The following communication was sent by Director of Insurance & Risk Management Dean Malilay to UCLA faculty and staff.

UCLA’s Insurance & Risk Management (IRM) Office oversees the coordination of the University’s travel emergency response process and travel insurance matters. As global conditions continue to shift, we want to remind you of the importance of registering all University travel and to highlight the resources available to support your safety and security abroad.

We also recognize that evolving geopolitical events may be weighing heavily on members of our campus community. As you review the important travel updates below, please know that UCLA is committed to supporting both your safety abroad and your mental health here at home.

Advisory Against Travel

Due to current events, the University’s travel security partner, Crisis24, is advising against all travel to the Middle East. UCOP has also updated their travel advisory for the MENA region, advising all members of the UC community to discontinue travel to the region until further notice.
The situation is fluid and changes or expansions to these recommendations are possible.

Travel Programs & Resources

Travel Insurance

The University’s travel insurance benefits are available at no cost to UC faculty and staff who travel on official UC business, as well as to students traveling in UC-sponsored and -supervised off-campus activities. Coverage also extends to spouses, domestic partners, and dependents when traveling with University faculty, staff, or students as traveling companions. The benefits include but are not limited to security extraction, medical evacuation, and travel assistance. Review the details available on UCOP’s Travel Risk and Insurance site for more information about benefits and limitations.

Please contact any of the following team members if you have an immediate question about travel insurance benefits:

• Tara Brown, Business Continuity Planner – Insurance & Risk Management; (310) 794-9423, TBrown@irm.ucla.edu
• Dean Malilay, Director – Insurance & Risk Management; (310) 794-8013, DMalilay@irm.ucla.edu
• Diana Rapista, Manager – UC Travel Center; (310) 206-6060, DRapista@finance.ucla.edu

Travel Registration

Given the current travel landscape, it is imperative that UC travelers register all University business travel and complete their travel profile in the Crisis24 Horizon app, including providing emergency contact information.

To account for the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff, we need to respond quickly when international emergencies occur. Failure to properly register travel may result in communication delays or difficulties.

Additionally, registered travelers receive real-time travel alerts from Crisis24. If travel is booked through UC Travel or Connexxus (except SWABIZ), the traveler’s itinerary will automatically be registered; otherwise, travel must be manually registered via the UCAway website.

Travel Alert Listserv

IRM maintains a travel alert listserv that provides travel program coordinators with urgent travel information. If you are a travel program coordinator, email UCLATravelAlerts@irm.ucla.edu to be added to this list.

Travel Security Briefings

Travelers on University business to high-risk destinations may request a custom travel briefing from our office. High-risk destinations usually pose unique security challenges and/or are typically rated level 3 or higher by the U.S. State Department. Please contact our office for details.

Crisis24’s Horizon App

The Crisis24 Horizon app provides on-the-go travel intelligence and assistance through the following features:

• 24/7 hotline and crisis signal on the mobile app to use in times of need.
• Alerts of threats and disruptions via text, email, or app push alerts.
• Map views of threat zones – areas within cities and regions that are of higher risk than the surrounding areas – such as high-crime neighborhoods.
• Risk ratings and location intelligence of safety and security issues in countries, provinces, and cities worldwide.

Additional Travel Planning Resources

UC has Cybersecurity Guidelines for International Travel, and the U.S. State Department provides travel advisories and has issued a worldwide caution alert.

STEP Registration is also highly recommended for U.S. passport holders traveling internationally. Non-U.S. passport holders will have to register with their country’s embassy. Please note that a field safety plan is required before entering the field.

Staff & Faculty Counseling Center

Finally, we want to remind you that confidential mental health support is available through UCLA's Staff & Faculty Counseling Center. Whether you are directly impacted or feeling the weight of these global events, you can access free counseling and crisis resources by visiting their website or by calling (310) 794-0245.

Please continue to prioritize your well‑being and reach out for support if you need it — your safety, both physical and emotional, remains our highest priority.

Sincerely,

Dean Malilay
Director, Insurance & Risk Management