Medical care abroad can be very expensive. Get medical insurance for yourself and any family members who will be accompanying you overseas.
Seeing a professional counselor is one way to deal with emotional problems. Counselors can help you put your problems in perspective and deal with culture shock.
Play it safe and do not practice risky behaviors associated with drug use and sexual activity.
Smoking in other countries is much more prevalent and tolerated than it is in the United States, although it is still prohibited in most public places.
Adjusting to life in a new country means excitement, challenge, and the unexpected; no amount of preparation can guarantee a trouble-free transition. There is one area however, in which you should do all you can to avoid the unexpected: your own health while you are abroad. The importance of adequate advance preparation prior to your departure cannot be overemphasized.
As you are not a citizen of your host country, you usually are not given the same medical care benefits as its citizens. Arranging and paying for medical care will be your responsibility while you are there, so you should pay close attention to the international coverage provided by your own health insurance.
Much of the following is suggested by the Council on International Educational Exchange and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Before You Leave
Required Medical Insurance Coverage for Exchgange Students
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
When You Arrive
Personal Health Inventory for Overseas Study
Prior to traveling abroad, it is worthwhile to take a close look at the many factors that contribute to your physical and emotional well-being. A trip abroad will almost certainly affect your health, because so many factors of your daily health have to do with lifestyle and environment. Conversely, the state of your health will have a significant impact on the success and enjoyment of your trip. With proper planning and preparation, travel can be a happy and health-promoting experience.
Going abroad is not a magic "geographic cure" for concerns and problems at home. Both physical and emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. In particular, if you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs, or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people's expectations, travel does not minimize these problems, in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home.
Be clear about your health needs when applying for a program and when making housing arrangements. Describe allergies, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements, and medical needs so that adequate arrangements can be made.
Resources and services for people with disabilities vary widely by country and region; if you have a disability or special need, identify it and understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and will be made.
Find out about immunization requirements and recommendations for your host country and check on any regional health or medical advisories. In particular, if you have any special health needs, check on any particular conditions that may apply to you travel overseas. Remember to ask questions, such as:
This information can be found in several places, including:
The International Student Identity Card provides card holders with a toll-free Help Line staffed by multilingual representatives who are prepared to help travelers in case of medical, financial, or legal emergencies abroad. (See sections in Preparations for Departure and later in this chapter for more details about the International Student Identity Card.)
A visit to your family physician, gynecologist, and dentist will ensure that you are in good health before you leave and could be a good precaution against having to deal with any potentially preventable emergency situations while abroad. Get needed immunizations and hepatitis protection if appropriate (see below). Update your health records, including eyeglass prescriptions
and regular medications.
If you are on prescription medication, check to see if it is available in your host country as prescribed or, if not, carry an adequate supply with you. If you self-inject prescribed medication, you should carry needles and syringes with you. You'll need a physician's prescription for medication and medical supplies to pass through foreign customs.
Take copies of all medical records, prescriptions in generic form, and pertinent information; carry these with you in a safe place. If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, take a letter of introduction from your physician at home, providing details of your medical conditions, care, and specific needs.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site for information on required and recommended vaccinations for the country to which you are traveling. This web site contains a wealth of information in addition to vaccinations, including: a summary of health information for all foreign travel, precautions for specific countries and regions in the world, information about certain diseases, conditions, and food and water problems travelers might encounter, and important news about disease outbreaks.
There are no required immunizations for travel to most of Western Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Mexico, but you should make sure that your tetanus shot is current, and you should consider a vaccination for Hepatitis A, which can be caused by contamination of food or water by sewage. Infected food handlers can also carry Hepatitis A virus, even in the "best" restaurants. A vaccine for Hepatitis A is available.
If you are planning travel to South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia, or remote areas of any host country, it is strongly recommended that you consult the CDC web site and visit your physician or a travel doctor at the Public Health Department. Some vaccination shot series must be started as much as six months in advance of departure, so plan ahead and research immunizations early!
Don't underestimate the importance of keeping some basic medical supplies close at hand. You should always travel with a medical kit that includes the following items:
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Also be sure to pack regular medications, contraceptives if you may need them, feminine hygiene products if you are traveling where they are not available, and any other routine health and medical products you think you may need. Check the expiration dates of all medications before you leave.
For more advice on what to pack in a medical kit, and many other health care issues for foreign travel, see the book Healthy Travel: Bugs, Bites, and Bowelsby Dr. Jane Wilson Howarth (Cadogan Guides: Globe Pequot Press, 1995). This is an excellent resource aimed at independent travelers to the developing world and remote regions, but is useful to all travelers.
