Every five years the global Seventh-day Adventist Church conducts a church business meeting, commonly known as GC Session. From July 2-11 2015, more than 50 thousand delegates and guests from around the world will descend on San Antonio, Texas for the 60th General Conference Session.
With such a large number of people traveling, accidents and illness can occur. Adventist Risk Management Inc. (ARM), has designed a special travel insurance policy for those traveling to the GC Session.
Faith Blair, ARM senior account producer and IT project manager Christy Gonzalez-Vazquez, were directly involved with the development and implementation of GC Session 2015 Travel insurance. In this article, they share the who, what, where, why, and how about this special travel insurance.
What do I need to know about GC Session 2015 Travel Insurance?
Blair: This policy is travel insurance for delegates, visitors and guests traveling to the 60th GC Session. It provides coverage for up to 30 days that can be taken between June 1 and August 10, 2015.
The General Conference (GC) will coordinate this coverage for delegates, technical staff, and special guests who are coming from outside the United States and for U.S.-based delegates, support staff, and special guests not employed by a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church organization. These attendees have already been approved by GC Session Finance Committee and the GC Executive Committee.
U.S.-based delegates, support staff, and special guests employed by a SDA Church organization are welcome to purchase this travel insurance at their own expense. They will also have access to their employer-provided NAD healthcare and workers compensation.
All other attendees, including delegate spouses and family members, will also find it helpful to purchase this insurance. As long as your primary destination is GC session, we want all our visitors and guests to have coverage.
What if my trip lasts longer than 30 days?
Blair: When purchasing the GC Travel Insurance, if you enter a date range more than 30 days, there is an additional charge and the system will automatically switch from the GC Travel Insurance to our regular Short-Term Travel Insurance policy after the 30-day policy has expired.
Are there any new features available when entering an application for this policy?
Gonzalez-Vazquez: Yes.
- You can make your own edits to existing applications up until the first day of travel.
- You can add multiple participants from multiple countries.
- You can download the new template file to bulk import multiple participants.
- You also have the ability to print your ID card(s) and certificate(s) of insurance, which meet travel visa requirements, immediately after purchasing your policy.
Blair: Session attendees might choose to take the opportunity to travel to other destinations within the United States before and/or after Session. This coverage will be in effect wherever you are for the duration you purchased.
What is covered under this policy?
Blair: This comprehensive policy provides a broad range of benefits designed specifically for your needs. Coverage includes medical benefits for sickness and accidents for international policyholders. For policyholders within the United States, accident coverage is provided.
Regardless of your location, if you are involved in an accident and you require an emergency room visit and/or hospitalization, you will have coverage. Other benefits include: accidental death and dismemberment, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, trip cancellation, and lost personal baggage.
If anything happens to me while I am at Session, what should I do?
Blair: Your first step is to handle the emergency. If you have an injury and need to go to the hospital, make sure you get there. Also as soon as possible, contact someone at the Adventist Risk Management Inc. on-site claims office in room 210 of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center who will assist you.
What should I do if something happens while traveling before or after Session?
Blair: Again, first things first, seek medical assistance. If it’s a medical emergency and you need evacuation contact Europ Assistance and they will facilitate your immediate needs. Then, as soon as possible, contact Adventist Risk Management Inc.
How do I purchase GC Session 2015 Travel Insurance?
Gonzalez-Vazquez:
- Visit GC Session 2015 Travel Insurance and click on the "Travel Hub" link, where you will be able to log in and register.
- Click on the “Begin a new application” button and select “GC session 2015.”
- From there you will go through the four steps of entering your contact information, participant’s information and travel dates. Continue with steps three and four where you will pay for your insurance coverage.
- You will then be able to print your certificates and ID cards.
Please note when you enter your information into the application that you are consistent with what is on your passport so we are able to efficiently look you up in the system.*
