Health & Safety

Health & Safety Information 

You can also find general health and safety information on the Learning Abroad Center website.

Health & Safety Orientation

All students going abroad are required to complete an online Health and Safety Orientation. Find the orientation and directions on your confirmation checklist. 

COVID-19 and Public Health Policies 

MSID Thailand program will comply with local public health recommendations. This may include modifications to the program calendar, weekly schedule, classroom environment, course delivery, housing arrangements, transportation policies, and inter-continental or in-country travel restrictions. Below are some of the current program-specific changes, but know that these modifications could change at any time as we get more information: 

• Students will not be able to travel outside of Thailand during the program.

• Students may not be able to stay in Thailand after the program is completed.

• When instructed to do so, students will be required to wear a mask or COVID test. No exceptions will be made.

• Excursion destinations/plans may be modified to comply with health guidelines.

Visit our website for updated COVID-19 policies. 

Independent Travel During the Program

Students are allowed to travel to approve regions within Thailand on their own during weekends and breaks. While you are allowed to travel, your travel plans may not disrupt your participation in required academic activities (class, internship, program excursions, etc.). As per University of Minnesota and Learning Abroad Center policy, all students must submit the Independent Travel Form prior to any independent travel while on the program. ISDSI requires that this document be submitted Monday-Friday and at least 48 hours prior to departure. So for example, if you are planning on traveling on a Saturday, you must submit your documentation no later than the end of the day on Wednesday. 

Note, the Independent Travel Form is required so that onsite staff know where you will be and how to get in touch with you should there be an emergency. The Learning Abroad Center takes safety very seriously and as a result, failure to submit this form thus notifying onsite staff of your travel plans will result in disciplinary sanctions and can result in your removal from the program. 

• Independent Travel Form

Travel Resources

Having all the information you need for traveling abroad is important. Check out our handy resource pages to learn what you need to know before leaving for your experience abroad. 

Ethical and Sustainable Travel Resources

Sustainability matters at home and abroad. Explore our resource page for sustainabile travel tips and as you are preparing to go abroad, think about how these ideas can be translated to your time in Thailand.

Travel Restrictions During the Program 

Due to the fact that the Thai government historically changes entry requirements periodically and without notice, students are not allowed to travel outside of Thailand while on the MSID Thailand program. As a result, students who want to travel outside of Thailand are encouraged to do so after the program. 

 ITRAAC Approval and US Department of State Travel Advisories - Updated July 2025

The US Department of State issues a travel advisory for each country in the world. Thailand is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Precautions. However, there are some areas of Thailand that are listed as either Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Please note that students are not allowed to travel to Level 3 and 4 countries and regions/provinces while on the MSID Thailand program. 

University policy requires special permission from the University’s International Travel Risk Assessment and Advisory Committee (ITRAAC) prior to travel in specific circumstances. ITRAAC has approved this program to operate during the academic year. ITRAAC approval is now required as a result of the elevated travel advisory  issued by the US State Department for these areas:

Level 4 - Do Not Travel

Thailand - Cambodia Border:

Do not travel to areas within 50km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces.

There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border.  Armed conflict has led to civilian casualties, and the Thai government has ordered the evacuation of certain areas. There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.

As per the ITRAAC approval, students must do the following:

• Students are not allowed to travel to countries or regions listed as a level 3 or 4 by the US Department of State. Doing so is a violation of university policy and can result in removal from the program and failure to receive academic credit. 

• Review the Travel Advisory for Thailand and follow the advice and safety recommendations contained within throughout the entirety of the program dates.

• Carry a cell phone with a local number and on-site emergency contacts at all times.

• Follow all U.S. Department of State and embassy advisory and security messages as well as University of Minnesota, on-site staff, and local government recommendations including, but not limited to, those providing public health guidance or those indicating that U.S. citizens should avoid areas of a city, country, or region as a result of demonstrations, offensives, or threats on specific dates and during specific times.

• Do not drive motor vehicles including but not limited to scooters, motorbikes, motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and cars. Practice good personal security when moving about and adhere to local cultural expectations of behavior and dress.

• Be aware of and comply with the university policies regarding education abroad http://global.umn.edu/travel/approval/index.html.

• Students are expected to follow all in-country public health directives and COVID-19 mitigation practices established by the in-country staff.

On Call International Health Insurance

All students are automatically enrolled in mandatory, University-approved international travel, health, and security insurance through On Call International. Coverage is included with your program fee for the stated program dates. You should and will maintain your US health insurance plan during their time abroad as well. 

The coverage includes prescription medications, clinic visits, and all emergency medical care. For a complete list of benefits and instructions on how to use the insurance, visit: https://global.umn.edu/travel/insurance/policy. Below is the contact information for On Call International.

