Emergencies Abroad

The safety of students, staff, and faculty traveling abroad for University purposes is of the utmost importance to the University of Minnesota.

The Global Programs and Strategy (GPS) Alliance, through its International Health, Safety, and Compliance (IHSC) team, works to support our travelers and the units sponsoring international activities across the five-campus system to ensure that in urgent or serious situations travelers receive prompt, appropriate, and thorough care.

University Travelers: What to Do in an Emergency Abroad

In the case of a life-threatening emergency, travelers should call the 911 equivalent in the host country.

  • In the case of a medical issue, travelers should see the nearest and best medical care provider available immediately. Travelers should contact their international insurance company for additional support and assistance (see contact resources below).
  • In the event of sexual harassment or assault, review the suggested resources.

Others to Contact in an Emergency

  • Contact onsite staff or partners (if applicable). 
  • Contact your University emergency contact, if the onsite staff is not doing so or if you are not working with onsite staff.
  • Contact your personal emergency contact to update them on your situation or to let them know you are safe.
  • All University travelers may call the University's international emergency phone number at 1-612-301-CALL (2255). Callers will be connected to the appropriate 24-7 University emergency contact person to assist with their emergency.*
  • Travelers may also want to contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. You can find information on what the U.S. Department of State can do in the case of an emergency on their website.

In the event of a political, social, or natural emergency, the University's International Health, Safety, and Compliance team will be in close contact with the education abroad offices, 24-7 University support contacts, and each traveler who may be impacted. Where necessary, the University will coordinate with our travel medical and security insurance provider to respond to individual and group emergencies.

*Note that missed scholarship deadlines, delayed or canceled flights, personal communication issues, and non-emergency international insurance questions are NOT considered emergencies. Please contact the appropriate University unit during regular business hours.

Emergency Contact Resources

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UMN International Emergency Phone Number (24/7 Service)

The University's International Emergency Phone Number is available 24/7. Call 612-301-CALL (2255) at any time to report an incident, ask questions, or request assistance.

This number will be answered by a call center that will triage your call and may transfer you to a University employee for assistance.

911 Equivalents Abroad

When traveling abroad, you should be aware of the emergency contact phone number in your destination(s). The U.S. Department of State maintains a list of 911-equivalent numbers in other countries.

CISI International Insurance (UMN Policy)

The University's policy for international health, security, medical, and evacuation coverage is through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).

To contact CISI:

  • In the U.S.: call 1-855-327-1411
  • Outside the U.S.: call collect (01-312) 935-1703

Redpoint through UPlan Benefits

Faculty and staff covered by the Basic Life Insurance plan receive automatic enrollment in Redpoint, a travel-related emergency assistance program. 

To contact Redpoint, call collect 1-415-484-4677.

U.S. Overseas Citizens Services (Department of State)

If you are overseas and in need of emergency assistance, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call:

  • From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
  • From Overseas: +1 202-501-4444