International SOS

Deakin has partnered with International SOS, to provide you with medical support, security advice and risk management training before your travel. While travelling you should contact International SOS for any emergency travel assistance. International SOS is your first point of contact for any non-emergency, health and security related enquiries.

This service is available to all students on approved international programs.

Examples of services available to you prior to and during your time abroad include:

medical advice on vaccinations and travel safety tips before travelling overseas
a discussion with a doctor about a medical condition (physical or emotional)
up-to-date travel security risk assessment of your itinerary
help finding a doctor or pharmacy if you are feeling unwell
help if you are injured
help if you have any concerns for your safety at any time
help if you are experiencing anxiety or other stress-related symptoms.

Prior to travel, you should view the online country information for your destination. If you need more in-depth information or have questions specific to your personal health and safety, call the International SOS Assistance Centre before you travel.

Prior to travel

Download the International SOS app onto your phone to receive real time alerts and information.
Upload your itinerary to My Trips either manually or by forwarding your e-ticket to DeakinUniTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com using your Deakin email address.
Register with Travel Tracker.
Read up on your destination country guides at Internationalsos.com using Deakin’s membership login available from International travel insurance page.

While you are travelling

Always call International SOS at the first sign that you need assistance.
Update your details on the Assistance App and/or My Trips if you have purchased a local SIM.
When your itinerary changes, update your travel details via My Trips either manually or by forwarding your e-ticket to DeakinUniTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com.

Frequently asked questions

Who is International SOS?

International SOS is the world’s leading medical and security services company. Global services include medical and security risk planning, in-country expertise and emergency response for travellers.

The service includes a comprehensive, members-only website (internationalsos.com) and 26 assistance centres around the world. With over 54 international SOS clinics and a fleet of air ambulances, members are assured of the very best routine or emergency medical and security assistance. International SOS have a presence in over 850 sites in 70 countries with more than 11,000 employees, led by 1400 physicians and 200 security specialists.

When do I call International SOS?

You can call with a simple medical, security or travel related question or in an emergency. As member you get 24-hour expert advice and assistance – whether you need vaccinations before travelling; medical advice while abroad; or immediate care in a medical emergency. International SOS assistance services are designed to help you with any medical, personal, travel or legal problems when you are outside your home country.

What is an assistance centre?

Is International SOS an insurance company?

No, they are a 24-hour medical assistance company. Simplified, insurance takes care of the bills and International SOS help to keep our travellers safe, healthy and secure around the world, by helping you thoroughly prepare before travel. International SOS also provide expert advice, referral assistance, medical monitoring, activating ambulances, alerting the emergency staff if required, arranging hotel/ home visits, arranging bedside nursing, supported by in-house doctors, nurses and security professionals.

International SOS’s medical staff credential a worldwide network of providers, with signed agreements with many of these providers. They are able to provide guarantee of payments on your behalf in most cases.

Do I have to pay to use International SOS services?

Will International SOS pay my medical bills?

Many countries around the world have medical systems that require upfront payment before treatment, even in an emergency. International SOS will guarantee and pay up-front costs associated with your medical care to ensure you receive immediate treatment, liaising with Deakin where required. Given our worldwide presence, many providers are accustomed to working with our teams.

Do I need to activate my membership?

What information should I have available before calling International SOS?

To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:

You will be asked for basic contact information so International SOS can call you back if you get cut-off or are on international roaming;
You will need to provide a brief description of your issue or concern so you can be put through to the appropriate medical or security consultant;
You may be asked personal questions, the information you provide is bound by privacy laws, please speak frankly with your consultant so you can receive the best possible care and advice;
Provide your membership number (this can be found on the mobile app) – it’s ok if you don’t have this, International SOS will still assist you.

Does International SOS have any helpful pre-travel information available?

Yes, in addition to calling the assistance centre for any pre-trip questions you may have, you can access the country guides by logging in with your membership number at internationalsos.com or by browsing the International SOS Assistance App. You can access this comprehensive and up-to-date site providing essential information including the following:

vaccination requirements
passport and visa requirements
quality of health care
advice on prevalent diseases
personal and driving safety information
hygiene: quality of food and water
culture and customs
currency
weather and what clothes to take
compatibility of electrical items
personal safety advice.