General Insurance Information

In most cases, foreigners residing in countries in which CIS has partner universities can buy into and be covered by these national health care programs. CIS does recommend, however, that you carry supplemental insurance to cover you while abroad, and you should check to see if your current policy will do so. If not, CIS can recommend a policy for health and travel insurance for approximately $50.00 per month.

If you find that your current insurance policy does cover you internationally, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. If you will be reimbursed, be sure to plan ahead and budget for medical treatment and doctor appointments. Extend your credit card limits so you can be sure you will have the ability to cover any expenses required for treatment of common colds, flus, dental problems, etc. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. You should review your policy to see if these are included as well.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad", available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

One card to consider when traveling abroad is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).  This card covers you mainly for accidents, but also has some travelers insurance as well.  Please note, this is not a health insurance plan.  Here are some of the benefits of the ISIC:

• $250,000 Emergency Evacuation
• $25,000 Repatriation of Remains
• $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• $5,000 Accident Medical Expense
• $1,000 (Excluding Air) Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• $250 Passport replacement
• $100 Per day Sickness & Hospital
• $50 Baggage Delay

For more information about the ISIC cards please visit www.myisic.com.

Finally, it is very important that you make your host university aware of any preexisting health conditions that may impact you during your time abroad. Announcement of any health conditions, either prior or existing, will not affect your admission to any of CIS's partner universities; quite the contrary, revealing this will allow for the host university and us to make proper accommodations prior to your departure.

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Australia

In Australia you will be required to possess the Australian Overseas Health Coverage (OSHC). With this coverage, you can use the same medical services as an Australian citizen. The Center for International Studies does recommend that you also consider purchasing supplemental health and travel insurance to ensure that you are fully covered for all emergencies. The cost for this is approximately $50.00 per month. When you use the medical services in Australia, you will need to pay the cost up front and will be reimbursed upon filing a claim and sending in the proper paper work. The international student office can help you with this. Be sure to plan ahead and budget for medical treatment and doctor appointments. Extend your credit card limits so you can be sure you will have the ability to cover any expenses required for treatment of common colds, flus, dental problems, etc.

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New Zealand

During your studies in New Zealand you are required to be covered under the national health insurance plan. You will buy into this plan once you arrive, and this will cost around $300 U.S. and will cover you during your stay in New Zealand. If your current insurance policy does not cover you overseas, the Center for International Studies does recommend that you also consider purchasing supplemental health and travel insurance to ensure that you are fully covered for all emergencies. CIS can recommend a policy which will cost approximately $50.00 per month.

When you use the medical services in New Zealand, you will need to pay the cost up front and will be reimbursed upon filing a claim and sending in the proper paper work. Be sure to plan ahead and budget for medical treatment and doctor appointments. Extend your credit card limits so you can be sure you will have the ability to cover any expenses required for treatment of common colds, flus, dental problems, etc.

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England/Scotland

While studying in England you will need to have health insurance to cover you in case of an accident. Students who will spend more than six months in England will technically be able to use the national health plan. However, we recommend that you always purchase supplemental insurance. CIS can make arrangements for you to purchase comprehensive international heath and travel insurance for about $50.00 per month.

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Ireland

When you are studying in The Republic of Ireland, you will need to have health insurance to cover you in case of accident. The Center for International Studies can make arrangements for you to purchase comprehensive international health and travel insurance for about $50.00 per month.

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