Our insurance provider can assist students with planning for health situations while abroad. Visit On Call International’s Resource Hub to start this process. You should contact them prior to departure for specific health advising (mental health support, prescription legality, etc.) and to schedule appointments in advance or once in country. You can find details about how to file a claim in the Resource Hub. *NOTE: All claims must be filed within 60 days of initial service.

You'll receive an insurance card and policy information via email (check your spam folder). If you haven’t received information prior to departure, let us know. You can also find policy information and contact details on our International Insurance website.

• Global 24/7 help line: +1 978-651-9224

• Call toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-833-808-0254

• 24/7 live chat: oncallinternational.com/chat/direct

• Text-only number: +1 844-302-5131

• Email: mail@oncallinternational.com

We advise that you maintain your US health insurance plan during your time abroad. If you haven't already, you'll receive an insurance card and policy information via email (check your spam folder). If you haven’t received information prior to departure, let us know. You can also find policy information and contact details on our International Insurance website.

Paying for Medical Expenses Abroad

Should you need to see a doctor or have a medical procedure while abroad, you will need to pay for these services upfront. All students need to bring a credit card to pay for medical expenses abroad. Once you receive your medical receipts, you will be able to submit a claim to On Call International and receive a reimbursement. *NOTE: All claims must be filed within 60 days of initial service.

Visit the Resource Hub for more information or to file a claim.

Extending Your Health Insurance for Post-Program Travel

OnCall International, our contracted insurer, does not provide coverage for personal travel. Like On Call International, World Trips is a member of the Tokio Marine group, a global insurance underwriting company. You may wish to consider World Trips and learn more at worldtrips.com. Students participating post-program activities abroad that are related to their academics can register separately for OnCall International; learn more at https://global.umn.edu/travel/insurance/student-process. 

Medications

Remember to pack all of your medications (prescription and over the counter) in your carry-on bag. Bring any over-the-counter medications that you typically take for common ailments such as headaches/migraines, muscle pain, allergies, and motion sickness. It is illegal to mail medications abroad and you may not be able to find the medications you typically take while in Thailand. 

Be sure to carry your medications in their original packaging, and write down the generic names of the medications so they can be clearly identified when you go through customs. For any prescription medications, bring enough medication for the entirety of the program. If you need a letter for your doctor or insurance provider in order to do this, LAC staff can provide you with one.  

Some prescriptions, like Adderall, are illegal in Thailand. Please reach out to us if you have specific questions about your medications. Additionally, please make sure you fill out your health information form fully and completely. We will use it to help prepare you for your time abroad. 

Boynton Travel Clinic

For UMN students, Boynton Travel Clinic is a useful on-campus resource for immunizations and travel medicine: boynton.umn.edu/clinics/travel. 

Malaria Prophylaxis

The Centers for Disease Control lists Chiang Mai as a malarial zone. However, malaria is only found in the remote border regions of Thailand. Most cases of malaria actually occurs in surrounding countries like Burma and Laos. People infected in Burma and Laos will often travel to Thailand for treatment and as a result, those treated are included in the malarial count for Thailand. Learning Abroad Center staff do not take malaria prophylaxis while in Chiang Mai. It is up to you and your doctor to what is best for you, especially if you are considering independent travel to Burma or Laos.

Immunizations

Information about vaccinations for Thailand can be found on the Centers for Disease Control's website. 

We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a travel clinic 6–8 weeks prior to departure to discuss immunizations and any other health needs.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccination and boosters (including recent booster within six months of arrival in Thailand/program start date) is strongly encouraged for participation on the MSID Thailand program. There are numerous reasons for this, but the main reason for this requirement involves onsite participation and academics. Students on the MSID Thailand program are often hosted by local communities and organizations while on excursions and during the research/internship phase. It has become a standard request from these groups that participants show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to be hosted. 

Japanese Encephalitis‎ Vaccinations

Japanese encephalitis‎ is fairly common in Thailand, especially in rural areas. We strongly recommend that you get the Japanese encephalitis vaccinations; you'll need two shots that are taken several weeks apart. You have two options for getting the vaccine:

• Visit a travel clinic in the US to start the vaccination series. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine can be very expensive without proper insurance coverage, so discuss the cost with your provider.  

• Get the vaccinations in Thailand. ISDSI can take students to get the vaccination at a modern hospital in Chiang Mai. It typically costs $20–$30 in Thailand. 

Rabies Vaccination

Most students do not get the rabies vaccine prior to departure. The rabies vaccine for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis is readily throughout Thailand should students need it. Post-exposure prophylaxis would be covered by your international travel insurance. As a precaution students should avoid petting cats and dogs that they see on the street as those animals likely aren't vaccinated again rabies. 

For those needing a bit of a puppy fix, "Scout" is the is Ajaan Mark's dog. You'll see her wandering around campus and sleeping under the trees or bench. She is fully vaccinated and can be petted, if she lets you.