Chubb and International SOS Whitepaper Addresses Mental Health Issues Facing Students Studying Abroad

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Feb 20, 2018, 02:30 ET

Paper Urges U.S. Colleges/Universities to Implement Programs Designed to Help Prepare Students for Stressful Experiences and Protect Institutions From Potential Liabilities

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new Chubb Accident & Health and International SOS whitepaper, "Student Travel and Study Abroad: Mental Health Issues and Awareness," research indicates there is a rising tide in mental health issues for students and such symptoms and conditions may worsen when studying abroad. To help educational institutions understand and address these issues, the paper discusses relevant case studies, key considerations in effectively managing mental health risks for students traveling and studying abroad, and what academic institutions should look for when selecting the right insurance coverage and assistance programs.

"Colleges and universities have a 'Duty of Care' obligation to assume responsibility in protecting their students from foreseeable health and security risks when students study abroad on school-sponsored or contracted programs," said Dean Hoski, Assistant Vice President, Chubb North America Accident & Health Division. "To address health risks while students are overseas and to reduce its legal and financial exposure, many schools purchase emergency travel assistance services and accident & health insurance. Such purchases are important as many domestic health insurance policies do not respond to risks associated with foreign travel, which may result in coverage gaps."

Hoski co-authored the paper with Robert L. Quigley, MD, D.Phil., Professor of Surgery, Senior Vice President and Regional Medical Director, Americas Region at International SOS.

"Many educational institutions are not equipped or even aware of how to provide access to mental health services to their students traveling abroad," said Prof. Quigley. "Thus, it is critical for colleges and universities to partner with medical and travel security assistance providers as well as insurance companies with scholastic travel expertise to help manage the risks associated with students experiencing mental health challenges while traveling."

The paper recommends that educational institutions establish Duty of Care policies and procedures, develop incident response plans and procedures, and develop a comprehensive travel program, which includes purchasing vital insurance coverages.

To read "Student Travel and Study Abroad: Mental Health Issues and Awareness," click here.

About Chubb
Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company, and the largest commercial insurer in the United States. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

About International SOS:
International SOS (internationalsos.com) is the world's leading medical and travel security risk services company. We care for clients across the globe, from more than 1,000 locations in 90 countries. Our expertise is unique: more than 11,000 employees are led by 1,400 doctors and 200 security specialists. Teams work night and day to protect our members. We pioneer a range of preventative programs strengthened by our in-country expertise. We deliver unrivalled emergency assistance during critical illness, accident or civil unrest. We are passionate about helping clients put Duty of Care into practice. With us, multinational corporate client, governments and NGOs can mitigate risk for their people working remotely or overseas.

SOURCE Chubb