Good health is a prerequisite to an enjoyable stay abroad and crucial while you are traveling. You may be exposed to unfamiliar climates, food, medicine, and health care systems. In many cases, a good measure of common sense and a healthy respect for your own body (and its limitations) will help to avoid medical problems. A few preliminary precautions can spare you a good deal of unpleasantness.
All students participating on a Texas A&M International University sponsored program, including faculty-led and exchange study abroad programs, are required to purchase health insurance for the duration of their program with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). IE will assist participants in purchasing their insurance policy.
For CISI policy details, visit CISI Insurance Policy.
To file a claim, visit CISI Claim Form.
Medical and dental checkups prior to your departure are musts. It is a good idea to review your travel plans with your physician. Remember: only your physician knows your personal medical history and can advise you if your situation warrants some alteration of the general preventive guidelines outlined here. Frequently, health statements from your doctor are required to obtain a visa to enter your host country.
Schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Health Services to find out what vaccines and health tips are recommended or required in the country or countries you are traveling to. You may also consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Any immunizations should be recorded with the officially approved stamp on the yellow form International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization. Forms or cards that are not properly stamped are not acceptable to health authorities in many countries.
Since many vaccinations require more than one visit to the clinic or cannot be taken in combination with others, it is recommended that you begin your inquiries well in advance of your departure. You may be able to combine your physical checkup with an appointment for vaccinations
If you plan to travel outside your host country, check the health conditions and recommendations for visitors to your country of destination.
It is highly recommended for students participating in a study abroad program to purchase a travel insurance when booking airfare. Travel insurance is separate from medical insurance (required). If your trip is cancelled, the University will not be responsible for any money lost; however, travel insurance may reimburse some or all of your travel expenses.
Be sure to wear a Medic Alert emblem (recognized internationally) for a specific medical problem. For more information, contact the MedicAlert Foundation International at 1.800.344.3226.
While living and traveling abroad, it is a wise precaution to keep personal medical records with you to be used in case of an accident or illness. A good medical record will mention ALL drugs you are taking, including any not related to disease, and identify any chronic ailments, allergies or hypersensitivities. It will also list your immunization history, blood type, eyeglass prescription, personal physician, health insurance (along with the number of the policy) and, if pertinent, your religion. Be sure to make a photocopy of your medical records in case of loss. Carry these documents in a place that is both secure and accessible by you at all times while traveling.
Prescription Medicine: It is recommended that you take a supply that will last your entire stay.
Your doctor may also recommend medications to bring along if he or she thinks you might be susceptible to a recurrence of a recent illness, infection, or allergy.
Over-the-Counter Remedies: If you have any favorite over-the-counter remedies that you use, you may want to take supply that will last your entire stay.
For customs purposes, take all medicines in their original containers.
Syringe: Syringes can be construed as drug paraphernalia. Bring a doctor's note if you have to bring them (i.e. if you are diabetic or require frequent medication by injection, as for allergies).
*Excerpt taken from the Coordinators Page of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
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