As you plan your study abroad program, we want to remind you of the importance of having adequate medical coverage for your term abroad. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, health and accident insurance coverage and coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation is required of all participants in The University of Montana Partner University Exchange programs throughout the entire study abroad period. Should you become very ill or badly injured while abroad, it is possible that you would have to be sent home with medical escort or need special medical equipment on the plane ride (i.e. medical evacuation). Additionally, although we don't like to think about it, repatriation coverage is needed to send a body
home in the event of death.
You must provide The University of Montana's International Programs (IP) with proof of required health and accident insurance coverage, regardless of your health insurance carrier. Such coverage must include medical coverage, and coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation as follows:
If you currently carry private health insurance, you must demonstrate that it meets with IP minimum requirements, whether or how your policy applies overseas, and whether there are any limitations on your policy while participating in the study abroad program. Do not make any assumptions about your coverage. If your current insurance is inadequate, or you are interested in obtaining further information about study abroad insurance plans, IP provides a variety of brochures, or you can consult insurance carriers, some of whom are listed below. Any policy you choose must meet the three requirements listed above. Some students meet with these requirements by purchasing one comprehensive policy, other students purchase (or maintain their current) health insurance coverage (i.e. The University of Montana Blue Cross/Blue Shield Student Health Insurance or a parental policy) and supplement it with a policy to meet evacuation and repatriation requirements. IP also offers study abroad insurance plans through HTH Worldwide Insurance Services: a comprehensive plan for $52.75 per month and a supplemental plan for $10.40 per month. Please consult IP for details if you are interested in purchasing one of these insurance plans.
Remember to check any policy you select to ensure it is fully applicable while you are abroad. Note any specific procedures you must follow, including the possible need for pre-certification in case of a hospital stay, inform your insurance agent of your travel plans, and take an insurance identification card and any claim forms with you to the study site. In most cases, you should be prepared to pay for services rendered and then present receipts later to your insurer for reimbursement.
If you decide to purchase study abroad health insurance, remember that study abroad health insurance coverage begins only when you leave the U.S., and ends upon your return to the U.S. Also, most study abroad insurance policies have little or no coverage for pre-existing conditions. Therefore, IP strongly recommends that you retain your U.S. insurance so that you are covered for pre-exiting conditions and for any time you are in the U.S., whether this time in the U.S. is before, during, or after the program.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage for your particular circumstances and special needs. If you extend your stay abroad beyond the program length for personal travel before or after the program, you are responsible for purchasing additional coverage from you insurance company to cover the complete length of your time abroad.
Students studying at Charles Sturt University, Griffith University, and University of Alberta are required to purchase government-sponsored health insurance. The government-sponsored health insurance policies do not provide medical coverage while traveling outside Australia or Canada, or any medical evacuation or repatriation coverage. Therefore, students need to carry the
additional health insurance to meet IP requirements.
One-way exchange students to Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Massey University, University of Waikato, Charles Sturt University or Griffith University may enroll in UM Blue Cross/Blue Shield Student Health Insurance Plan during their study abroad period if they wish. To do so, submit payment for health services fee and Blue Cross Blue Shield Student health insurance, payable to The University of Montana, to IP with the Insurance Coverage Form.
All Direct Exchange students: To meet IP insurance requirements, submit your Insurance Coverage Form to IP by the deadline (to be announced at the pre-departure workshop). If you carry private health insurance and wishto use this coverage during your time abroad, you must complete the Insurance Coverage Form, and provide IP a copy of your insurance ID card and a description of your coverage.
Please keep the following information in mind when making your decision whether to continue your existing coverage:
The following insurance carriers offer policies which appear to meet The University of Montana IP insurance requirements. As IP receives information about other eligible carriers and their policies, we shall provide this information to you. IP does not guarantee any particular carrier's policy or coverage, and students should review carefully any health insurance policy directly with the carrier before deciding upon which particular policy to acquire.
With specific exceptions, all ISEP participants and accompanying dependents are required to enroll in the ISEP insurance program. Students must enroll for the full period of exchange, from the date of departure from the United States to the date of return to the United States, including any travel periods before or after the exchange period. Enrollment in this policy is a condition of placement, which will not be waived even if the student is covered under another policy. Also, IP strongly recommends that students retain their U.S. insurance so that they are covered for pre-existing conditions and for any time they are in the U.S., whether this time in the U.S. is before, during, or after the program. (Please see previous section concerning information to keep in mind when making your decision whether to continue your existing coverage.) ISEP makes an exception from its insurance requirement for students going to study in a few countries whose laws mandate that all university students be covered by government-sponsored health insurance (Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy). However, these national insurance programs may not provide benefits such as coverage while traveling outside the host country, medical evacuation, repatriation or accidental death, dismemberment and loss of sight benefits. Therefore, in these cases IP requires that a student carry additional health insurance to meet the following IP requirements:
The ISEP Health Insurance Policy is administered by International Educational Exchange Services (IEES). To summarize the policy:
Please note that this policy does not cover expenses incurred in the insured's home country. Complete details regarding this policy can be found in the ISEP brochure.
