Emergencies – Health & Safety
The following is information you will need for dealing with emergencies and health and safety concerns.
Before arrival
You must print out your GeoBlue ID card before you arrive for the semester. This ID card will state your certificate/policy number
Have your emergency and health insurance cards with you at all times!
You should also download two apps:
The echo112 application on your smartphone which will make it easier to contact the emergencies services. https://echosos.com/
The International SOS app. Medical, security and information assistance provider. Use this to get information on travel safety conditions in your destination and medical advice & information.
Personal emergency (illness, injury, crime etc.)
If you or anyone you live/travel with has a medical emergency or is a victim of crime please follow these instructions:
If the emergency is critical phone the emergency services on 112. Tell them which service (i.e. ambulance, fire, police) you require. You will be asked for your location and a brief description of the issue at hand.
You should also contact International SOS and report what has happened. They will advise you on appropriate action to take and they will be able to provide you with local medical information
International SOS + 1 215 942 8478
If you lose or have your passport stolen, you must report this to the local police and get a police report. In Switzerland you must get in touch with the US Embassy in Bern.
Embassy in Bern 031 357 70 11.
Keep scans of your important documents!
Emergency security situation or natural disaster
In the event of an emergency security situation or declared natural disaster contact International SOS. Their Global Health & Safety team, on a best-effort basis, will arrange and pay for an emergency evacuation by any appropriate means consistent with the member’s health and safety.
International SOS + 1 215 942 8478
Emergency notifications
In the event of a major emergency BU Geneva staff will send out a text and email to all students. Students must reply to confirm they are safe and there may be instructions on what to do next.
Absence notifications
If you travel away overnight you must submit an absence notification via the International SOS app by entering the details of your trip. This will inform program staff that you are not staying in the residence and International SOS will send you information on travel safety conditions in your destination.
Always have a working cell phone with credit!
Health Insurance
Be sure that you understand the health insurance policies provided by the program and how they work. See our web-page:
Hiking, biking and skiing
If you intend to do any sport or outdoor activity you should make health and safety your priority. Make sure you have the right training, equipment and conditions before you do something. You can find safety tips for cycling, hiking and skiing on our webpages:
https://www.bu.edu/geneva/bu-activities/
Also see: