What's Happening?
Central Washington University (CWU) has implemented a policy (CWUP 2-10-150) mandating that all employees traveling internationally on university business must purchase supplemental international health and emergency services insurance. The Office of
International Studies and Programs (OISP) is responsible for managing the enrollment and billing for this insurance. CWU has secured a group plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Employees are required to budget approximately $2.07 per day of travel for this coverage when completing a Travel Authorization. The cost of the insurance is typically covered by the sponsoring unit, with OISP handling the billing via journaling. While this policy covers international health and emergency services, it explicitly states that it is not trip cancellation insurance. Travelers are advised that they may wish to purchase separate trip cancellation insurance for financial losses related to canceled programs, flights, or lost baggage.
Why It's Important?
This mandate is crucial for protecting CWU employees from potentially catastrophic medical and emergency expenses while conducting university business abroad. Standard U.S. health insurance often provides limited or no coverage outside the country, leaving individuals vulnerable to high costs in foreign healthcare systems. By requiring supplemental international insurance, CWU ensures that its employees have access to necessary medical care and emergency services, mitigating financial risk for both the individual and the university. This policy also reflects a responsible approach to international travel, acknowledging the inherent risks and providing a safety net. For U.S. universities, such policies are vital for maintaining the well-being of their faculty and staff engaged in global research, conferences, and collaborations, thereby supporting international academic endeavors and protecting institutional resources.
What's Next?
CWU employees planning international university-related travel will need to adhere to this policy by ensuring they are enrolled in the mandated international health and emergency services insurance through OISP. Sponsoring units within the university will continue to budget for and cover these insurance costs. Travelers will also need to consider whether to purchase additional trip cancellation insurance independently, as the university's mandated policy does not cover such eventualities. The university may periodically review and update its travel policies and insurance providers to ensure continued adequacy and cost-effectiveness. Other U.S. educational institutions may look to CWU's policy as a model for their own international travel requirements, potentially leading to broader adoption of similar mandates across the academic sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The CWU policy underscores a growing awareness among U.S. institutions of the complexities and liabilities associated with international travel for their personnel. Beyond the immediate financial protection, such mandates reflect a duty of care that extends beyond national borders. This trend highlights the increasing globalization of education and research, where faculty and staff frequently engage in international collaborations. It also touches upon the broader legal and ethical responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, regardless of their location. The distinction between health and emergency insurance versus trip cancellation insurance also points to the nuanced nature of travel risk management, requiring individuals and institutions to consider multiple layers of protection. This institutional approach to travel safety could influence how other organizations, beyond academia, manage their international business travel policies.
