Insurance while Abroad
Health and Medical Insurance is very important to have while abroad. Health insurance is something that needs careful consideration and should not be taken lightly. A number of factors should be considered when choosing a health insurance plan for while you are studying abroad. First, check with your US college/university to see what they recommend and find out what your student health insurance (either through your school or parents) will cover while traveling. Second, you should check to see if your Study abroad program offers health insurance. Find out what it covers including what would happen if you were on a weekend trip outside your study abroad country. Don’t count on the country you’re studying in to provide health care, even if they have socialized medicine. Third, find out if your current medical insurance will cover you while you are abroad.
You should also consider some other forms of insurance before going abroad. This may include kidnapping and terrorism insurance, car or motor vehicle insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, and legal assistance. If you are studying abroad with a program you should find out what they do in case of an emergency. Many programs are teamed up with American hospitals in the area (especially if you are in a third-world or non-western country). Other programs are very hands off and it is up to you if a medical emergency were to arise. Before you go abroad you should make sure to have a complete physical to ensure that you are healthy before you go. Make sure you have all your vaccines and prescriptions. Make sure you know exactly what is covered by your health insurance plan or plans before you go. (This includes dental insurance.) It is well worth the time and money spent before the trip to ensure that your health insurance will provide if you need it while abroad.
