Traveler International Insurance
APU International Medical Insurance Coverage
APU provides International Medical Insurance coverage for each study away student. This insurance coverage is included as a part of the program’s fees if registered through APU for your program. This policy is primarily medical, and includes very limited travelers insurance (see below). NOTE: Be aware that additional information of APU's International Medical Insurance (e.g. the insurance brochure, the ID card, claim forms, etc.) will be provided through a Canvas site for all participants once accepted into a program.
Medical Coverage includes:
100% coinsurance for coverage up to $250,000 for injuries and illnesses including pre-existing conditions, athletic related injuries, and hazardous/extreme risk activities
$250,000 benefit for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
$25,000 benefit for security evacuation
$25,000 benefit for accidental death and dismemberment
$1500 benefit for trip cancellation and interruption
For medical referrals, evacuation, repatriation or other services please call:
Travel Assistance Program
1-866-693-6873 (Toll-Free)
1-312-935-9242 (Direct Dial)
Travelers Insurance: The policy does provide very limited travelers insurance. Provisions include theft protection -
The deductible for the entire trip is $50*
The maximum benefit for the entire trip is $1,000*
The maximum benefit per item or set of items is $500*
Students must provide receipts of purchase for any items stolen. If the property is only damaged, the carrier reserves the right to try and repair the property prior to finding an appropriate replacement.
*The policy excludes several items, including laptops and cellphones. There will be no remuneration for this property. We recommend that the student purchase additional travelers insurance to cover the loss or theft of personal items. Our office encourages you to research a supplemental travelers insurance plan that fits your needs. While recommended, this is not required and there is no need to confirm with the CCEL/Study Away office before purchase.
Reporting a Medical Emergency
Go to the nearest clinic or hospital. If you are unsure where to go, please contact the program assistant or director (See #2) or International Insurance Provider (See #3).
Contact your program assistant or program director as soon as possible.
International Programs: Call the International Insurance Provider (Gallagher Global Assistance) at 1-866-693-6873 (Toll-Free), 1-312-935-9242 (Direct Dial), or GallagherGlobalAssistance@ajg.com.
Complete the CCEL/Study Away Incident Report form immediately following the incident.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member to assist.
Dietary Restrictions
Travelers with dietary restrictions will be prompted to submit this information. Dietary restriction information will be submitted to the program director and appropriate in-country staff. While no guarantees of accommodation can be made, all reasonable efforts will typically be made to honor such requests so long as they are provided clearly and in a timely manner.
Travelers with dietary restrictions related to medical conditions should discuss their travel plans with their physician.
Important note: Students with dietary restrictions will not be discriminated against in the application or approval process. All information will be cared for and used to assist the student in planning an excellent Study Away opportunity.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities can successfully participate in many Study Away opportunities. In order to determine that proper accommodations are available with your Study Away program of interest, please contact Accessibility & Disability Resources prior to accepting your program offer. The Accessibility & Disability Resources team coordinates a number of direct services for undergraduate and graduate/professional students with physical, intellectual, or mental health disabilities. Accommodations are individualized based on a documented disability and the functional limitations of each student.
Learn more at the Accessibility & Disability Resources website.
Important note: Students with disabilities will not be discriminated against in the application or approval process. All information will be cared for and used to assist the student in planning an excellent Study Away opportunity.
Mental Health Resources
Students with a mental health condition can successfully participate in Study Away opportunities. In order to ensure that students have the best support resources in place, pre-departure planning is needed.
Students can speak with any of the following entities in order to prepare for a Study Away Program:
Your current medical or mental health provider
Access-to mental health services may differ at your study away location:
Domestic Programs: The University Counseling Center curated a list of mental health providers for all domestic study away locations. A list of these providers is available in the program-specific Student Guidebook and upon request from studyaway@apu.edu.
International Programs: In order to locate a mental health provider, call the International Insurance Provider (Gallagher Global Assistance) at 1-866-693-6873 (Toll-Free), 1-312-935-9242 (Direct Dial), or GallagherGlobalAssistance@ajg.com.
Important note: Students with mental health conditions will not be discriminated against in the application or approval process. All information will be cared for and used to assist the student in planning an excellent Study Away opportunity.
*If you require any accommodations for a mental health disability, please contact the Learning Accessibility & Disability Resources a minimum of 30 days prior to your departure.
24/7 Telehealth Resources
If you experience a mental health emergency while away, help is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week:
Domestic Programs: Call the University Counseling Center at (626) 815-2109 to speak with a crisis counselor.
International Programs: Call the International Insurance Provider (Gallagher Global Assistance) at 1-866-693-6873 (Toll-Free) or 1-312-935-9242 (Direct Dial) and request to speak with a crisis counselor.
If you fear that you are a threat to yourself or others, immediately call 911 or the international equivalent. Search for your travel destination at the U.S. Department of State's website, travel.state.gov, and select “Safety and Security.”
