Financial Information > Insurance
All Brandeis University students who participate on an approved study abroad program must ensure they obtain coverage from a compressive international sickness and accident insurance plan. Many programs will automatically enroll students in a compressive plan. Students enrolled in an approved program that does not provide comprehensive international sickness and accident insurance coverage will be required to enroll in the Brandeis CISI insurance plan. This plan is offered through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc.
Brandeis CISI insurance is optional for summer study abroad students.
Details of the Brandeis International Sickness and Accident plan can be viewed on the CISI website for Brandeis students. You may also view answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding this insurance coverage below. An insurance card and detailed brochure defining all terms are given out to student prior to their departure.
The cost of this policy is $36 per month. Insurance coverage will be effective for the stated duration of the academic program as defined by Brandeis University. Students must ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage for their particular circumstances. We recommend that students studying abroad who extend their stay beyond the stated program length purchase additional coverage from CISI to cover the complete length of their time abroad. This additional coverage can be purchased on the CISI website.
Claims
If you need to file a claim, you should fill out the claim form that was included in your insurance packet, with your CISI insurance card. It can also be found on the CISI website for Brandeis Students. Please note that you must have an original, itemized bill for the total amount being claimed. No reimbursement will be considered for medical expenses not accompanied by original bills. If you have further questions about a claim submission, please call CISI directly at 203-399-5511.
Maintaining U.S. Coverage
Keep in mind that the international health insurance coverage begins when you leave the U.S., and ends one month after your return to the U.S. For coverage in the United States, you must purchase or maintain a separate plan. We recommend that you retain your U.S. health insurance, even while overseas. This will cover you both before you leave and after you return from your program, and should you have an accident or illness overseas that requires long-term care, you will have insurance upon your return to cover these expenses. Please also note that even when you are abroad you will be considered a full-time Brandeis student in Massachusetts, thus, the same insurance regulations that affect your while you are in Waltham will still apply. Please see the University Bulletin or contact the Health Center at 781-736-3677 for more details. Keep in mind that if you have special insurance needs, or if you plan any travel before, during or after the program, you are responsible for obtaining appropriate coverage.
Travel/ Personal Property Insurance
We strongly encourage you to obtain insurance against theft and/ or damage to your personal effects for the period of time you will be abroad. Most programs do not provide insurance for your possessions. Your family's homeowner's insurance or rental insurance may provide coverage.
Brandeis CISI Insurance Frequently Asked Questions:
What period does this insurance cover?
The Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) coverage will be effective for the duration of your approved academic program abroad as defined by Brandeis University. Additional coverage may be purchased for those extending their time abroad.
What does the insurance cover?
You can view the plan details on the CISI website for Brandeis Students.
What if I already have insurance through my family, the Brandeis University campus plan, or my study abroad program provides insurance?
All students who study abroad must have adequate international sickness and accident insurance. We are committed to ensuring that all students have solid coverage while abroad and that they will be able to receive good medical care should the need arise. If
How much does the insurance cost?
If required, you will be billed $36 per month for the duration of your approved academic program.
How will I be billed for this insurance?
The cost for the CISI insurance will be billed to your Brandeis University account during the regular billing cycles (July & November). Students studying abroad for the full year on one program will be billed in full in July.
Does this insurance apply to students studying off campus on a U.S. Approved Program?
No, students on approved U.S. programs are not required to carry the international insurance plan. However, since you will be a full-time Brandeis student in Massachusetts, the same insurance regulations about notification to Brandeis will apply. Please see the University Bulletin or contact the Health Center at 781-736-3677 for more details on this policy. If you have a pre-existing medical condition we encourage you to talk with your family about coverage during your approved off-campus program to ensure adequate insurance.
Does this insurance apply to students studying abroad during the summer?
No, but you may wish to purchase additional insurance coverage are eligible to enroll in the Brandeis CISI plan. Please see a staff member before you depart campus for enrollment procedures.
What happens if I decide not to go abroad ...will I still be charged this insurance fee?
The Brandeis CISI plan goes into effect on the departure date of the program. Should you withdraw early from a program, the remaining unused months, minus any unrecoverable costs, will be refunded to you.
Who can I contact with questions about this policy?
Questions can be directed to any staff member in the study abroad office at 781-736-3483.
