Purpose

This policy identifies the exceptional status of cross-cultural leaders and assistant leaders as EMU employees in regard to health insurance benefits. It ensures the welfare of all participants in EMU cross-cultural programs and reduces EMU’s exposure to risk.

Policy Statement

Intercultural Programs requires all participants to have international health insurance to reduce institutional liability. Assistant leaders who are on temporary contract at EMU and  who must personally bear the cost of health insurance coverage from another source during their short term employment at EMU are eligible to request reimbursement for insurance costs. Spouses who accompany leaders or assistant leaders for the duration of the program but are not under contract may also be covered by this policy.  Reimbursement will be capped at the current EMU health coverage contribution for regular standard deductible. 

Procedure

The reimbursement procedure is as follows. The faculty leader notifies the Director of Intercultural Programs that the assistant leader (and spouse if applicable) is eligible to request health insurance reimbursement. The Director of Intercultural Programs works directly with the assistant leader to confirm eligibility for reimbursement, set cost limits, and discuss coverage options. Human Resources may be consulted as appropriate. The leader requests reimbursement with appropriate documentation.

In addition, it is assumed that the program budget will include the purchase of an International Teacher Identity Card and travel insurance, which includes medivac flight coverage.  Students are required to purchase the student version.  The cross-cultural leader includes this in the program budget.

Responsible Party

Responsibility for this policy lies with the provost.  Policy implementation is the responsibility of Director of Intercultural Programs.

Policy Review

This policy is to be reviewed any time cross-cultural faculty compensation rates are under review.

Distribution

1. Intercultural Programs
2. Provost’s Office
3. Human Resources

Approved by Cross-Cultural Committee, March 22, 2019
Approved by Provost’s Council, April 9, 2019
Approved by President’s Cabinet, May 26, 2010