Health & Insurance

General Health Information

Please be aware that this program is physically and emotionally demanding. For example: climatic changes; high temperature, and/or high humidity; change in altitude; exposure to unfamiliar bacteria due to change in diet; long days and intense schedules; and extended travel in cramped vehicles.

These factors, combined with potential strains from culture shock, living away from regular support groups of friends and families, and intensive interaction with other group members can affect your health in ways you do not anticipate, putting stress on the body and emotions which make you more susceptible to illness. We ask that you assess your physical and emotional health carefully.

We encourage you to be open with yourself and with us regarding your health and medical history. Giving prior consideration to how your travels might affect you can be very important in maintaining your health during the semester. Pre-existing or past conditions will not exclude you from participating in the program; rather, in discussing them now you are more likely to have a healthier and more rewarding study abroad experience.

If you allergic to any drugs, or have a preexisting condition, you should consider buying and wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. This will provide emergency responders health and personal information should you need emergency medical care.

See a Doctor before You Go

For recommended vaccinations and other health precautions you should take before departing for your destination, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since we are not medical professionals, we cannot make recommendations that will be applicable to all individuals in all places, so you should make those decisions with a doctor. If you have ongoing health issues, it would be wise to check with your regular doctor about vaccines and other precautions. It’s important to schedule your appointment right away, if you haven’t already. If you don’t already have a regular family physician, google a list of travel clinics in your area.

Medical Insurance: As a CGEE program participant, you will be covered by Augsburg University’s Foreign Travel Abroad insurance. This plan includes travel, accident and sickness coverage.

Company Name: EIIA/Healix

For Emergency Assistance Available 24/7:

• Toll-free in the US and Canada: (+1) 833 209 7075 

• Collect outside of the US: (+1) 312 638 6995 (Please note that collect calls or reverse toll charges will be accepted)

• Email: EIIA@healix.com 

For more information see below:

This page includes your insurance card, FAQs, a summary of your benefits, and the insurance claim form.

• EIIA Webpage

Safety Alerts: Travel Oracle App

• Access the EIIA Travel Oracle (Healix) webpage or download the mobile app to access real-time alerts and travel safety information for over 200 countries worldwide. 

Proof of Insurance Letters

• If you need a letter confirming that you have insurance, please email globaled@augsburg.edu and we will write one for you.

In many cases, you may be required to pay up-front and file a reimbursement claim. Please keep all receipts for medical care and have $100 USD available in case of medical expenses. Reimbursement can lag for up to a month following a claim, so please work with your IRA to submit your expenses ASAP. If you are unable to front money for medical expenses, please talk to your IRA before going to the doctor. Visit the EIIA Webpage for the reimbursement form and for more information about the process.

Please note that this insurance covers preexisting conditions only in emergency situations up to $25,000 and not for normal follow ups, prescriptions, or trip interruption. Other exclusions include: skydiving/parachuting, hang gliding, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, potholing (cave exploring, etc.), zip-lining and motorcycle riding. Scuba Diving is excluded always except as an assigned part of a curriculum of study for credit. We recommend that you refrain from these activities while abroad.

Quarantine coverage is available through EIIA. It provides $5,000 to cover lodging and food if someone is exposed to COVID-19, or has minimal symptoms not requiring hospitalization, forcing a quarantine.  Trip Delay would pick up any non-refundable fees or additional costs for the participant to get home or meet the rest of the group if necessary. You will have to pay expenses upfront, and request a reimbursement from EIIA.

CGEE also provides a virtual counseling service for ongoing/preexisting mental health issues and those that may emerge during study abroad (see Mental Health section below).

Infectious Diseases in the Region

Dengue fever is present in all three countries you will visit. No vaccine is available, but travelers can reduce their risk of acquiring dengue by remaining in well-screened or air-conditioned areas when possible, wearing clothing that adequately covers the arms and legs, and applying insect repellent to both skin and clothing. The most effective repellents are those containing N, N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET).

