Health, Safety & Insurance for Foreign Study
On this page: Preparing for travel | UW Health Insurance Plan | UW Health Services | Other Health Insurance Options
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.
It is also recommended to consider purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. It is always possible, though unlikely, that travel plans may change due to circumstances beyond your control or the control of the UW. Should you or the UW decide to cancel your trip for any reason, you are responsible for all expenses outside any UW program-related fees, including airfare. See our travel resources page for insurance links.
Preparing for Travel: The following are recommendations for pre-travel health preparations:
- Complete and submit a health disclosure form to your program director! WIthout this information, your director can not be aware of your health conditions and needs, nor be able to best provide for your wellbeing should the need arise.
- Get medical and emergency insurance for your travels (see below)!
- Get a travel screening to determine your health care needs before and during travel. (see below for more info).
- Acquire any prescription or other medications you will want or need to have on hand, and which may be difficult or impossible to acquire abroad. Be sure you are allowed to travel internationally with those medications!
- Research the health risks in the places you will be traveling (see our international health resource links).
- Talk to your program director about any concerns, needs or questions you have!
UW Study Abroad 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. While studying abroad, students are responsible for all costs of medical treatment and care, evacuation and repatriation.
Advantages of the UW plan:
- Low premium -- approximately $35 per month for the duration of your trip.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits anywhere in the world.
- Major medical insurance policy
- Easy to enroll and pay online
- Offered by the same insurer as the UW student health plans for the Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell campuses.
For a complete description of the UW Study Abroad Health Insurance policy and its terms please view the policy brochures see the 2009-2010 Policy Brochure. You can also call the insurer, United Healthcare, directly for answers to questions related to coverage and benefits: 1-800-973-4698.
To enroll in this plan, go to the University of Washington International Programs & Exchanges website for student insurance. Payment of premiums can be made by credit card or electronic check.
Please note that you cannot pay for this insurance plan through MyUW, nor will the premium be charged to your UW student account or be automatically paid by financial aid. If you intend to use financial aid to reimburse yourself for the costs of the insurance you must submit an IPE Program Budget Sheet and Financial Aid Revision Request to the Financial Aid Office before your departure. Your financial aid will be disbursed on the first day of the applicable UW quarter(s) of enrollment.
The UW Study Abroad Health Insurance plan is distinct from the UW Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. Enrolling in the UW Seattle, Bothell or Tacoma student insurance plan for the same time period will not automatically enroll you in this plan.
If you will receive a graduate appointment eligible for the Graduate Appointee Insurance Plan (GAIP) for your study or research abroad DO NOT PURCHASE this insurance. Coverage is already provided under the GAIP plan.
UW 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.
Other Health Insurance Options for Exploration Seminars
One resource for comparing numerous medical insurance options is the Insure My Trip.com website: http://www.insuremytrip.com/. If you want to purchase short-term medical insurance (or supplemental coverage) other than thyat offered by the University of Washington, there are many options. Some resources include, but are not limited to:
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