Health, Safety & Security | WorldStrides

Health, Safety, and Security

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Your safety is our top priority

When you travel with WorldStrides, you can be confident knowing that you are supported behind the scenes by a dedicated in-house Health & Safety Team and 24/7 emergency support. We have a physical presence strategically located in more than 40 countries and maintain partnerships with medical and security experts. Together we are constantly innovating to meet any challenge you may face.

Click here to read more about how we’ve innovated over the last few years allowing you to travel with 100% confidence!

Dr. Neal Sikka - WorldStrides Medical Advisor

It’s All in the Planning

Our protocols for health and safety have evolved many times over 55-plus-years in business, and they continue to evolve to meet the demands of today. The values that underpin our commitment to health and safety are unchanged – a dedication to scenario and contingency planning that relies on a rich network of partners, and a “do-what-it-takes” commitment to respond to whatever the world hands out.

  • Partnerships: We work closely with organizations like Exlog to stay up-to-the-minute on world events and can utilize their extensive resources to respond in a serious situation. We have a relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates and a member of their team, Dr. Neal Sikka*, serves as the designated medical advisor to WorldStrides. Over several decades we have carefully selected and developed strong relationships with airlines and global hotel networks that align with our safety standards. All of our vendors are vetted, and most are experienced in working with our team.
    *Dr. Neal Sikka , The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine, and The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates are independent medical providers. WorldStrides is not a medical service provider and its employees do not render medical care or treatment, nor does WorldStrides control the selection, training, or supervision of any medical provider.
  • Worldwide network: We have more than 44 offices worldwide to further enhance our safety capabilities. Our local staff and local partnerships help to get real-time information that’s key to our planning and response.
  • Insurance: WorldStrides has always invested in best-in-class medical and medical evacuation insurance that provides an extra layer of coverage for our participants, our Program Leaders, and the schools with which we partner.

Robin_Reliford Health & Safety

Health and Safety Team

We believe Health and Safety is a full-time job. Not just for one person, but for a team. Our team, led by Robin Reliford, Head of Health & Safety, is solely focused on the job of keeping our students safe. Backed by the resources of the entire organization, our skilled health and safety professionals can effectively respond to situations large and small.

An Arsenal of Emergency Support

Ask anyone who’s had an unexpected emergency while traveling with us and they’ll tell you – we have your back every day, every hour…24/7, no matter what! Hear it directly from our Program Leaders.

  • WorldAssist: Our safety and security command center! This office is staffed 24/7 by WorldStrides team members who are specially trained to handle any situation – no matter how big or how small.
  • Doctors on Call: WorldStrides has an exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates (GWMFA) providing 24/7/365 access to medical care for all traveling participants. GWMFA operates a Worldwide Emergency Communications Center staffed by EMTs who facilitate access to physicians and Advanced Practice Providers from The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine. Through telehealth consultation, medical professionals are available to evaluate health-related concerns and make recommendations for treatment accordingly.
  • AXA Behavioral Health: Through our relationship with AXA Behavioral Health, participants have telehealth access to mental health professionals from anywhere in the world.
  • Extensive Emergency Manual:  We have an extensive emergency procedure plan that details how we will deal with all types of emergency situations and our on-site team members have been trained to carry out these plans.  If there is an emergency on your program, we will be ready to spring into action.

WorldAssist Emergency Contact Numbers

Our WorldAssist by WorldStrides team members around the world are available 24/7, monitoring world events and supporting our travelers. Please call WorldAssist only in regard to an emergency on a program that is currently traveling.

800-999-4542
(domestic US callers only)

703-933-6143
(domestic or international callers)

Have questions? We have answers.

    Our school has stringent risk regulations for travel. Can you meet them?

    We are pros at navigating the sometimes-complex regulations of a specific school district or university system, and are confident we can meet even the most stringent risk regulations for travel. WorldStrides has an unmatched safety record and $1 million in consumer protection.

    What if a student is not feeling well while the group is traveling?

    In the event of an on-program illness, the WorldAssist by WorldStrides team is available 24 hours a day to provide support to the Program Leader and participants. This team is the gateway to the Doctors on Call Program. Doctors on Call is an exclusive relationship we have with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates providing telehealth consultations for our participants. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 or the local equivalent if traveling internationally.

    What type of insurance does WorldStrides provide and why?

    Though you probably have insurance of your own, many of our programs include additional medical, dental, and accident coverage to ensure you are fully covered while traveling. This is particularly important if you are traveling abroad, and some schools even require this additional insurance. Terms and conditions of this insurance are controlled by the provider. If you need to submit a claim, you can file your claim directly with them!  

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