HEALTH AND SAFETY
NAFSA Guidelines
The NAFSA publication, "Responsible Study Abroad: Good Practices for Health & Safety" contains guidelines for institutions, participants, and families which outlines best practices intended to ensure a healthy and safe study abroad experience.
U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enroll in the STEP program to receive alerts (natural disaster, civil unrest) or assistance contacting family in an emergency.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Safety Information
The U.S. Department of State recently replaced the previous system of alerts and warnings with a travel advisory rating system in which every country is issued a risk level from one to four. To minimize health, safety and security risks, travel in countries rated levels three or four is discouraged. The U.S. Department of State also provides guidelines for safe international travel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Alerts
The CDC's travel health notices provide information about current health issues related to specific destinations, which may include disease outbreaks, natural disasters or other conditions that may affect travelers' health. Caution should be exercised for areas designated with a travel alert level 2, and travel should be avoided in high risk areas designated travel warning level 3.
World Health Organization Recommendations for Immunizations
The World Health Organization provides information about diseases, recommendations for vaccines, and information regarding travel health risks. Review the vaccination recommendations for the country you intend to visit and discuss this with your physician.
Insurance - Health and Emergency Evacuation
CMU requires each student participating in a study abroad program to obtain comprehensive health and accident insurance, including emergency travel insurance, for the duration of the study abroad program.
Prior to purchase, review the insurance policy to ensure that it provides comprehensive sickness and accident insurance, emergency travel medical insurance, treatment without requiring immediate payment, treatment for ongoing medical conditions, coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Affiliate programs and Faculty led programs arranged through affiliated program providers may include insurance coverage. Check with each provider to obtain insurance information specific to the program in which you will enroll.
INSURANCE PROVIDERS
The following are some companies which offer insurance coverage for study abroad programs.
HELPFUL LINKS
WORLD POWER PLUGS
Access to electric services varies by country making it necessary to use either an adapter or a power converter to operate electronic equipment when you travel outside your home country. Ensure that your electronic devices stay charged and ready for use by taking the correct adapter/convertor for the countries you will travel in.
