All students should verify with their (or their parents') insurance company that the coverage is valid in another country. Being "valid" usually means that medical treatment you receive overseas is reimbursable, although you would need to pay for it up-front. Note: Students on the Allegheny plan are covered while studying off campus, but coverage is LIMITED!!!
Students may opt for additional travel insurance if they desire. Plans often include coverage for lost luggage, emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruption (for medical reasons). The Website www.insuremytrip.com allows you to search a variety of insurance plans to decide which is right for you. In addition, some plans are intended for student travelers and include discounts for airfare, entrance tickets, etc. The best-known student card is the International Student Identification Card (ISIC), which is available for purchase in the ID Center of Allegheny College (Bentley basement). For more information on what the ISIC offers, you can access the Website at www.statravel.com and follow the links.
The International Student ID Card (ISIC) can be purchased in Allegheny College's ID Center (Bentley basement). It is not required for off-campus study and should be considered supplemental to major medical coverage. The ISIC is not acceptable as your only health insurance for study abroad.
The following section is from a brochure written by Judith A. Green, Director of International Student Affairs, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University and Joan Elias Gore. This brochure was produced in coordination with NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Make your medical conditions and medical needs knownIf you require regular medical care for any condition you have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. This may mean simply identifying a doctor or other practitioner who will provide you care. Or it could mean discussing your condition with people in your dormitory/house and classes if you may need emergency intervention during your stay.
Ask QuestionsLifestyles may be very different from home. This is true even in cultures that seem relatively similar to the United States. Ask about safety issues such as local transportation, traffic patterns, swimming practices at regional beaches, and use of electrical appliances. Ask about security issues such as neighborhood or building security, personal security during evening or other outings, and culture-specific behavior or security concerns related to gender.
You can't assume that the expectations and practices you took for granted at home will be accepted in your host country. If you are not sure about something, whether it's a simple question about where a supermarket can be found, or a more complex matter, such as expectations about friendship and dating. Ask someone you trust.
Attend to your well-beingDespite the change in your environment, you can still keep some of your daily routines from home. Get enough rest---a challenge during the few days of jet lag at the beginning. Eat nutritiously, which may mean trying some foods you're not accustomed to. Get plenty of exercise to keep your mind and body working well. Don't isolate yourself from others! You will probably have to make one of the first moves in developing friendships, but they are an essential part of any overseas experience and, more importantly, your emotional well-being.
Inform YourselfRemember that you are ultimately responsible for informing yourself about common ailments and diseases in your part of the world, whether shots are required for long-term visas, and for deciding whether or not to have vaccinations.
Check with Winslow Health Center for current inoculation regulations, or with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia (800-232-1311). Their website is at http://www.cdc.gov/travelImmunization requirements often change. Keep in mind that certain countries will require proof of up-to-date immunizations of certain diseases (such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, etc.) before granting residency permits. Take copies of these records in case they are needed.
Prescription DrugsIf you require special prescription drugs such as medications for asthma or diabetes, it is best to take an adequate supply with you and know how to administer them. You should also carry a copy of the prescriptions, including the generic names for the drugs, and written instructions from your physician in case of emergency. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first. Pack medications in your carry-on luggage. It is appropriate to notify your on-site coordinator of any medications you are taking or any special health problems.
GlassesIf you wear glasses or contact lenses, take along an extra pair and your lens prescription. You may also want to include enough contact lens solution for your time abroad since it may be difficult to obtain in certain countries and is often very expensive when available.
Illegal DrugsViolators will be apprehended if found using illegal drugs abroad and will be prosecuted subject to the laws of the country.
AlcoholAlthough not illegal, alcohol is considered a drug and we want you to be aware that there are side effects that can make you vulnerable. Please note that alcoholic drinks usually have more alcohol in other countries other than the U.S., i.e. beer has 2-2.5% of alcohol in the U.S., but close to 5-6% in another country. We expect you to be sensible with regard to your use of alcohol.
The following health precautions, taken from the U.S. Public Health Service Bulletin, are recommended for travelers in less-developed countries. Keep in mind that you will need time to adapt to differences in food, water, and climate.
Have on hand the names of physicians and the addresses of hospitals in the area in case of emergency. Devise a plan of what to do in case of a medical emergency. It's a good idea to give a copy of any pertinent medical information to someone on site that you trust (e.g., info about allergies, prescription drugs).
What is AIDS? AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a viral disease that breaks down the body's immune system and leads to infections and cancers that may be fatal.
The AIDS Virus Can Be Transmitted in Four General Ways: 1) Through intimate sexual contact, 2)through infected blood and blood products, 3) through contaminated needles or other skin piercing instrument, 4) from an infected mother to her infant. The AIDS virus is not transmitted through casual contact.
Why a special concern for the traveler? When traveling abroad, be aware that some countries may require HIV antibody tests, a test for antibodies to HIV that causes AIDS. Travelers should also know that some countries may not have the resources to adequately screen blood or provide sterile needles.
If you are HIV positive: For those traveling abroad who are HIV positive, contact the consulate or the embassy of the country(ies) you plan to visit. Each country may have specific entry requirements, or requirements regarding carrying medicines, that you should know about before you leave.
The risk of getting AIDS depends upon you. Here are some general precautions against AIDS you can follow regardless of where you are in the world:
For additional information, contact the following resources: CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline: 1-800- 342-AIDS; In Spanish: 1-800-344-7432; For the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-243-7889. CDC National Clearinghouse: 1-800-458-5231. World Health Organization: 1-202-861-3200.
