The global education office strongly recommends that all students going abroad actively seek information regarding health and personal safety resources in their host countries. You are encouraged to speak with your family physician and/or to health services about your plans so that you can be fully apprised of all personal health issues surrounding your international experience. The more informed you are, the more you will get out of your time abroad! 

On this page:

• Medical Care Coverage
• Travel Assistance Services
• Additional Travel Resources

In preparing to go abroad, it is important that you understand the difference between international medical coverage and emergency travel assistance service. In some cases, some insurance providers may provide emergency travel assistance as well as medical evacuation and repatriation.
 
MEDICAL CARE COVERAGE 

All students going abroad are expected to show evidence that their medical insurance includes international coverage. You should not assume that your health insurance policy here in the U.S. will cover you while studying abroad. We advise you to consult with your insurance provider to determine if your plan will travel with you overseas and exactly what it covers. Students who carry Hampshire College’s insurance plan through Koster Insurance should visit their website to review what is covered in Hampshire’s policy and to purchase additional study abroad insurance if necessary. 

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Many health insurance plans that cover internationally may also include Medical Evacuation and Repatriation. All students enrolled at Hampshire automatically have Medical Evacuation and Repatriation through AIG insurance when traveling on school-sponsored travel. More information about the plan and what it covers is available on the Five Colleges Risk Management website, or refer to one of the following:
Travel Accident Insurance and Travel Services Program for STUDENTS
Travel Accident Insurance and Travel Services Program for FACULTY & STAFF

Health Insurance Check List for Students Preparing to Studying Abroad
The following checklist is a helpful tool to determine whether or not you are adequately covered by your health insurance company while overseas. 

Insurance Coverage Requirements:

• Does your insurance plan meet all requirements of the program you are studying abroad through as well as the country you are traveling to?
• Does your insurance provider limit or exclude coverage of any services while overseas?
• Does your insurance provider limit which doctors, hospitals, or other medical facilities you may go to?
• Do you have access to emergency assistance services while overseas, such as somewhere to call to be referred to the nearest appropriate doctor or hospital in your area?
• Does your insurance plan cover Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation? (Most study abroad programs require these benefits.) If you are travelling on a Hampshire-sponsored program, these services are covered through AIG insurance. 

Information Students Need to Have:

• Are there other health insurance requirements in order to get a visa to enter the country you are studying in?
• Do you have a copy of your current health insurance card and important policy information to take with you?
• Will you have phone or email access to your insurance provider in case you have a question about coverage or limitations while abroad? 

Getting Reimbursed for Medical Expenses Incurred:

• Are you required to pay up front for services and submit bills for reimbursement based on your plan?
• Are you required to have specific information from any doctors or hospitals you may visit while overseas in order to be reimbursed under your policy?
• Does your insurance provider require all claims to be submitted in English language and U.S. dollars? Do they offer translation services? 

If you are not satisfied with the international coverage your insurance company provides, you may want to purchase additional emergency travel insurance. We suggest visiting http://www.insuremytrip.com/ to find the best rates and policies for your specific needs. 

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES 

While traveling overseas, you may want to consider additional travel services. These include services such as lost baggage location, trip cancellation, 24-hour worldwide assistance, and emergency medical care. Many of these services may be offered and/or covered financially through emergency travel insurance. It is your responsibility to see if these services are covered through your insurance or if they are services provided at an additional cost. 

International SOS (I-SOS)
International SOS (I-SOS) is an independent service engaged by the Five Colleges to provide 24-hour, worldwide emergency assistance services for covered travelers when traveling abroad. It is important to remember that International SOS is NOT (and does not replace) international medical insurance. It does, however, provide valuable services, such as those listed above. For a brief overview of the services I-SOS covers, please refer to the International SOS Student Coverage letter. 

All students on Hampshire College-sponsored international travel are required to register their international travel with I-SOS. Students are advised to print their school’s emergency contacts, and a copy of the I-SOS card to carry with them while abroad. Students must provide a copy of the email confirmation of their I-SOS registration with the Travel Waiver (Assumption of Risk and General Release Form) to the office sponsoring their travel. 

For more information about I-SOS and to register on the I-SOS portal, please visit: http://www.fivecolleges.edu/sites/riskmgmt/intltravel/

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL RESOURCES 

Five College Risk Management
All students studying abroad should visit the Five College Risk Management website at http://www.fivecolleges.edu/sites/riskmgmt/intltravel/. Here you will find important resources and information about I-SOS, AIG, and additional safety information while traveling overseas. 

Influenza A H1N1 Global Information
 
Web Resources for Health and Safety 

Safety Abroad Handbook (The Center for Global Education)
This handbook provides invaluable information regarding basic health recommendations; safety strategies to reduce risk; crisis management; cultural adjustment; and special concerns regarding nationality, race, sexuality, and disability while traveling abroad. 

U.S. Department of State Travel Information
Provides travel warnings and "Consular Information Sheets" (basic historical and political summaries of each country) with updated information and status reports on country-specific situations. Also furnishes tips for traveling abroad and information on emergency services for U.S. citizens abroad.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Register with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the destination country. In addition, carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, packed in a separate location from your actual passport. This proves invaluable in replacing your passport if it is lost or stolen.

Centers for Disease Control
Contains information by geographic area for health, immunizations, current conditions, and precautions.

World Health Organization
Provides leadership on global health matters and includes information regarding H1N1 and other important health issues.

InternationalVaccines.com
For vaccine information, health risks, finding local travel clinics for pre-departure information, tips for protecting yourself from food- and water-borne diseases, and more.

Mobility International
Disability travel options and assistance

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Female Students

Students Abroad - US State Department

International Student Identity Card Travel Accident Insurance and Travel Services Program for Faculty and StaffTravel Accident Insurance and Travel Services Program for Faculty and Staff