What is International SOS (ISOS)?
Columbia University provides all travelers with 24/7 emergency support through International SOS (ISOS). Whether you're facing a medical emergency, security concern, or logistical challenge while traveling, ISOS connects you with worldwide assistance in three convenient ways: by phone, through their website, or via the ISOS Assistance App (download from your phone's app store or preview at isos.com).
Additionally, the University uses the ISOS Global Risk Ratings to fulfill the International Travel Planning Policy (ITPP) pre-departure travel requirements, such as pre-travel itinerary review and trip registration.
ISOS Pre-Trip Itinerary Review Form
The ISOS Global Risk Ratings provide essential safety, security, and health information for your travel destination. Before traveling, check the risk level for your specific location (country, city, or region) and note any Elevated Evacuation status.
Itinerary review is required for:
- Students and employees (Officers of Administration and Support Staff) traveling to Medium, High, or Extreme Risk locations
- All travelers affiliates proposing travel to destinations with an Elevated Evacuation Status of Stand By, Evacuate Non-Essential Personnel, or Full Evacuation
The itinerary review provides a safety and security briefing tailored to your itinerary. To submit an itinerary for review, please visit the ISOS Pre-Trip Itinerary Review Form.
ISOS MyTrips Registration
All travelers must register their trips in ISOS MyTrips when traveling for Columbia University or conducting any CU-related international activities. This registration provides the university with the traveler’s trip details and allows our office to assist in an emergency.
International SOS offers a training hub for those preparing to go abroad. Courses range in topics such as Food and Water Safety, Hotel Safety, Petty Crime, and more.
To visit the ISOS Training Hub, please click here.
Upon course completion, users have the option of printing a completion certificate.
Columbia University's agreement with ISOS provides a number of resources and services, including online, medical, travel, security and enhanced emotional support.
Online Resources
- Communications portal
- Emailed health, safety, and security reports
- Emergency records
- Country briefs
- Global Risk Ratings
Medical Assistance
- Arrangements and Payment for medical evacuations and repatriations
- Emergency & routine medical advice
- Travel Health Information
- Medical & Dental referrals
- Out-patient case management
- Dispatch of Medication & Medical Supplies*
- Medical Monitoring
- Guarantee of Medical Expenses*
- Access to International SOS Clinics*
*ISOS is NOT health insurance.
Travel Assistance
- Emergency message transmission
- Emergency translation & interpreter services
- Lost document advice & assistance
- Emergency cash advance*
- Post-departure trip interruption reimbursement (up to $2,000)
- Trip delay/quarantine benefit (up to $2000/ $200 per day)
Security Assistance
- Arrangements and payment of evacuations
- 24 hour access to SOS Security Specialists
- Real time security and safety information
- Access to Security Crisis Center
Enhanced Emotional Support
- Connect with counseling services through ISOS
- Chat capabilities in place of a phone call
- Up to 5 sessions per person, per trip via telephone, teleconference or in-person (depending on location)
- Assistance with locating a provider who speaks the traveler's preferred language and who has a high standard of care
- Can connect the traveler with Columbia's Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), or CUIMC Student Health Service's Mental Health Services (MHS), for continuity of care.
You can review additional, detailed information regarding ISOS service benefits on the ISOS Membership E-Guide.
For more information, visit the Columbia ISOS Global Assistance Program page.
ISOS Training Hub
Prepare for your trip with the ISOS Training Hub, which offers free courses on essential topics including food and water safety, hotel security, avoiding petty crime, and more. Access the training hub here, and print a completion certificate after finishing any course.
Phone: +001-215-942-8478
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- The Columbia membership ID: 11BSGC000064
- Your callback number or way to get in touch if the call drops
- The sick/injured person’s name, UNI, university affiliation and their location
- The caller’s name, UNI (if applicable)
Assistance App
Download the ISOS Assistance app before you travel (available for Apple, Android, and Windows). Use Columbia's membership ID 11BSGC000064 to activate your account and access:
- Location-based health, safety, and security alerts
- Direct call or chat support with ISOS specialists
- Enhanced emergency assistance from the University while traveling abroad
ISOS FAQs
What is ISOS MyTrips?
ISOS MyTrips is Columbia's trip registration system where all travelers must upload their international travel details. This registration helps the University locate and assist you during emergencies abroad.
Is it the same as the ISOS Pre-Trip Itinerary Review?
No, these are two separate requirements:
- MyTrips registration is required for ALL Columbia-related international travel
- Pre-Trip Itinerary Review is only required for travel to Medium, High, or Extreme Risk locations, or destinations with Elevated Evacuation status
Important: Submitting a Pre-Trip Itinerary Review does not automatically register your trip — you must complete both processes separately when traveling to destinations that require the itinerary review.
No, registering your travel does not mean your trip is approved. Travelers must complete the pre-departure requirements of their destination and secure appropriate approvals (where applicable).
After registering a trip, travelers will receive an automated Pre-Trip Advisory (PTA) email from ISOS with destination-specific information and Columbia's travel policies
Travelers should save this email as it serves as confirmation of trip registration.
For more information, visit the Columbia ISOS Global Assistance Program page.
If you need an ISOS wallet card, please send an email with your mailing address to [email protected] or you can download one here.