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International Center

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International Student ID Cards (ISIC)

Types of International ID Cards

The following internationally recognized cards entitle you to discounts offered around the world. The card is a picture ID with your name, date of birth, and the name of your institution (for students and faculty). A card can be purchased for only $22.

International Student Identity Cards (ISIC) Available to students (12 years and up) only. We can also process ISIC cards for students from outside U-M.
International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) Available to faculty members and GSIs
International Youth Identity Cards (IYIC) Available for youths under age 26 who are not students.

Only these specific products are recognized internationally. Beware of imitations! You can purchase these cards in Ann Arbor from STA Travel (734.769.2555).

Benefits

The benefits vary widely from country to country. Some students report that they received numerous discounts on museums, tickets, etc., while others report that the discounts were negligible. Europe seems to offer more discounts than other parts of the world. There are other compelling reasons to get an ISIC, most importantly the possible reduction on airfare, health insurance and an emergency hotline provided by the cards. The number on your ID card is the key to all the benefits the card provides. Have the number handy when ordering tickets, making insurance claims, etc.

Discount on airfare

This is one of the major benefits. Special student travel agencies arrange for student discounts on international flights with certain airlines, which can save up to several hundred dollars per ticket.

Contact STA Travel (located in the Michigan Union)
734.769.2555 or 800.474.8214
umi_agents@statravel.com

Discount on entrance fees

Some museums and historical sites offer discounts on entrance fees for cardholders. Also, tickets for cultural events and transportation fares could be discounted. Exactly what is discounted and by how much differs for each country. You should always show your card and ask if student/teacher/youth discounts are available when you purchase the tickets. For transportation discounts, see the list of special agencies worldwide listed in the handbook that comes with your ID card.

Health and Accident Insurance

The purchase of an ID card includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is effective only outside the U.S. All bills must be paid by the student at the time of treatment and reimbursements will be made later. The policy provides the following coverage:

Coverages and Services Maximum Benefits Per Person
Travel Protection  
Trip Delay (domestic only) $100
Medical Protection 
Accident Medical Expense$25,000
Sickness Medical Expense $165 per day up to 61 days
Emergency Evacuation $300,000
   Escort Expense Limit $5,000
Repatriation of Remains $25,000
Baggage Protection 
Travel Document Replacement $500
Baggage Delay $100
Travel Accident Protection  
Accidental Death & Dismemberment(commercial air carrier only) $5,000
Accidental Death &Dismemberment (all other) $1,000
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services 
Travel Guard Travel Assist  

This insurance coverage is not a substitute for a comprehensive health policy. It is an additional benefit designed to supplement your main health policy. If you do not have other insurance coverage, please speak with an advisor at the U-M International Center about comprehensive policies. U-M students, faculty, and staff are eligible for the U-M Travel Health Insurance Plan which provides comprehensive coverage at only $1/day. ID cards purchased outside the U.S. do not carry health insurance benefits.

Hotline Help

There is a toll-free 24-hour ISIC Emergency hotline provided for cardholders. While you are overseas, you can call +44 20 8762 8110 for assistance. This service is staffed by English-speaking operators who are prepared to help in medical, financial, and legal emergencies. The operators can assist in arranging an appointment with an English-speaking doctor or lawyer, or help you locate the nearest American embassy. While they cannot advance money, they can assist in overseas cash transfers if someone at home wishes to send money. They frequently help in replacing lost or stolen airline tickets, luggage, or documents such as passports. They also handle all questions about the insurance coverage mentioned above. There is also a Travel Guard Assistance Service available to U.S. cardholders in case of emergencies at 1.877.370.4742, or collect at 1.715.342.4104 if calling from outside the U.S.

Other benefits

The ISIC web site lists discounts available around the world.

Card Validity

  • Student ID card. Valid for up to sixteen months, from September of one year through December of the next. The card expires on December 31st. It is recognized in more than sixty countries in most areas of the world. Purchasers must be or must have been enrolled for some portion of the academic year in which the card will be valid. If you wish to buy a card for the coming school year, you must provide proof that you will be a student that year. See below for acceptable forms of proof of student status. Cards for the coming academic year are usually available in late August.
  • International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). Valid for up to sixteen months, from September of one year through December of the next. The card expires on December 31st.
  • International Youth Identity Cards (IYIC). Valid for one year from the date of purchase.

How to Get an International ID Card

In Ann Arbor, at STA Travel in the Michigan Union (734.769.2555). You must provide proof of your status as a full-time or part-time student in a degree-granting institution and a current photograph of yourself (your face should be 1" x 1").

Students. Any of the following items are acceptable as proof of student status:

  • U-M students can provide a U-M student number which will be verified in the university database.
  • Non-U-M students can provide a university or high school student ID card which clearly states the semester and year.
  • A statement from the Registrar on school stationery embossed with the school seal
  • A report card
  • A tuition receipt
  • If you are on detached study, a letter on school stationery from your department stating that you are currently considered a student in good standing.

Students of any age may apply for the card, but in some countries students are eligible for discounts (especially discounts on train tickets) only if they are under age 26.

You may purchase an ID card for someone else if you can furnish proof of that person's student status and provide a current photograph of the student. You must also be able to provide all information requested on the application form.

Faculty. Bring your faculty ID card. Faculty status is defined by U-M, including research positions.

IYIC. Bring proof of your age such as a drivers' license or passport.


Last reviewed: 06/10