Health and Travel Insurance

Berklee's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) in the US

The Berklee Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is US health insurance coverage available to Berklee students, which is separate from healthcare coverage abroad. In order to comply with federal and state healthcare regulations, Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee students must be enrolled in a qualifying health insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. All coverage must remain in effect while studying abroad. 

Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee students are automatically enrolled in, and charged for, the Berklee SHIP at the start of each academic year. Students may waive (decline) participation in the Berklee SHIP if they can demonstrate coverage with a comparable insurance plan that is consistent with existing state and federal requirements for students enrolled in colleges and universities in Massachusetts. It would be necessary to submit a waiver request before the start of each new academic year. For more information about the SHIP, see School-Sponsored Student Health Insurance Program and Waiver Process.

Students from other colleges and universities who are studying abroad for a semester or academic year at Berklee Valencia will not be enrolled in the Berklee SHIP in the US but must meet the health insurance requirements of their home institutions. Such students are advised to consult with the study abroad office at their home institution regarding their school-sponsored health insurance plan and related policies. 

Spanish Health Insurance (MAPFRE)

All students who study abroad at Berklee Valencia will be covered by MAPFRE (policy number 6960686), a private health insurance provider in Spain, while they are enrolled in the study abroad program. This coverage, which is separate from the aforementioned Berklee Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) in the US, is included in the program fee and cannot be waived. Students will receive their MAPFRE insurance card during orientation in Valencia. The MAPFRE insurance is supplemental medical insurance that provides comprehensive coverage throughout Spain. Students will be able to use this insurance for accidents, injuries, and medical and mental health needs that may arise within Spain. Visit Health, Wellness, and Support Services to learn more about Spanish health insurance as well as medical, counseling, and disability services in Valencia.

(*) For any student who is unable to join the current Berklee Valencia Campus collective health insurance policy, Berklee Valencia will coordinate an alternative health insurance policy. These students will still have access to the Health and Wellness phone number, and related services in the event of needing urgent or emergency medical assistance at some point during the program.
 

Berklee Travel Insurance

Berklee College of Music offers a comprehensive student travel insurance plan through Zurich American Insurance Company (Policy GPT 0553659). This coverage applies to full-time students and staff in Boston and Valencia participating in approved study abroad programs or other school-related travel outside of their home country. The policy covers the entire duration of the trip, including travel to and from the program location and any authorized side trips.

Key benefits include:

  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Reimbursement for covered trip cancellations or interruptions
  • Travel Delays: Compensation for delays, including expenses for meals and accommodations
  • Baggage Protection: Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged personal effects
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Comprehensive support for emergency medical evacuations or returning home due to a crisis
  • Medical Coverage Abroad: Coverage for medical emergencies while traveling outside the home country
  • Security Evacuation: Assistance in case of security threats or natural disasters
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Coverage for accidental death or severe injury during travel

On Call International: provides 24/7 travel assistance for emergencies, medical evacuations, or general travel inquiries. Services include:

  • Travel Assist app for your smartphone (see information below)
  • Emergency medical assistance
  • Booking local medical care
  • General travel support, such as scheduling doctor appointments

Contact On Call International:

  • Toll-free from US or Canada: 1-833-808-0251
  • Collect from outside the US: +1-978-651-9219
  • Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
  • SMS Text: +1-844-302-5131

If you do not contact On Call International or use the Travel Assist app for 24/7 support, you will have to pay for medical services out of pocket and submit a reimbursement claim. Save copies of the bills and receipts and you will also need to complete and sign the claim form. Once you compile those documents you can email your claim to GallagherZurich@hsri.com for processing or use the app on your smartphone. If you have questions about how to file your reimbursement claim, contact Global@gallagherstudent.com for guidance. 

 

Travel Assistance App

All Berklee Study Abroad students are encouraged to download the Travel Assist app from World Travel Protection. When creating an account, use the invitation code berkleecollege. Available for most smartphone devices, the Travel Assist app is a resource that links students with relevant information on how to use their travel and health insurance plans abroad. The app can confidentially connect students with healthcare providers and offer support with things like filing an insurance claim while abroad. The app also provides relevant travel alerts about issues that might impact students' travels throughout their study abroad experience.