Safety and Risk Management Ensuring Safe and Risk Averse Global Experiences

What happens if you get sick or hurt while abroad? What if you lose your passport? What if there's an earthquake or political conflict in the country where you’re studying? Knowing you have resources to deal with emergencies as they arise takes a lot of the uncertainty out of embarking on a study or research program.

On Call International

UTMB’s 24/7 Global Safety Partner for International Travel

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) partners with On Call International to provide comprehensive safety and emergency support for all UTMB students, trainees, faculty, and staff participating in approved university sponsored international travel. 

On Call is UTMB’s designated global risk and safety provider, offering direct assistance before, during, and after travel abroad. Services are available at no cost to individuals on official university business. On Call is also the claims administrator for all benefits that correlate with their services, all services and benefits are administered by On Call. 

Please Note: On Call services do not cover personal leisure activities or destinations unrelated to university-sponsored international travel. If you take personal time off during official travel, you are responsible for:

  • Ensuring your personal health insurance covers medical emergencies during that period

  • Registering with the U.S. Embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) — a free service that connects U.S. citizens abroad to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and provides alerts, advisories, and assistance in emergencies, including natural disasters, civil unrest, lost or stolen passports, and medical evacuations
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  • What On Call Provides

    The On Call 24/7 Global Response Center connects you to trained assistance coordinators who are ready to help—no matter the time zone or severity of your situation. Support includes:

    • Medical, travel, and security assistance, including emergency evacuation
    • Coordination of emergency and non-urgent medical care, including COVID-19
    • Support for mental health treatment and tele-counseling abroad
    • Replacement of prescriptions or critical medications
    • Assistance arranging travel for you or a designated support person in emergency situations
    • Real-time security advisories and destination-specific alerts

    In an emergency abroad, contact On Call International first.

  • Emergency Contact Information

    Tip: If calling collect, ask the operator to stay on the line until connected. Some carriers may drop calls after automated menus.

  • Registration with On Call International

    If your travel reservation is confirmed and ticketed through a UT System contract travel agency (Anthony Travel or Corporate Travel Planners):

    • Your travel itinerary is automatically registered with On Call International.

    If your travel reservation is confirmed and ticketed through an alternate source (such as booking independently or through a third-party vendor like Expedia), you need to register your travel with On Call International by completing the following steps: 

    Tips to Consider:

    • To maximize your coverage, ensure that On Call is aware of any layovers you have during your travel.
    • If you are not using your .edu email address to send the email, include your Institution name in the message.
    • If you already know where you will be staying but it is not included in your itinerary, include the full address of your accommodations in the email. As an alternative, you can include the address of where you will be doing most of your activities.
    • You may also include your U.S. mobile phone number (optional, but will allow mobile app registration).

  • Travel Monitoring & Alerts

    When On Call receives your trip information, it will be entered into their Travel Monitoring platform, which is powered by OnSolve which provides the following services: 

    • Pre-travel advisories based on your destination’s risk profile via email
    • Critical incident alerts emailed to you before and during travel
    • Download the OnSolve Risk Intelligence App for real-time global alerts

    Add @onsolve.com to your email safe sender list to ensure you receive updates.

  • About On Call International

    On Call International is UTMB’s official global risk and emergency assistance provider, specializing in:

    • 24/7 medical, travel, and security assistance
    • Global coordination of care and evacuation
    • International claims support and logistics

    On Call’s team includes:

    • Physicians and nurse case managers
    • Global security specialists
    • Rescue nurses and transport experts
    • Multilingual support staff and in-house logistics teams

    Through its global network, On Call ensures UTMB travelers are never alone when facing a challenge abroad.

  • Questions?

    Contact the Provost Office – Global Operations: globaloperations@utmb.edu

Click on the cards below to learn more:

Add On Call to Your Phone

My On Call Portal

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State (USDOS) provides information about preparing to go abroad, with current travel warnings and exchange rates, relevant country-specific information and what to do if an emergency arises. Check out USDOS Traveler for links to information about passports, visas, country-specific information, and more.

