International SOS Information

Western's International SOS Contact Details

All Western students, faculty and staff are covered under the International SOS plan. To request advice or support, you can contact International SOS directly in the following ways:

International SOS (ISOS) Services

International SOS (ISOS) cares for subscriber clients across the globe, from more than 1,000 affiliated locations in over 90 countries. Their expertise is unique with more than 11,000 employees led by over 1,400 doctors and 200 security specialists. Teams work night and day to protect members, providing you with a global infrastructure you can depend on:

  • 27 Assistance Centres with local expertise available globally, you can speak to ISOS staff in any language, anytime, 24/7 
  • 5,600 medical professionals: immediate access to experts with extensive experience in all fields of medicine coupled with a thorough knowledge of the local environment and health care system 
  • 56 clinics: Access to a vast network of accredited clinics practicing international standards of medicine - even in developing countries
  • 77,000 accredited providers: A network of accredited health care, aviation and security providers, which allows ISOS to provide you with high standards of service in the air and on the ground

How to Use International SOS

BEFORE DEPARTURE: prepare prior to departure

  • Download the Assistance App: create an account using your Western email to help you make more informed travel decisions based on our medical and security reports and country travel risk guides in the App
  • You may visit International SOS to sign up or log in to receive pre-departure information
  • Sign up for health and security alerts for your destination
  • Call an Assistance Centre for free pre-travel information (ie. vaccinations, required medication and travel security concerns)

WHILE ABROAD: when you have a routine inquiry or in the event of an emergency

  • Free and unlimited health, safety and security advice
  • Find a local nurse, internationally-trained doctor or security specialist near you
  • Find medication or medical equipment
  • Travel advice on loss of travel documents or legal assistance

IN AN EMERGENCY: International SOS provides all necessary emergency services including          

  • Arranging medical transportation and care*
  • Monitoring your condition and providing advice along the way
  • Evacuating you when necessary*
  • Contacting Western and your family (with consent) so they know you are in good hands

*Additional fees for services rendered. 

Advice is unlimited and it is free to call and speak to International SOS. Collect calls are accepted.

What about my mandatory out-of-country health and travel insurance?

International SOS provides worldwide medical, security, travel and emergency assistance –  but it is NOT insurance. All Western University travellers must have appropriate out-of-country health and travel insurance. Under the ISOS service, advice is unlimited and it is free to call and speak to a representative anytime. If there are costs associated with your case (ie. prescription medication, hospital stays, emergency evacuation) they are the responsibility of the traveller and may be covered by your health and travel insurance.