International HEALTH + Safety

• Communicate with International Insurance before you leave about the legality of medications in your host country

• Communicate with International Insurance and program staff if there are any issues getting necessary medications while abroad

• Pharmacology, legality, and doses may be different abroad, even with common over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen

• Find and schedule appointments with medical providers abroad

• Locate and schedule medical appointments 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

Utilize your International Insurance 24/7 via phone or e-mail.

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.

Routine Care

• • Call International Insurance to find a local health care provider and request a GoP for your medical visit (may take up to 24 hours to arrange)

  • Use the case number provided to you by International Insurance when you talk with the University or follow-up with International Insurance about your care

  • 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 (217-333-1216) 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.