HEALTH, INSURANCE, & SAFETY

• The McKinley Health Center provides travel consults as a resource to university students. Information about this is within their Immunization, Allergy & Travel Clinic.

• It's important to note that pharmacology, legality, and doses of medicine may be different abroad, even with common over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen. Consult with your doctor, your pharmacy, or Gallagher (the Illinois International Insurance provider) before you leave. With these resources, create a plan for routine medication and care continuation.

• Many universities and/or providers abroad have health services built into their student life offerings. Become familiar with these, as well as where local clinics and hospitals are.

• If you have a DRES accommodation, speak with your DRES advisor immediately and disclose to IAGE if you are comfortable, so that IAGE can advocate for you to the host institution.

• • Find and schedule appointments with medical providers abroad for pre-existing conditions.

  • Verify the legality of medications in your host country and/or recommend alternatives.

  • Arrange to have prescriptions issued or refilled while in country.

  • Provide an allergy card translated into the local language.

In a Health Emergency

• • Seek care immediately!

  • Call International Insurance and tell them about care you received - they will connect with the hospital, establish a Guarantee of Payment (GoP), and ensure you are receiving quality care.

  • Alert International Safety and Security - they can coordinate with International Insurance and monitor your situation.

  • Ask for, and keep, receipts of care - these are necessary for filing a claim, which must be submitted within 90 days of receiving care. Learn more about filing a claim for reimbursement.

In Routine Care

• • Call International Insurance to find a local health care provider, then request a Guarantee of Payment (GoP) for your medical visit (this may take up to 24 hours to arrange).

  • Use the case number provided to you by International Insurance for any follow-up communication about your care with the the International Insurance provider.

  • Provide your Insurance ID Card to the healthcare provider upon arrival to the hospital or medical clinic.

  • Ask for, and keep, receipts of care - these are necessary for filing a claim, which must be submitted within 90 days of receiving care. Learn more about filing a claim for reimbursement.

Housed within Illinois International and reporting to the Vice Provost for International Affairs and Global Strategies, International Safety & Security supports all students, faculty, and staff when traveling internationally on University programs or for University business.

Learn more about the emergency contact resources, travel policies, international insurance, safety and wellness tips, and view updates and alerts by visiting the International Safety & Security website.

The Emergency Contact Number is a 24-hour response line for student, faculty, and staff members abroad. The number first directs callers to the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD), who then forwards the call to the Office of International Safety and Security.

The U.S. Department of State provides a list of 911 equivalent phone numbers for countries around the world.