Both HIV and AIDS are underreported in the region although all the ministries of health acknowledge that it is a growing concern. Students need to be aware of the increase in cases in the region and take the necessary precautions during their travels in Central America. Students should consult the Centers for Disease Control webpage for more information.

Zika Virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Zika causes a relatively mild illness, and the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes; four in five people who acquire Zika infection may have no symptoms. The World Health Organization has not issued any trade or travel restrictions to the affected areas; however, WHO advises that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Since there is no preventative medicine for chikungunya, take measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using insect repellent with DEET and covering exposed skin.

Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dysentery Prevention

You will be given more information on this once you arrive in the region, but in general, you should follow certain rules for eating and drinking:

• Drink plenty of bottled, filtered or boiled water (available at the guest houses). Bottled drinks, including soda water, are also safe. Host families have been instructed to provide bottled or boiled water.

• All meat, fish, vegetables should be well cleaned and cooked. Avoid all uncooked vegetables and fruits unless you wash and peel them yourself. If you are served uncooked fruits or vegetables, ask if they have been washed with disinfectant.

• It is not advisable to buy food or beverages from street vendors. Sidewalk cafes should have kitchens that are far off and closed to the street since street dust can contaminate food. Avoid ice unless you are sure it is made from purified water.

• Check to make sure that milk is boiled or pasteurized and that cheese is pasteurized. Brand-name ice cream is generally safe though homemade ice cream sold on the street is not.

• Wash your hands regularly especially when coming in from the street, after using the restroom, and before you eat anything.

Play it safe! You will learn to eat and drink wisely once you’re in Central America. Even exercising caution, at some point during the semester, you may have diarrhea or other intestinal problems. Some students take an antibiotic such as bactrim, a sulfa drug, or doxycycline, a form of tetracycline, to prevent diarrhea.

If symptoms occur, we encourage students to see a doctor and take antibiotics as directed, for the full cycle of treatment, unless severe side-effects occur. Hygiene and precaution remain important even if antibiotics are used. Once again consult with your physician.

You should consider bringing along some Pepto Bismol tablets and herbal teas. Also, you may want to bring acidophilus and take a tablet/capsule before eating or drinking anything. It is available in health stores and pharmacies in the U.S. Note: drugs such as Lomotil, Paragoric, Immodium and Kaopectate are not recommended since they can be dangerous in cases of infectious diarrheas, and they can intensify dehydration. In addition, if your doctor has given you a prescription for any antibiotics or other medication for diarrhea, be sure that you know how it should be taken and always take it as directed.

Other Health Concerns

Since so much travel will be done overland on mountainous roads and in boats, we encourage you to bring Dramamine or some equivalent if you are prone to motion sickness. 

While strenuous walking is not a regular part of the program, there could be an occasion when this is necessary to reach a certain location. Varying road conditions may at times make anticipating this impossible, although our staff will keep you informed whenever possible. If your particular health condition makes this a concern, please be prepared to communicate your limitations to your program coordinators.

The COVID-19 vaccination (and booster, if you are eligible) is strongly recommended.

As you begin to discuss health preparations with medical professionals and/or experienced travelers to the region, you will likely find varying and even conflicting information about how to best prepare yourself.  We encourage you to call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 877-394-8747 and listen to their extensive recording on health risks and precautions. 

CGEE strongly recommends that all program participants receive immunization for Hepatitis A and B. The Centers for Disease Control recommend vaccination for Hepatitis A and B for all unvaccinated travelers going to Guatemala and Costa Rica. The vaccine requires a series of injections, the first of which must take place at least four weeks prior to travel, and the second at least six months after the first. 