APU Semester Programs:
APU GO Terms: Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov
Cultural Transition Resources
Transitioning into another environment can be both exciting and stressful. Developing coping strategies in advance of this transition is an important way to manage the unknown situations you could encounter during your Study Away program. Read and reflect on the following resources. Share your conclusions with a family member, friend, or a representative from the Center for Career and Community Engaged Learning/Study Away Office.
The Six Stages of “Cultural Transition”
APU University Counseling Center "Groups and Workshops"
Learn about the Cultural Transitions: Reflection Activity below
Describe skills you already have that might make it easier to settle into your program.
Reflect on an experience where everything was new, and how you figured out/had help with ways to get comfortable.
What was the challenge?
How did you approach the situation?
What worked?
Who helped you?
What was especially hard?
What did you learn?
Describe a time you asked for help. Whom did you approach? What happened?
Describe an experience when you relied on others. What was it like?
How do you know when you feel overloaded or stressed? What strategies work for you to facilitate shifting into a calmer place?
Describe what in your daily routine helps you get things done and stay focused. What would help you maintain your best self while away - what is essential to your routine?
Describe a time when others disagreed with you. How did you respond?
Who and what will be particularly hard to leave? How will you prepare?
What skills do you have/know about in yourself that help when you feel confused, when others seem hurtful, or when you want to be alone?
Describe ways that you take care of yourself when you run out of energy.
What ideas do you have that can expand your list?
What do you know about your program/site that could support self-care?
What do you imagine it will be like without access to social media for a day, a week? How would you use your energy or time?
If you are seeing a mental health professional/counselor prior to departure, what plans do you have for continuing this support? Have you asked about available counseling resources away?
Excerpt from: Abarbanel, J. (2015) ‘For Study abroad Professionals, Supporting Resilience in Transition. A Guide for Conversations with Students about Emotional Health. Available online at:http://www.slideshare.net/cieeorg/reinventing-wellness-a-guide-for-conversations-with-students-aboutemotional-health
Resources for International Programs
"911" Abroad
Before you travel, look up the 911 Abroad equivalent for your destination documented by the U.S. Department of State. Search for your travel destination at the U.S. Department of State's website, travel.state.gov, and select “Safety and Security.”
APU Semester Programs:
APU GO Terms: Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov
Traveling with Medications
It is important for students on medications to continue the regular use of their medications during the Study Away program. For some students, planning is key. Students taking medications will need to consider a number of factors prior to departure. Items of concern may include:
Over-the-counter and prescription medication restrictions at your destination.
Legality of prescription medication at your destination.
Sufficient quantities of prescription medications for the duration of student travel.
Please speak with your current medical or mental health provider to discuss your options while away. Students can speak with any of the following entities in order to prepare for a Study Away program of varying length:
Students traveling with medications should follow all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Regulations include, but are not limited to the following:
Medications should be kept in their original packaging.
Medications should be packed as carry-on items. If kept with toiletries, they should be sealed in clear, ziplock bags. Liquids should not exceed 3.4 ounces.
A copy of the prescription should be carried with the traveler at all times. Consider carrying a doctor’s note detailing the medical need for the medication in both English and the primary language of your destination(s).
It is illegal to send any medications via mail in the United States or from the United States.
Please talk with your medical provider in advance of departure to ensure that you have sufficient quantities of a prescription for the duration of your Study Away program. The Center for Career and Community Engaged Learning/Study Away office can provide a copy of your program offer including proof of program dates if requested by your medical or mental health provider.
If you feel that you no longer need your prescription medication, your dosage needs to be adjusted, you are experiencing uncomfortable/unbearable side effects, etc. please consult a medical or mental health professional before discontinuing use. Discontinuing medication use without consultation by a medical or mental health professional may lead to serious complications. In order to contact a medical or mental health professional during your time away:
Contact your program assistant or program director.
Call the International Insurance Provider (Gallagher Global Assistance) at 1-866-693-6873 (Toll-Free), 1-312-935-9242 (Direct Dial), or GallagherGlobalAssistance@ajg.com to locate a professional that can address your specific medical or mental health need.
In order to learn more about medication use during Study Away, please read the U.S. Department of State Report report on Traveling with Medications.
Immunizations
In addition to routine immunizations, additional immunizations may be required dependent upon the student’s destination. Please follow all Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for required and recommended vaccinations.
Whether or not to obtain travel immunizations is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a medical professional and in consideration of one’s medical history, destination, planned activities abroad, potential for exposure, and possible side effects.
The APU Student Health Center is available should you like to discuss travel vaccinations with an on-campus medical professional. You may schedule an appointment online via the MyCougar Health portal or by calling the Student Health Center during office hours. Vaccination costs are listed on their webpage.