Health Preparations & Insurance for Foreign Study

On this page: Health Screening | Health Services | Health Insurance

The safety, health and security of students and employees abroad are the first priority of the UW and Exploration Seminars. In-depth preparations for each program are made which include site-specfic research, director briefings and emergency planning. However, not all health and safety risks can be addressed or prevented, and students are responsible for understanding and preparing for health and safety concerns before going abroad. Please read this page carefully.

It’s a good idea to research your existing medical and/or travel insurance coverage, your individual needs and options, and to seek any recommended or required vaccinations and immunizations prior to your departure in addition to other health and safety preparations.

The University of Washington strongly recommends that all students participating in foreign study/research programs maintain major medical insurance coverage while abroad. Researching and acquiring appropriate insurance is the responsibility of each student. The first step is to research your existing coverage to find what is and isn’t covered while abroad. If your existing plan does not provide for international coverage, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, it is recommended that you purchase supplemental insurance to cover these possible expenses. It is vital that you thoroughly understand your coverage, its limits, and procedures for filing claims prior to departing from the United States. Insurance plans vary and your coverage outside the U.S. may differ from your coverage in the U.S.

Travel Health Screening

All study abroad participants are strongly urged to have a Health Screening prior to studying abroad. UW Seattle campus students are eligible for a free health screening at Hall Health. Please note that when scheduling an appointment with the UW Hall Health Center, you should request a health screening NOT a physical, as the health screening may be used as your one, FREE quarterly visit to Hall Health. In order to be eligible to receive this health screening for free, students must 1) be students of the UW Seattle campus; 2) be enrolled in the University of Washington during the quarter in which the visit takes place; and 3) stress that the visit is a health screening for study abroad when making the appointment.

• Make an appointment with your physician at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
• UW Seattle students can use their one free quarterly visit to Hall Health to complete their health screening.
• Health screening is only free during quarters when you are enrolled as a student. If you are not taking classes over the summer, make sure to get the health screening prior to finishing your spring quarter finals.

Health Services

Hall Health Primary Care Center
Hall Health Primary Care Center is located on the main UW campus. The building is located on East Stevens Circle, across from the Husky Union Building (HUB), between Padelford Hall and the University of Washington Club.
East Stevens Circle, Box 354410
Seattle, WA 98195-4410
Appointments only: 206-616-2495
Information/Voice mail: 206-685-1060 Fax: 206-221-5368
E-mail: jmckee@u.washington.edu

UW Hall Health Travel Clinic
The University of Washington Travel Clinic is a great resource for students preparing for a foreign study experience. It offers pre-travel counseling, immunizations, and health advice for students planning to travel outside of the US, as well as follow-up services after you return. Remember that many vaccination series can take several weeks to complete, so it’s a good idea to make your appointment early! First-time patients can register and make an appointment at the Hall Health Center by calling 206-616-2495 or by visiting the Patient Services Center at Hall Health, across from the HUB. *Please note that this is a separate visit from the required health screening and you will be charged for it.

Health Insurance

The University of Washington strongly recommends that all UW students participating in foreign study or research programs purchase the UW Study Abroad Health Insurance plan, or other major medical insurance.