Health & Insurance Abroad

UC International takes the safety and well-being of UC students abroad seriously.

UC International has a number of established policies and procedures regarding your well-being abroad, but it is a shared responsibility. We hope to create global citizens who are prepared to travel internationally on this upcoming experience and in the future.

Mandatory insurance coverage

All UC students traveling abroad on university-sanctioned or funded international travel are required to purchase and maintain continuous insurance coverage while abroad. UC International partners with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to provide insurance that meet mandatory coverage levels.


Health resources

Study abroad is inherently stressful – with both “good stress” and more problematic stress. Good stress includes new opportunities and excitement. However, changes of any kind are demanding on people. With study abroad, students are adjusting to many differences from home and doing so without their usual familiar environments and support. Good self-care helps people cope with stressors and stay physically and mentally healthy.

Tips for staying healthy:

  • Eat healthy food
  • Get regular exercise
  • Get enough sleep
  • Continue taking prescription medication as directed

UC faculty, students and staff are responsible for their own health and safety abroad. Certain countries require you to receive extra immunizations as a safety precaution, and some immunizations are recommended but not required. To see what is required and recommended for your destination, check the following websites:

While you may opt to receive your travel immunizations through your personal physician, the following are additional nearby resources:

If you are registered with UC accessibility services, please discuss your plans with your counselor before you select a program. If you need accommodations while abroad, you must register with UC Accessibility Services. This must be done early to allow adequate time to implement the accommodation. If you do not disclose your disability or request accommodations in a timely manner, UC may not be able to assess and accommodate your needs.

Prior to travel abroad, consult with a physician and let them know where you are traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be prepared.

  • Bring an adequate supply of medication with your physician’s explanation of the condition, generic and brand names of the medication, and dosage information. 
  • Always carry your prescription medication in its original container. 

While studying abroad, students may experience anxiety, which can sometimes make mental health symptoms or conditions worsen. If you are currently seeking the support of a professional counselor, please discuss your plans to study abroad with them. Proactive conversations can help minimize the stress abroad.

You may find that maintaining your normal diet abroad is challenging, especially if you have specific dietary preferences or allergies.

  • If you have special eating habits, research your destination carefully before assuming that the food you need or want is available. 
  • Develop an effective way to communicate your allergies and handle social situations in which you may be offered food you are not comfortable eating.

UC partners with International SOS medical and security advice. The UC code is 11BCAS000010.

UC students, faculty and staff can utilize International SOS in the following ways:

  • Sign up to receive email alerts for medical and security information, customizable to various locations abroad
  • Read about travel health information with medical advice, food and water safety, and cultural tips
  • Explore travel security with personal safety tips and travel risk ratings for locations abroad