Other immunizations/vaccinations to consider, based on CDC recommendations:

• Some travelers to Central America opt to take prophylactic medication for Malaria. Consult with an international travel clinic or with your doctor about which medicines are prescribed currently. Prophylactic malaria medication can be very expensive and is taken daily a week before, during and after your travel so protecting yourself for the entire semester could be costly. Once again, consult with your doctor. Since no prophylactic will be 100% effective, you should come prepared to avoid mosquito bites with a repellent that includes DEET and with long pants and long-sleeved shirts to wear at dawn and dusk. 

• Please note that it is important to disclose all health problems, including mental health issues, to your doctor so that he/she will not prescribe a malaria prophylaxis that is contraindicated for you.

• Typhoid Fever is transmitted through food and water contaminated with infected human feces, and it is prevented by being careful with what you eat and drink and by proper hygiene. You can get typhoid even though you have been vaccinated though inoculation usually lessens the severity of the disease if contracted. 

• ​As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.

Please note: If you are traveling to other countries other than Guatemala and Costa Rica for personal travel, make sure you check on what vaccinations are required at your destination.

While you’re abroad is not the time to suddenly realize you ran out of your prescription! If you have a condition that requires regular medication, bring an extra quantity with you and pack it in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage gets lost. US prescriptions are not accepted by pharmacies overseas.  Shipping or mailing medications is not viable a option. ​MAKE SURE YOU BRING MORE THAN ENOUGH PRESCRIPTION MEDS WITH YOU! Just remember to keep it in its original container and clearly labeled — you don’t want to create the impression you’re carrying drugs which haven’t been prescribed to you. 

Many prescription medicines are available here, however we recommend trying to get a four month supply of your medicine while in the USA and bring all of it with you in your carry-on bag. You can do this by talking to your insurance company or doctor. Students have also achieved this by being prescribed a double dose and cutting pills in half. We also recommend doing some online research about what is available here, or contacting us directly with your questions.

Bring extras of any other medical necessities you need, like contact lenses or glasses. You might want to pack a pair in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage, just to be safe.

Students should travel with a signed prescription for all medications. The prescription must indicate the name of the student, the name of the medication (both brand name and generic), and the dosage and quantity prescribed. The student should also have a letter from the US treating physician explaining the recommended dosage, the student’s diagnosis, and the treatment. This is especially important for controlled substances and injectable medications.

Virtual Counseling

CGEE wants to help ensure that you have access to support while you're away. Here are two options for continuing or starting counseling:

1. Continuing with Your Current Provider:

If you currently work with a mental health professional at home, we encourage you to discuss a plan for your mental health care while studying abroad or away.

2. Free Counseling through Healix:

All students participating in Augsburg CGEE programs have access to free online/in-person counseling through Healix/TELUS. This is a great option if you prefer a new therapist or if continuing with your current provider isn't feasible. Healix can assist you in setting up a plan that will either connect you to a counselor or connect you to self-directed resources through the TELUS app.

To set up a counseling plan with Healix, please contact them using one of the following methods:

• Toll-free (US and Canada): +1-833-209-7075

• Collect Calls (Outside US): +1-312-638-6995 (Healix accepts collect calls and reverse toll charges)

• Email: EIIA@healix.com

Should you and the people at Healix decide you want to download the Telus Health One App, you can use this Augsburg Telus Health One Mental Health Support Guide to assist you. Here are the links for the App Store for iOS devices Telus, Google Play for Android Telus

Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any further questions.

Other Mental Health Resources

Augsburg University offers a directory of self-help resources for anxiety, depression, college mental health, BIPOC mental health, and your university also likely offers support.  You don’t need to be an Augsburg University student to access these resources. 

Do you have trouble with anxiety/panic attacks?