Students may purchase an ISIC card if they wish. Each ISIC card (which can only be purchased in the U.S.) provides basic sickness and accident insurance when traveling outside the United States, including emergency evacuation coverage up to $50,000 and a 24-hour, toll-free Help Line. All holders of U.S.-purchased cards are covered, regardless of citizenship. Please note that insurance coverage provided by the ISIC does not meet IP minimum requirements for health insurance coverage.
Successful planning for a healthy trip abroad does not end once you depart. Because of differences between cultures, many adjustments, concerns, and questions related to your physical and emotional well-being should be addressed after you arrive.
At some point during your exchange you will probably get sick. More than likely it will be something simple, without complications. It is probable that you will get diarrhea when you arrive, no matter what country, due to the change in food and water from what your body is used to. You may also suffer from jet lag or traveler's stress, but you can overcome any difficulties
with simple actions. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water (particularly on the plane), and get some moderate exercise. It is very important for you to take good care of yourself from the beginning of your program, in order to be in the best shape possible for the duration of your exchange. Give yourself some time to adjust Culture shock can sabotage your trip if you are unprepared, and can have lasting effects if you do not take care of yourself. The emotional effects of facing new values, habits, and lifestyles can leave you impatient, bewildered, and depressed. You may experience confusing emotional
highs and lows during this period. Remind yourself that these will soon pass once you are well rested, eating normally, and adjusting to your new, temporary home. Time is the best cure. If symptoms persist, however, consider seeking assistance from a counselor or physician. (See the section on Cultural Adjustmentfor more information on this.)
A moderate amount of anxiety and stress is a natural part of everyday life, and is usually an indication that your body is responding to the challenges it is facing. Jet lag, a new language, exotic foods, registration for and the beginning of classes, and even changes in the weather orclimate can take their toll. Recognize that you are tense, slow down, and try to relax. Get plenty of rest upon arrival. Sometimes it helps just to realize that what you are experiencing is normal and to be expected. Try using the same stress-relief techniques you would use at home: exercise, meditation, reading, etc. Prolonged periods of stress can be harmful and hinder you adjustment, negatively affecting your experience, so take it easy.
Learn how to get medical help, whether routine or emergency before the need arises. Is there a 911-style emergency number, and if so, what services does it access? Who will provide routine medical care, and how can you reach the provider? If you need any special services, find out how to get them. These could include services for those with disabilities, self-help groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), or other health-related needs. Make your medical conditions/needs known before you leave If you require regular medical care for any condition you have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. This may be your site administrator. It may mean simply identifying a doctor or other practitioner who will provide your care. Or it could mean discussing your condition with people in your dormitory, host family, or classes, if you might need emergency intervention during your stay.
Lifestyles may be very different from what you are used to at home. This may be 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 local 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 cannot assume that the experiences and practices you took for granted at home will be accepted in your host country. If you are not sure about something, whether it is a simple question about where a service can be found, or a more complex matter, such as expectations about friendship and dating, do not hesitate to ask someone you trust. Asking questions is one very good way to learn about your host country.
You are undoubtedly aware of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You may wonder whether you are more at risk for developing AIDS overseas. The answer is simple: you are no more at risk overseas than you would be at home; your risk of infection depends almost entirely on your own behavior. The only exception is if you have a medical emergency and require a blood transfusion. Developing countries often have less stringent controls over blood collection and storage than the U.S. and often have a more contaminated blood supply than do other countries.
As you probably know, you do not get AIDS and other STDs in the same way that you get a cold, influenza, or other contagious illnesses. You can become infected with the virus only if it gets into your blood through contact with the blood, semen, or vaginal secretions of an infected person. This can only happen if you engage in sexual activities involving the exchange of body fluids, or if you share needles (for example: for injecting drugs, acupuncture, tattooing, or ear piercing) with someone who is infected. Always use a condom if you have sex, and in activity involving needles, make sure that the needles are sterilized. The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) publishes a comprehensive pamphlet about AIDS and its prevention.
Remember that diseases that you consider long gone may still be present in other countries. Do not take unnecessary risks. Be the responsible party if the situation requires you to do so.
These are potential issues affecting overseas participants. Which ones concern you? Have you made the necessary preparations to avoid problems?
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International Programs
International Center
Phone:+ 1 406 243 2288
Fax:+ 1 406 243 6194