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International SOS FAQ

International SOS gives peace of mind to travelers all over the world. One phone call connects you to the SOS network for immediate help in any emergency. Services range from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance. The SOS network of specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from SOS Alarm Centers around the world. Your SOS membership is a valuable protection against unexpected difficulties that can arise when you are away from home.

SOS membership cards should be carried at all times.  To obtain a membership card either login to the Georgetown International SOS portal below, or contact Risk Management at (202) 687-6622.

  1. What do I need to do to use the program?
  2. Do I need to enroll to use SOS services?
  3. What are Email Alerts?
  4. What if I need a doctor?
  5. What if I need a lawyer?
  6. What if I need prescription medication?
  7. What if I am hospitalized?
  8. What if local medical facilities are not adequate for my specific requirements?
  9. What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need help?
  10. Will International SOS pay my medical bills?
  11. How can International SOS assist in the event of death?
  12. What should I do in the event of a security emergency

1. What do I need to do to use the program?

In order to use the SOS medical or travel services, contact any SOS Alarm Center from anywhere in the world by calling directly, calling collect or calling the toll-free number. Be sure to carry your membership card with you at all times while traveling and contact one of the numbers listed on the back. 

To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following information to SOS:

      • Your name, location, age, sex, and nationality 
      • Your International SOS membership number (Found on your ISOS card)
      • The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
      • Your relationship to the member (if the person calling is not yourself)
      • Name, location, and telephone number of the hospital or clinic (when applicable)
      • Name, location, and telephone number for the treating doctor, and where the doctor can be reached (when applicable)
      • What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination or questions about the current status in that location?

In addition to calling the Alarm Center for any pre-trip questions you may have, you can access Country and Security Guides from the website.

 Access International SOS Here

The SOS online resources provide medical, security and general travel advice, such as information on the standard of health care, how to pay for medical care, the availability of medications, safety of the blood supply, embassy/visa information, dialing code information, cultural etiquette and financial and voltage/plug information.

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2. Do I need to enroll to use SOS services?

No, members of the Georgetown community are automatically enrolled.


3. What are Email Alerts?

You can choose to sign up for medical and/or security alerts by logging on to International SOS and signing up. Medical alerts are issued when there is an unusual health risk that, in the opinion of the SOS Medical staff, may negatively impact travelers or expatriates visiting a country. Security alerts are issued when SOS Security professionals have identified a security risk in a specific country.


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4. What if I need a doctor?

You should first contact the on-site emergency support network for your location.  The International SOS Alarm Centers are listed on the back of your card. Call the International SOS Alarm Center that is nearest to you for a referral to a doctor who speaks your language.


5. What if I need a lawyer?

Call the nearest International SOS Alarm Center for legal referrals.  If you are in a situation where you require legal assistance, on-site staff should be informed of this immediately.

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6. What if I need prescription medication?

If you require a prescription that a local physician cannot obtain, or you need to replace lost, stolen or depleted medication, International SOS will, when permissible by local law, send the needed medication to you (additional fees will apply).


7. What if I am hospitalized?

If you are in a situation or location where you require hospitalization, International SOS will immediately take steps to evaluate the care you are receiving and determine what actions must be taken to ensure your safe and speedy recovery.   International SOS will notify Georgetown University staff immediately if you have not already done so.

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8. What if local medical facilities are not adequate for my specific requirements?

If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are not available, International SOS will obtain approval from Georgetown University to evacuate you to a medical facility capable of providing the required care. 

 

9. What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need help?

When your condition is stabilized and International SOS has determined that it is medically advisable to bring you home or to a facility near your permanent residence, International SOS will again obtain approval from Georgetown and arrange the repatriation under medical supervision.

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10. Will International SOS pay my medical bills?

You are responsible for the costs of medical care.  If you are unable to arrange for payment of medical expenses at the time of service, International SOS may contact Georgetown to guarantee payment of all costs associated with your care.  Any expenses paid by the university on your behalf must be reimbursed and will be billed to you at a later date.

 

11. How can International SOS assist in the event of death?

International SOS will render all assistance possible to the university to obtain clearances and arrange transportation for the return of mortal remains.  Georgetown University will be the point of contact for the family in this situation.

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12. What should I do in the event of a security emergency?

Call an Alarm Center listed on the back of your membership card, and a security specialist will assist you.

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