Traveling to different countries can all elicit heightened levels of stress, and potentially trigger a panic attack.  If you have experienced panic attacks in the past, you know that a panic attack is one of the most uncomfortable things a person can experience, but that they go away, usually within about  15 minutes. Symptoms of panic attacks include:

• heart beating fast

• difficulty breathing

• feeling like you are dying or “going crazy”

• feeling nauseous

• having hot or cold flashes

• wanting to escape

If you do have a panic attack while on the program, one of the most important things you can do is to reassure yourself, “it’s just a panic attack, it’s not a big deal, it will go away.” You can help keep the panic from getting more uncomfortable by focusing your attention on breathing into your lower abdomen and trying to make your exhale longer than your inhale. There is really practical information on the website www.anxieties.com on managing panic attacks; if panic is something you worry about, definitely check out the website and practice the techniques they offer there. If you anticipate you might experience a panic attack on a program, it will be very helpful to inform one of the program coordinators so that they understand what is happening if it should occur, and know what you would like them to do to help you out (for example, you might ask that they walk with you to a separate room and talk with you in a calming voice, helping you to slow down your breathing). It might also be helpful to advise your program director if there is a particular situation that can bring on a panic attack. If your program director is aware, they can play a role in helping you to avoid a known trigger for the panic.

Several former students who have suffered from anxiety have discussed the difficulty of adapting to change. This is important for you to think about and discuss with your mental health professional or other support system, as you will experience a number of changes throughout the semester, such as going from living in a program house with other students to rural and urban homestays and other changes. In addition, your weekly class schedule is not always exactly the same from week to week due to the experiential nature of the program, which involves guest speakers and excursions. If adapting to frequent change is challenging for you, we encourage you to discuss potential coping strategies for this BEFORE you depart for the program, as well as to discuss it with the program staff once you are in Central America. You may find it helpful to use the Telus Health app (see below) that we have given you access to since you can start using it prior to departure.

Trouble with depression?

Depression is a common experience for college students; a 2018 national study found that 41% of college students reported having had moderate to severe depression at some time; many students have experienced depression but never asked for help. The symptoms of depression include having several of the following for a period of at least a couple of weeks:

• feeling down (or sometimes feeling “flat”)

• fatigue and low energy

• irritability

• loss of appetite

• sleep difficulties (difficulty falling and maintaining sleep, or oversleeping)

• loss of motivation

• difficulty concentrating

• isolating and spending more time alone

• hopelessness

• suicidal thoughts

If you have experienced depression in the past, be aware that some of these symptoms could recur due to the stress and changes in your body during the program. It is especially important for you to get on a regular sleep schedule, as loss of sleep can make you more vulnerable to depression. A self-care plan can play a crucial role in helping you to prevent depression from interfering with your study abroad.  If you have any of the symptoms of depression named above during the program, let one of your program coordinators know – depression tends to thrive “in the dark” and when you are talking about it with others, it often starts to get better. Your program coordinators can also help you identify what you need to do to take care of yourself and prevent the depression from getting worse, and can consult with other support resources.

Trouble with eating disorders?

Many college students struggle with eating as a way of coping with emotional stress. Disordered eating can take different forms, for example:

• binging (eating in an out-of-control way)

• purging (often through vomiting or over-exercise)

• severely restricting how much you are eating (until this becomes a focus of much of your time and depletes energy in your body and brain).

Students who have experienced disordered eating in the past may find that they struggle less with these issues during off-campus study, as the social environment of the group, the positive excitement of the program, and the different messages about food and bodies in a different culture may all positively affect someone’s feelings about their body and food. However, some people have experienced that the change in food, eating patterns, stress, and body messages increases or brings back their struggles with food and body. Again, if this is an area you think could be an issue for you, talk to a counselor before you leave. Disordered eating patterns can result in significant physical health problems (such as fainting and electrolyte imbalances that put the heart at risk). You may also find that you benefit from talking to a nutritionist before you leave to develop a positive eating plan that integrates the foods available on the trip; it may also be important to inform your group leader of specific things that will be helpful to you (for example, not going too long without having some food available; carrying healthy snacks with you at all times; having some food choices at restaurants; having the opportunity for regular meals).

