Taking Care of Your Health
While Studying Abroad
Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) at the University Health Service prior to leaving the university is a good idea even if your program does not require you to do so. You may find it helpful to talk with your PCP about your health concerns, diet/nutrition concerns, prescription renewals, and other questions you may have. Female students may want to schedule an annual gynecological exam before going abroad.
To schedule an appointment at UHS, call 585-275-2662. It will be helpful to let the receptionist know you will be studying abroad and are scheduling a pre-departure health visit.
TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS: Many countries require you to have specific immunizations before coming into the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel/ provide information about immunizations required for every country. Travel advisories are also listed on this site.
If you need immunizations before you travel, you can receive them at UHS. There will be a charge for the immunizations; the visit to UHS is covered by the mandatory health fee. You may prefer to go to your physician at home, to your county health department, or to another health care facility. You may want to inquire about the cost when you call to schedule. Since some immunizations require more than one visit or cannot be taken in combination with others, it is recommended that you take care of your immunizations well in advance of your departure.
HEALTH INSURANCE: All full-time University of Rochester students must have health insurance coverage while studying abroad. You can remain on your parent’s or your own health insurance, or you can enroll in the UR Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna) offered through UHS. Many study abroad programs offer health insurance coverage. You may find this coverage will fit your needs. The important point is to have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad. You do not complete the Online Insurance Process for the semester you are abroad. You will need to complete the Online Process when you return to campus for the following semester.
When deciding if you will stay on your own or your parent’s plan while abroad, we recommend checking with your insurance company to ask if the plan covers you while you are out of the country. You may also want to check to see how the coverage works (i.e., you pay and then get reimbursed when you submit the bill to your insurance company, or your company pays the bill directly). Carrying your insurance card with you at all times is highly recommended.
ITEMS TO TAKE WITH YOU: If you have a known medical problem, such as allergies or diabetes, take special precautions to manage your situation when abroad. Living in a new environment, along with the stresses of studying abroad, can have an impact on your health. Scheduling an appointment with your UHS primary care provider and/or your doctor at home prior to departure will help you anticipate and prepare for medical situations that could arise while you are abroad. To schedule an appointment at UHS, call 585-275-2662.
Bringing information from your medical record with you when you study abroad is recommended. It is advisable to carry these documents in a place that is both secure and accessible by you at all times while traveling. Be sure to make a photocopy of your medical records in case of loss.
We recommend bringing a supply of any prescription medicines you currently take to last you throughout your stay. If you have over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that work well for you, it is a good idea to take a supply with you rather than assume you will be able to purchase the same medicine abroad. For customs purposes, keep all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) in the original containers. You might want to bring a small first aid kit with you.
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