Health, Safety and Travel Information
[Health & Safety] [Insurance Requirements] [International SOS] [U.S. State Department] [Safety Precautions] [General Information for Families] [Travel Resources]Health & Safety Information
In what is still a time of heightened international tension, the Office of Study Abroad at Brandeis University urges students and parents to stay abreast of current issues that may affect the health and safety of American citizens abroad. Traveling has always involved some elements of risk, but now this risk seems all too real. We have put together information from a variety of readily accessible web sites that address the issues of health and safety while abroad. Study abroad is a reasonable and exciting choice for Brandeis students, but we recognize that students and families will want to discuss the potential health and safety risks.
Insurance Requirements
International Sickness and Accident Insurance
All Brandeis University students who participate on an approved study abroad program must ensure they obtain coverage from a compressive international sickness and accident insurance plan. Many programs will automatically enroll students in a compressive plan. You should check with your program as soon as possible to determine if you are appropriately covered. Students must ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage for their particular circumstances.
If your program does not provide comprehensive international sickness and accident insurance coverage you will be required to enroll in the Brandeis international sickness and accident plan offered through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Details of the Brandeis international sickness and accident plan can be viewed on the CISI website for Brandeis students. The cost of this policy is $36 per month. Insurance coverage will be effective for the stated duration of the academic program as defi ned by Brandeis University. Students required to purchase the CISI insurance coverage that extend their stays beyond the stated program length may purchase additional coverage (up to one month) from CISI to cover the complete length of their time abroad. This additional coverage can be purchased from CISI on their website.
Maintaining U.S. Coverage
We recommend that you retain your U.S. health insurance, even while overseas. This will cover you both before you leave and after you return from your program, and should you have an accident or illness overseas that requires long-term care, you will have insurance upon your return to cover these expenses. Please also note that since you will be a full-time Brandeis student in Massachusetts, the same insurance regulations that affect you while you are in Waltham will still apply. Please see the University Bulletin or contact the Health Center at 781-736-3677 for more details. Keep in mind that if you have special insurance needs, or if you plan any travel before, during or after the program, you are responsible for obtaining appropriate coverage.
Travel/ Personal Property Insurance
We strongly encourage you to obtain insurance against theft and/ or damage to your personal effects for the period of time you will be abroad. Most programs do not provide insurance for your possessions. Your family’s homeowner’s insurance or rental insurance may provide coverage.
International SOS
Please refer to the SOS instructions for information on how to activate these services and answers to frequently asked questions. We recommend that you print out the instructions and take a copy with you and leave a copy with your emergency contact at home.
Please visit the SOS website to complete your Personal Travel Record.
U.S. State Department
On January 17, 2008 the U.S. Department of State issued its latest "Worldwide Caution" Public Announcement. This announcement underscores the importance for Americans living and traveling abroad to remain vigilant and security conscious. It is important to note that cautionary notices are not the same as "travel warnings." Cautions remind all persons abroad to be careful. Warnings tell us that it may be best not to go to a particular country or region for specific reasons.
We advise all students studying abroad to consult the State Department web site on a regular basis. This site includes valuable information about countries throughout the world. The following information is available at http://www.travel.state.gov:
- Travel Warnings/Consular Information Sheets
- Services and Information for American Citizens Abroad
- U.S. Embassies Around the World
- Tips for American Students Abroad
- Registration with Embassies
Safety Precautions for Students Abroad
- Prior to leaving the U.S., read up on your destination country (and any countries to which you plan to visit). Check out the State Department Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings, read local newspapers (many are available on-line), any pre-departure information provided by your program/university, guidebooks, etc. The Study Abroad library has general books that deal with living abroad including "Survival Kit for Overseas Living". In addition we have several country-specific books and general guidebooks.
- Check out the "Resources for Study Abroad" section on the SAFETI (Safety Abroad First - Educational Travel Inforamtion) web site.
- Keep a low profile. Try not to be conspicuous in your dress, speech, or behavior.
- Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potential volatile situations. It is also a good idea to avoid places (restaurants, clubs) where Americans are known to congregate.
- Register on-line with the U.S. consulate or embassy having jurisdiction over the location of the foreign study.
- When traveling, always make certain the program, foreign university international student office, host family, and family back home in the U.S. know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Provide program and family members (including host family) with an itinerary as well as emergencycontact information.
- Make plans for regular telephone and/or e-mail contact with your family so that in an emergency you can communicate with family members about your safety. You should carry the following phone numbers and e-mail addresses with you at all times:
- Family at home and work
- Study abroad program resident director or foreign university visiting student office/international student office
- U.S. Embassy and/or local Consulate in any country you visit
- Brandeis Study Abroad (781-736-3483; abroad@brandeis.edu)
- Your travel agent
- Attend the orientation programs run by the study abroad program and/or foreign university - at these sessions the programs/universities will provide region-specific information regarding health and safety issues.
General Information for Families
- Families should contact their student's study abroad program to learn about the safety protocols currently in place.
- Read "Advice for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions" by William Hoffa, Academic Consultants International.
- You are responsible for ensuring that your student has adequate health insurance coverage while abroad. The following are some of the questions you should ask your insurance provider:
- Will the plan cover hospitalization for accidents and illness for the entire period abroad?
- Is there a deductible? How much?
- Is there a dollar limit to the amount of coverage provided?
- What are the procedures for filing a claim for medical expenses abroad? Is it necessary to pay up front and then get reimbursed?
- What if there isn't enough money to pay cash up front?
- When does the plan begin and end?
- What proof of international medical coverage is provided?
- Will this policy provide coverage in the U.S. for the insured semester/year if the student decides, for medical or other reasons, to return to the U.S. before the end of the program?