Wikimecum:The International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a form of ID that establishes your status as a full-time student studying overseas. This card has many benefits to students studying abroad, including medical insurance, emergency services, traveler’s assistance, and discounts at thousands of locations.
Getting your ISIC
WPI’s Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division (IGSD) issues an ISIC to every student who is traveling overseas for a project. You will receive more information about registering for your ISIC from the IGSD during the term before your project.
You will be required to fill out an application and submit an ID photo to the IGSD during your PQP term (you can also have your picture taken at the IGSD if you prefer). The IGSD will submit all the necessary paperwork and pay the processing fees, and you will be notified when your card is ready to be picked up. Purchasing the ISIC directly from the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) costs $22, but registering for an ISIC through the IGSD is free for WPI students.
Benefits and Entitlements
Your ISIC entitles you to many special deals and student-specific international programs that can be a huge help if you ever find yourself in need of assistance.
Discounts
Your ISIC can get you discounted prices at museums, tourist attractions, sightseeing tours, churches, musical performances, theaters, sporting events, hotels, hostels, airline tickets, public transportation, taxis, restaurants, and tens of thousands of other locations in over 100 countries.
Always carry your ISIC with you (many students keep it inside their passport), and present it any time you buy tickets for any attraction or transportation. Most ticket offices will list a “full-price” or “adult” ticket price and a “reduced rate” ticket, which is available to youth, seniors, natives, and students with an ISIC. Discounts can range from 15% to 50%. There are some ticket offices that do not offer any discounts for students, and there are others that will allow students to enter attractions for free. The best idea is to show your ISIC as soon as you step up to the ticket window to see if a discounted price is available.
Travelers Insurance and Assistance
Your ISIC also gives you access to many other travel and emergency services while you are overseas. The medical insurance associated with ISIC will cover expenses related to emergency medical transportation, medical treatment required as a result of accidents, hospital stays, accidental death, dismemberment, and disembowelment, transportation of your remains back to the U.S., and any changes in travel plans associated with medical treatment.
Your ISIC also provides travelers services, including reimbursements for replacement of lost or stolen travel documents, loss or delay of baggage, and travel delays. In case of an emergency, ISIC can send a message to your family members on your behalf and assist you in changing your travel plans.