Domestic Travel and Personal International Travel
The University of Iowa employees and their families may be eligible for two travel assistance programs based on their participation in the required group life insurance product (offered through Principal) or the accidental death and dismemberment insurance program (offered through Zurich).
Because participation in the university's Group Life insurance plan is a condition of employment for regular university faculty and staff members who hold a 50 percent time or greater appointment, they are most likely already covered. In addition, if the employee has group life insurance, they are eligible for the vital travel assistance services offered through Principal Insurance Company.
Participation in the accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan offered through Zurich Insurance is voluntary. However, if the employee purchases this insurance, they are eligible for the travel assistance services provided by Principal.
The travel assistance offered through both companies is a component of the insurance plan. Therefore, if the employee has the insurance, there is no additional charge for travel assistance benefits.
If the employee participates in both plans listed above, they're eligible for both travel assistance plans. These are two separate programs with different benefits. They do not coordinate benefits. If an employee qualifies for both, we recommend that the employee familiarize themselves with both programs to utilize the most beneficial plan to them if they have a claim.
Principal Travel Assistance
The Principal Travel Assistance plan is robust and offers a wide range of benefits.
You, your spouse, and dependent children are covered for travel, medical, legal, financial assistance, and emergency medical evacuation when traveling 100+ miles from home, for up to 120 consecutive days, domestically or internationally.
Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:
- Information and assistance, including pre-trip
- Customs and immunization information
- Personal assistance services, medical assistance services, and other related services.
- Emergency medical transportation services
The University of Iowa contract number is 1119933.
For more detailed information, please visit the website or the program flyer (PDF).
Zurich Travel Assist
Zurich Travel Assist is a medically based travel assistance program available when you travel 100 miles or more from home. Administered by World Travel Protection, a member of the International Assistance Group, it offers 24/7 global support for medical and legal emergencies.
Key Services Include:
- Medical Evacuation and Monitoring
- Prescription and Emergency Medical Help
- Travel Advisories and Vaccination Information
Contact Zurich Travel Assist:
- U.S./Canada: 800-263-0261
- International (collect): +1-416-977-0277
- Policy Reference: GTU 2855720
- For more Information, visit the Zurich Travel Assist website.
- Zurich Travel Assist Card (pdf)
University-Sponsored International Travel Insurance (CISI)
The University of Iowa partners with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to provide medical and travel insurance coverage for faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally on university business.
This program includes:
- Essential medical insurance
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency security evacuation
The university pays the full cost of CISI coverage for faculty and staff traveling on university business.
Optional coverage is available at the traveler's expense for an accompanying spouse, domestic partner, or dependent. To enroll eligible dependents, complete the Dependent Enrollment Form listed below.
Register Travel Before Departure
Employees must register international university business travel in the University's ProTrav system before departure. Registration is required for CISI coverage.
Enrollment occurs automatically approximately three weeks before departure.
CISI sends coverage materials to the employee's University of Iowa email address approximately 10 to 14 days before departure.
CISI coverage is not available for personal international travel.
Additional Information and Forms
The following resources provide information about coverage, claims, dependent enrollment, and coverage extensions:
- Policy Brochure (pdf)
- CISI Claim Form (pdf)
- Dependent Enrollment Form (pdf)
- Self-Enrollment of Dependents (pdf)
Extending Coverage for Personal Travel
Faculty or staff who plan personal travel immediately before or after their university-related travel may be eligible to extend CISI coverage for up to two additional weeks.
To request an extension, complete the Personal Deviation Form (pdf).