Illnesses and Injuries While On Business Travel

An injury or illness arising out of and in the course of employment is covered by workers' compensation.  Examples may include:  food poisoning (illness), exposure to fumes (illness), broken foot (injury), etc.

If minor injury or illness arises, the employee should pay for applicable medical expenses using the USC Travel Plus Card or personal funds. Upon return, a claim needs to be filed via Risk Management and a subsequent reimbursement for the expenses will be issued. 

If an employee incurs major injuries or becomes seriously ill while on business travel status, the employee should follow the university's emergency procedures.  

An injury or illness incurred while on business travel that is not covered by workers' compensation, should be directed to the employee's applicable Health Plan provider. Examples of injuries or illnesses that are typically covered by a Health Plan (as opposed to Workers' Compensation) are pre-existing conditions such as:  kidney stone, ruptured appendix, flu, etc.  Prior to departure, travelers are encouraged to contact their Health Plan providers and obtain procedural information should the traveler become ill while traveling. 

It is unnecessary to purchase lost baggage and common carrier life insurance when tickets are purchased either via a Paperless Requisition or the USC Travel Card.  Both of these forms of payment provide coverage.