UB Traveler Assist now available for domestic travel

In May, UB launched UB Traveler Assist, powered by International SOS, to offer round-the-clock medical, mental health, security support and evacuation services for students, faculty and staff traveling on behalf of the university. The program, which began with a rollout focused on international travelers, is now available for all domestic and international university travelers.

Traveler Assist offers the following services to faculty, staff and students traveling on official university business to enhance the safety, security and well-being of the UB community:

• 24/7 support: World-class medical and security professionals anytime, anywhere.
• Pre-travel guidance: Tailored tools and advice to prepare for travel, including destination-specific health and safety insights.
• Emergency assistance: Prompt and professional help during medical or security incidents, including evacuation if needed.
• Peace of mind: A trusted partner to rely on in uncertain situations.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of Traveler Assist,” says Laura Hubbard, vice president of finance and administration. “The university is committed to the safety of those traveling on behalf of UB, whether across the globe or within the United States. Expanding this service ensures peace of mind for all members of our university community, wherever their work or studies may take them.”

Faculty and staff are invited to learn more by registering for UB Traveler Assist virtual town halls at 2 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 25. Additional sessions will be scheduled in the future.

To use Traveler Assist, UB community members must create an account and register their trip with International SOS prior to traveling and download the International SOS app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

• For faculty and staff: Itineraries will automatically be transferred into the International SOS system when domestic or international business-related travel is booked through Concur. Faculty and staff who do not use Concur to book travel will have the option to manually upload their itineraries.
• For students: Students should consult their department or program office for guidance on submitting their itinerary. Students participating in UB Education Abroad programs, including other SUNY-sponsored programs, will be automatically registered.

“Ideally, travelers won’t need to rely on emergency services,” says Beth Corry, associate vice president of business services and controller. “But having access to location-specific information empowers them to plan ahead and travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.”

All participating travelers are also encouraged to request and carry their International SOS membership card while on business travel. This card provides essential contact details for emergency support.

Travelers are also encouraged to review and understand their individual insurance coverage before and during their trip. The university is committed to covering the cost of required international health insurance for faculty and staff participating in university-sponsored travel abroad. The United Health Care Student Resources (UHCSR) plan offers comprehensive, no-cost coverage for medical care, evacuation, mental health services and 24/7 support while abroad.

UB Traveler Assist is a collaborative, cross-campus effort to maintain these duty-of-care services. The initiative includes expertise from the offices of:

• Traveler Services, Financial Management.
• Education Abroad, International Education.
• Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety.

For more information contact the UB Traveler Assist implementation team or refer to the UB Traveler Assist website.