, pays for emergency medical care and security evacuations in foreign countries. The cost is covered by central administration and available only for business travel.
Risk management had to phase out AccessPlus enrollment as part of the switch next summer to the new Workday enterprise software, said Susanne Johnson, risk management director.
Coverage can be booked through either system until Oct. 1. Submit enrollment requests at least two weeks in advance of departure.
Later this fall, enrolling in international travel insurance also will come with new safety features though the AlertTraveler software already used by Iowa State's study abroad programs. Faculty and staff will be able to set up optional alert notifications, and in the case of a natural disaster or political unrest overseas, ISU leaders will be able to easily determine if any employee or students might be affected.
"We'll have one place where we can look and say, 'Do we have anyone in Paris today?" Johnson said.
