Health Insurance & Medical Information

It is Georgia Southern's priority to maintain the health and safety of our study abroad students. While our office takes great care to ensure that our students are well informed and are not placed in dangerous or potentially dangerous situations; it is ultimately the student's duty as a study abroad participant to take responsibility for their own health and safety.  Students must take care of their physical and mental health, as well as act responsibly while abroad. 

We encourage that students check the website for the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for comments and updates on health issues specific to your program location, including current information on disease outbreaks and immunization requirements.

All students should also discuss studying abroad with your health care provider(s) in order to prepare for the transition. Your primary care provider should be aware of where you are going and for how long, and you can talk with them at the same time about any prescriptions you are currently taking and how to use them abroad.

International Health Insurance

All students participating in a Georgia Southern study abroad or exchange program are automatically enrolled in the required International Health Insurance Plan through CISI. After a student is accepted, they will complete a registration form to be enrolled into the international health insurance plan. The insurance costs vary based on the duration of your program and will be charged directly to your student account. Details of the insurance are covered during the pre-departure orientation. 

The CISI International Health Insurance Plan is required by the University System of Georgia and is not able to be waived.

Some programs require students to purchase additional health insurance. Regardless of program requirements, you should make sure that you have health insurance for the duration of their time abroad and that you understand precisely what your policy covers (and, more importantly, what it doesn’t).

Click here to read more about the CISI International Health Insurance Policy

UPDATE July 1, 2020
CISI has released a CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) policy which can be selected in addition to our current insurance plan. See the chart below for a summary of the benefits. For more details, read more on CISI's Website.
   Immunizations
Some locations require special immunizations before entering the country. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they are complying with all immunization requirements before departure. 

Make sure you check the CDC website to research which immunizations are needed for different international locations.

Students may also contact Health Services on campus to see if they will be able to provide the required immunizations, if necessary. 

Medications/Prescriptions

Prescription Medication

If you take prescription medications regularly, consult with your physician before you depart.  If possible, you should bring a supply of your medication to last throughout your time abroad in the medication's original prescription containers. You should also ask your physician for a copy of your written prescription and possibly a letter describing the condition being treated and offering additional information on the medication and dosages. Ask to include the generic name rather than brand names. You should always carry both the medication and any documentation (as mentioned above) with you in your carry-on luggage and be prepared to present them to customs officials if asked.

Restricted Medications and Prescriptions

Many countries have strict drug laws so shipping medications may not be possible and may lead to legal trouble. Do not expect your family or friends to be able to mail you your medications. 

Notice about Japan & Medications: Japan is very strict about the types of medications brought into the country. For example: Adderall is illegal and not allowed under any circumstances. Please consult your physician if you take this medication or other restricted medications and discuss alternatives that you can use during your time abroad.

Helpful Links

• Click here to review CDC's website about traveling abroad with medication.
• Click here to review the International Narcotics Control Board's guidance on restricted medications

Medication for Anxiety, Depression and Similar Conditions

Because of the stressors that study abroad can bring, there may be increased recurrence of anxiety, depression, paranoia, eating disorders and others. If you are on medication for these or similar conditions, consult with your physician before traveling, but due to the nature of the programs - we do not recommend waning off of you medication during this time. 

Medication that Requires Syringes

If you are diabetic or have another medical condition that requires the use of a syringe, we recommend bringing a supply of disposable syringes, which may not be available in your host country.

Keep in mind that some countries, however, restrict the importation of syringes -- as well as of certain medications and contraceptives. Before departure, research the policies of your host country as they pertain to any medications you take regularly.

Narcotic Medications

If you are prescribed narcotic or other habit-forming medication, discuss your situation with your study abroad advisor and physician prior to your departure to review the necessary procedures. Plan to bring a physician’s letter with you, and register the prescription information with the local U.S. Embassy at your destination.

Remember that the use of non-prescription narcotic substances is strictly prohibited and cause for dismissal from your program. You will also be subject to any local laws in your destination that govern and penalize the use, transportation, and/or possession of controlled substances. 

International drug penalties are generally more severe than those in the United States. In some locations, simple acquisition of illegal drugs, including marijuana and others, can result in hefty fines, deportation, and prison. The prisons sentences can range from months to years -- and in some countries, these acts are considered a capital offense. We encourage you to act responsibly and obey the local laws of your destination. 

Prescription Lenses

Take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses if you wear them, and bring a copy of your prescription. Consider bringing extra contact lens solution if you will be bringing your contacts.