Travel Assistance

Travel Assistance

Your benefits can take some of the stress out of travel for vacations, stay-cations and business trips. Check out the travel coverage and discounts when planning your travels. 

The University's Basic Term Life Insurance Plan covers emergency travel assistance for extra peace of mind.

Travel Assistance

Save Money

Go to Discounts and Perks; select “Shopping and Entertainment Discounts” for savings on hotels, shows, rental cars and more.  

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) also gives you access to a variety of discounts. Find opportunities to save on local and destination adventures, including hotels and how to find cheap gas prices.

Prepare for Travel

  1. New York Life GBS Travel Insurance is available to all employees enrolled in Life Insurance. Use the checklist to see immunization, visa and passport requirements. Review the resources for helpful embassy referrals, travel advisories and cultural information.

  2. The EAP offers information to help you plan and pack for your trip.

  3. If your travel requires vaccinations, your Columbia medical plan will cover them (your deductible and coinsurance will apply). 


To find out your current coverage elections for benefits such as life insurance, visit CUBES.

Your Columbia benefits can offer support during travel, in case you need it:

  • Coverage for emergency medical services. All faculty and staff enrolled in a Columbia-provided medical plan are covered for emergency services while traveling outside of the US. 
     
  • Travel and emergency assistance services. New York Life GBS Travel Insurance (available to those enrolled in Life Insurance) also provides interpretation and translation referrals, physician, medical center, dentist and legal services provider referrals, assistance with lost/stolen luggage, prescription replacement and more. 

If you're traveling internationally on Columbia business, check out Columbia's Global Travel website before you depart for information regarding travel alerts and other resources for international travelers, including the many services available when traveling for University-related business. Additionally, all affiliates must complete certain requirements before departure, such as registering their Columbia-related travel.

If you have questions, email [email protected].

Resources:

Travel Emergencies

When you are covered under the University's Basic Term Life Insurance Plan from New York Life Group Benefit Solutions, you and your eligible dependents are also covered for emergency travel assistance when traveling 100 or more miles from home or when traveling in a foreign country for up to 180 days. Travel can be personal or work-related for situations as serious as needing evacuation from a foreign country to something as simple as visa information. Find help during travel emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.

New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYL GBS) Secure Travel is the provider. View Secure Travel flyer

Note: J-1 visa holders are also covered with reverse repatriation insurance in case of a medical emergency through Zurich Travel Assist.

The following services are available when travelling:
  • Emergency medical evacuation
     
  • 24-hour multilingual assistance
     
  • Pre-trip planning services, including travel outside of the U.S.
     
  • Medical and prescription drug assistance
    • Medical referrals
    • Locating medical care
    • Medical insurance coordination
       
  • Emergency transportation
    • Emergency evacuation when adequate medical facilities are not available locally
    • Family or friend travel arrangements
       
  • Travel assistance
    • Provide assistance with emergency credit card and ticket replacement
    • Provide assistance with emergency passport replacement
       
  • Assistance with lost or stolen items
     
  • Repatriation of remains
     
  • Emergency cash – Advance of up to $1,500 with confirmation of reimbursement
     
  • Personal security
    • Latest information on social or political unrest
    • Legal referrals to local attorneys, embassies and consulates
    • Weather and health hazards
    • Security evacuation services