Health Insurance

It is imperative for all students to have health insurance, emergency medical evaluation, and repatriation insurance if they are studying abroad. Many institutions require proof that students have acquired health coverage for their time abroad. Many programs include health insurance in the tuition cost, make sure to check your program details to see if you are covered. Some institutions also supply medical insurance coverage for students studying abroad, so check with your study abroad advisor. If you are not covered through your program or your school, you can choose to do one of the following: 

                  1) purchase international health insurance through a provider such as HTH, STA ISIC Explorer Card, or CISI 

                  2) secure overseas coverage through your existing insurance provider

                  3) purchase insurance from another provider

Additionally, all awardees should plan ahead and schedule a check-up with a physician, dentist, counselor, and eye-care specialist prior to departure.

 

Using Health Insurance While Abroad

Consider the following when deciding on Health Insurance

Cost  Claims Paperwork  Reimbursement
Do you have to pay for medical services upfront? How do you file a claim from abroad? What paperwork are you expected to submit to the insurance company? Will the insurance company send the reimbursement to your U.S. or to your foreign address?
To what extent does your insurance cover hospitalization? Can you get a supply of claim forms to take with you?  Will a notarized translation be required if supporting documents are not in English? If you need to get a prescription overseas, will your insurance company reimburse you for all or part of the cost of the drug?
What is the basic medical deductible amount and what is included in it? How long will it take for the claim to be processed and for you to receive reimbursement?  Is a copy of your insurance policy available in the language of your host country?  What documents will you need to submit to the insurance company in order to obtain such a reimbursement?

 

Immunizations

Check with your local county health department for suggested and required vaccinations to enter into your host country. In addition to a comprehensive vaccination list, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides general information on health concerns while abroad. Students should plan on visiting a doctor 6 to 8 weeks before they leave to discuss their international travel destination and any required vaccinations and medications they may need.  Some vaccinations may require a series of shots taken months apart, so students should make their appointments soon.