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CDC Traveler Health Resources

The CDC offers comprehensive travel resources, including general guidance through the Traveler Information Center and destination-specific advisories on the Travelers' Health page to help you prepare, stay safe, and manage your health before, during, and after international travel. 

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  • Guidance for Travelers’ Health
    The CDC Traveler Information Center provides step-by-step guidance to help you stay healthy before, during, and after international travel. This resource covers general travel health tips, vaccine planning timelines, how to prepare for medical needs abroad, and what to do if you feel sick after returning home. It serves as a comprehensive starting point for understanding how to protect your health throughout your trip.

  • Destination-Specific Health Information

    The CDC Travelers’ Health page offers destination-specific information. This includes required or recommended vaccinations based on your travel location, current disease risks, environmental and food safety precautions, and guidance for travelers with special health considerations. It’s an essential tool for tailoring your preparations to the specific health risks of your travel destination.

Additional Guidance for University-Sponsored Travel

At UTMB, we are committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of all students, trainees, faculty, and staff participating in global initiatives. All UTMB travelers are encouraged to prepare for their experience abroad by researching local conditions, health requirements, and available safety resources at their destination. Travelers should also follow guidance issued by credible health authorities to reduce the risk of illness and ensure a smooth travel experience. 

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  • Things to Consider Before Traveling Abroad

    As you explore options for university sponsored international travel—whether academic, research-based, clinical, or exploratory—conduct a thorough risk assessment to make informed and responsible decisions.

    All Travelers:

    • Visit the On Call Plan Information Portal and enter UT System Group ID 100143CPPD21 to review:
      • Country-specific conditions
      • Cultural and political considerations
      • Medical access and risk level

    • Check the CDC Destination Guide for health alerts and vaccination recommendations.

    • Review local U.S. Embassy pages for the most current entry requirements, travel restrictions, and local regulations: U.S. Embassy Directory.

    • Identify local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) for your destination. You can find these on travel.state.gov under “International Travel” > “Country Information” > “Safety and Security.” 

  • Before You Travel Reminders
    • Consult your personal healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before your travel to discuss individual risk factors and preventative measures.
    • Understand your emergency assistance coverage through On Call International.
    • Know the entry requirements for your host country (e.g., vaccines, visas).
    • Purchase flexible or refundable airline tickets when possible.
    • Register for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the nearest embassy.
    • Non-U.S. citizens: consult your home country’s travel registration program.
    • Monitor your health and delay travel if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness.

  • Travel Health & Hygiene Tips

    When flying or in transit, follow best practices to minimize exposure to illness:

    • Avoid touching your face and sanitize your hands frequently.
    • Use disinfectant wipes on seat trays, armrests, and surfaces.
    • Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed spaces.
    • Keep air vents on for circulation.
    • Bring TSA-approved hand sanitizer and consider carrying your own snacks. 

  • While Abroad
    • If you feel ill or need support, contact On Call International immediately for assistance with:
      • Medical appointments
      • Local treatment and medication access
      • Emergency evacuation
      • Quarantine accommodations if required
    • Follow CDC guidance if you contract a respiratory virus or contagious illness: Preventing Spread When Sick.
    • Stay informed of any evolving health or security developments via On Call alerts or official sources such as local health departments or U.S. embassies.
    • Always comply with public health guidance and host country regulations during your stay. 

  • When You Return
    • Continue monitoring your health and seek care if needed.
    • Be mindful of those around you, especially if returning from areas with active outbreaks.
    • Contact your healthcare provider or local UTMB health services if symptoms develop.

UTMB Provost Office - Global Operations

 globaloperations@utmb.edu

Physical Address

301 8th Street
Suite 5.106, Administration Building
Galveston, Texas 77555

Mailing Address

301 University Boulevard
Suite 5.106, Administration Building
Galveston, Texas 77555-0133

Global Operations X   Global Initiatives at UTMB