Health & Insurance Abroad

UC faculty, students and staff are responsible for their own health and safety abroad. Certain countries require you to receive extra immunizations as a safety precaution, and some immunizations are recommended but not required. To see what is required and recommended for your destination, check the following websites:

• Department of State
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  

While you may opt to receive your travel immunizations through your personal physician, the following are additional nearby resources:

• Passport Health
• International Travel Clinic at Cincinnati Children's
• University Health Services

Consult with your physician regarding your travel plans. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, research and understand what you will need to support your condition while abroad. You may want to identify English-speaking doctors and pharmacies ahead of your arrival.

For travelers taking prescription medications: 

• Bring an adequate supply of medication with your physician’s explanation of the condition, generic and brand names of the medication, and dosage information.  
• Carry your prescription medication in its original container. 
• Pack all prescription medication in your carry-on bag in the event that your checked luggage is lost in transit.
• Consider time changes and how to transition your medication schedule to your new time zone.

If you are registered with UC accessibility services, please discuss your plans with your counselor before you select a program. If you need accommodations while abroad, you must register with UC Accessibility Services. This must be done early to allow adequate time to implement the accommodation(s). If you do not disclose your disability or request accommodations in a timely manner, UC may not be able to assess and accommodate your needs.

You may find that maintaining your normal diet abroad is challenging, especially if you have specific dietary preferences or allergies.

• If you have specific eating habits, research your destination carefully before assuming that the food you need or want is available. 
• Develop an effective way to communicate your allergies and handle social situations in which you may be offered food you are not comfortable eating.
• Research how to communicate your allergies in the local language.  For example, carry a card with a translation of your food allergy(ies) in the local language to show wait staff at restaurants. 

Taking care of your physical health is as important as taking care of your physical health. There are some steps to take pre-travel as well as things to keep in mind once abroad. 

• Discuss travel with mental health provider
• Establish a care plan while abroad
• Research local resources
• Develop strategies for adjustment and adaptation to your new environment

Please consult with your health care provider to determine your plan of action to continue your medication while abroad.

• Some prescriptions can be filled in advance with enough to last throughout your travels.  
• Other medications may be able to be filled while abroad.
• Not all medications are available abroad, and you will need to work with your provider to develop and plan for how you will obtain your medication.
• Consider referencing ISOS resources below to check country-specific regulations.