If you have questions about anything in this guide, Augsburg Abroad or CGEE staff would welcome the chance to talk with you. We encourage you to draw on all your resources in planning for a successful study abroad experience, including your physician, mental health counselor, and faculty. 

The CLASS Office and The Center for Global Experience and Education (CGEE) work in collaboration to facilitate a high quality study abroad experience before and during your time abroad. You will receive support from a disability specialist and CGEE staff if you request accommodations. Anyone may request accommodations - whether you are an Augsburg student or not, whether you have previously registered with a disability services office or not, or whether your disability is physical or cognitive. It is highly encouraged that you schedule a meeting with a specialist, even if you think you do not need help.

Requesting Accommodations for Study Abroad/Away

• Schedule a meeting with a CLASS Disability Specialist as far in advance as possible. 

• Meet with your Disability Specialist to discuss questions or concerns about the possible impact your disability could have in a study abroad location. These meetings are a time to come up with an advocacy plan to ensure that your experience is suited to your needs. CGEE staff can also attend meetings to help think through the on-site environment and provide support.

• Your CLASS specialist will communicate with CGEE and your study abroad location site to request accommodations and connect you with the right people while being abroad. You may be required to submit information directly to your study abroad site if they have disability services. 

More Resources

Access the Augsburg study abroad website for information and resources on accessibility and mental health while being abroad. Additionally, please review these free or low cost assistive technologies.

FRANKLIN GROVES CENTER FOR LEARNING AND ACCESSIBLE STUDENT SERVICES (CLASS) - CLASS leads the Augsburg community in advancing disability access and equity.

CLASS SERVICES

If you have ADHD, a mental health disability, a learning disability, a physical/sensory impairment, a chronic health condition, are on the autism spectrum, or have another disability, the CLASS office can provide you with reasonable accommodations and support.

Disability Specialists provide:

• Determination of appropriate accommodations

• Individual support

• Instruction in learning strategies

• Help with time management and organizational skills

• Assistance with course selection

• Accommodations may include:

• Alternative testing (extended time, limited distraction)

• Assistive technology

• Alternative format textbooks and course materials

• Notetaking support

• Housing accommodations

• Classroom accommodations

Some examples of disabilities:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

• Learning Disabilities

• Psychiatric Disabilities

• Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Head Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury

• Physical Disabilities and Systemic Illnesses

• Deafness/Hearing Impairment

• Blindness/Low Vision

• Disabilities that are sporadic or degenerative in nature

• Temporary conditions

​Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a serious health risk, and studies show that U.S students tend to drink more when studying abroad. Therefore, while those of you who are over 18 are allowed to drink, as per local laws, we encourage you to develop a social life that does not depend upon alcohol.  Some of you may be in recovery from drug or alcohol addictions, and others of you may decide that you need to seek out a recovery program while in Central America.

If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, we would like to suggest that you let staff know so that we can support you in your recovery process. There is a place to indicate this on the Health Information questionnaire in your Global Gateway Portal.

There are online Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon groups and meetings that you can attend via the Internet.  For example, past students have participated in the following: AA and Al-Anon.

CGEE strongly COVID-19 vaccination (and booster, if eligible) for all students, even if not required for entrance to Guatemala, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Entry requirements: Please note that entry requirements for each country may change. CGEE monitors these on a regular basis and will notify you of any changes.

• Guatemala: Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala.  Regardless, since conditions can change quickly, and people on campuses around the country are still testing positive for COVID, CGEE requires that you take a test no less than 48 hours before you depart for Guatemala. When you have done so, take a photo of the results and send to Pablo Rosas, our Study Abroad Facilitator. 

• Costa Rica: Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Costa Rica. 

Helpful Online Resources

• US Department of State web pages on services for American citizens abroad

• Centers for Disease Control

• World Health Organization

• International Society of Travel Medicine

• Travel Health Online

There is other useful information available in the Resources Section of Global Gateway portal.