Health Insurance

Invest a few minutes now to consider what kind of insurance coverage will protect you while abroad. You should have insurance to protect your health and financial well-being.

1. Consider the amount of insurance coverage that you need.

The University of Maryland requires that students attending its study abroad programs have health insurance, including insurance with Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage. Two options for purchase of international health insurance include (but are not limited) to: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or Access America Travel Insurance. You are also welcome to investigate other international health insurance options. Your regular health insurance may cover you for basic medical expenses abroad, but you will almost certainly need to purchase supplementary insurance for Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverages.

2. If you are insured through your parents, spouse, or another insurance source, talk with your insurance agent to find out exactly what the coverage includes during your time abroad and how the company would handle payments if you were hospitalized overseas, or if you would need to see a doctor or purchase medicines abroad.

While health insurance plans vary, it is important that the plan you choose includes hospitalization and medical fees. You should also ask about medical evacuation and repatriation.

3. Check into whether or not the health insurance plan(s) you are considering provide continuous coverage before and after you go abroad.

The ISIC card and many other insurance policies cover only you only while you are abroad. You will need separate coverage prior to departure and when you return. If you begin a new insurance plan when you return, pre-existing conditions (accidents, sickness from or prior to your time abroad) will most likely not be covered.

4. Considering the above information, choose the plan or plans that fit you best.

Read the Suggested Insurance Questions for some ideas of questions to ask your insurance agent.

If you have further questions, please contact us.

This insurance information has been adapted from materials provided courtesy of the University of Minnesota.