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Q. What is the role of International SOS?
A. International SOS is the world's largest medical and security assistance
company, with more than 5,000 professionals in 24/7 Alarm Centers and medical
facilities worldwide. ISOS provides international clinics and
remote-site medical facilities across five continents and is the leader in
their field, ready to help you with all of your medical emergency and security
needs.
Q. How can International SOS help?
A. International SOS provides you and your family with peace of mind. One
phone call connects you to the International SOS network of multilingual
specialists for immediate help in an emergency. International SOS services are
designed to help you with medical, personal, travel, security information and
legal referrals when away from home. Call International SOS at any time to
speak with a physician or security specialist about simple or critical
matters.
Q. How does it work?
A. Carry the International SOS membership card with you at all times. It
includes the telephone numbers of the three major worldwide International SOS
Alarm Centers. In the event of an emergency, call one of the emergency phone
numbers listed on the card. For Dartmouth, we recommend using ISOS
Philadelphia Call-In Center at 1-215-942-8226.
Q. What do I need to do to use the program?
A. In order to utilize any of the medical or travel services listed under
contract, call any SOS Alarm Center from anywhere in the world by calling
directly, calling collect or calling the toll-free number. To ensure a prompt
response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:
- Your name, location, age, sex, and nationality
- The division with which you are associated
(for example, student/employee on Foreign Study Program in ______ or doing
research for _______)
- 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)
Q. What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination or
questions about the current status in that location?
A. In addition to calling the Alarm Center for any pre-trip questions you
may have, you can access Country and Security Guides from their web site http://www.internationalsos.com
Use your membership number as your member login. In addition to the
information covered at the Pre-Departure Sessions and on-site orientation
conducted by your program, the SOS comprehensive guides provide both 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.
Q. Do I need to activate my membership?
No, your membership is already active. Simply carry the card at all times
while traveling. Whenever you need service, contact one of the emergency phone
numbers listed on the back of the card. You do not need to report specific trip
dates to International SOS each time you travel. However, you can create a
personal on-line account with SOS into which you can save medical, family and
emergency information. Unless you input your information into an account it
will not be available for staff in the event of an emergency. Medical and
personal information can only be accessed by an SOS doctor.
Q. What are Email Alerts?
A. You have the option to sign up for Email Alerts. You can choose to sign
up for medical and/or security alerts by logging on 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.
Q. What if I need a lawyer while overseas?
A. 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.
Q. What if I need prescription medication?
A. 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 may Apply)
Q. What if I am hospitalized?
A. In most cases, Dartmouth College staff should be able to assist you via
our on-call emergency staff. However, if you are in a situation or location
where you cannot reach Dartmouth staff, call the nearest International SOS
Alarm Center. 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. SOS will notify Dartmouth College staff immediately
if you have not already done so.
Q. What if local medical facilities are not adequate for my specific
requirements?
A. If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are
not available, International SOS will obtain approval from Dartmouth College to
evacuate you to a medical facility capable of providing the required care. A
physician supervises evacuations, and when necessary, a medical specialist or
nurse will accompany you during the evacuation. An air ambulance will be used
when required.
Q. What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need
help?
A. 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
Dartmouth and arrange the repatriation under medical supervision.
Q. Will International SOS pay my medical bills?
A. If you are unable to arrange for payment of medical expenses at the time
of service, International SOS will guarantee and pre-pay all costs associated
with your medical care. You are ultimately responsible for the costs of medical
care, however, and will be billed at a later date. This is why Dartmouth
requires you to have health insurance which will cover you while overseas.
International SOS will also medically monitor and evaluate your condition
and ongoing medical expenses during your hospitalization. In situations where
medical care is critical, by activating SOS you authorize medical care as
necessary, and acknowledge that you will be billed for such care.
Q. How can International SOS assist in the event of death?
A. International SOS will render all assistance possible to the College to
obtain clearances and arrange transportation for the return of mortal remains.
In such an event, Dartmouth College will be the point of contact for the family
in this situation.
Q. What should I do in the event of a security emergency?
A. Call an alarm center listed on the back of your membership card, and a
security specialist will assist you. The Philadelphia Alarm Center is
recommended (1-800-523-6586 or collect at 1-215-942-8226), as they are
specifically trained to address higher education emergency situation.
Q. What is security evacuation assistance and coordination?
A. The SOS Security Division will assist Dartmouth College in the event of
threatening situations such as civil and/or political unrest, insurrections,
revolution or similar situations by providing information, guidance and
resources in the event personal safety and security can no longer be
assured.
Q. How do I access up-to-the-minute information about security alerts,
warnings and the latest situations?
A. You can visit the website below:
http://www.internationalsos.com/members_home/Security/
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