Health Insurance
Health and Safety Guide
Health Insurance
A traveler's health insurance policy is provided by the Institute for Field Research (IFR) to all international programs. Students must provide proof of health insurance for all domestic field schools.
Health insurance coverage for international field schools is for the dates of the program only. Health insurance is provided by HTH Worldwide. There are no deductibles and the coverage includes chronic and mental health issues.
You are responsible for the initial payment of all fees incurred as a result of any accident or medical emergency which may occur while participating in an IFR program. Be sure to keep all receipts for medical treatment in order to file a claim upon your return. Claim forms are available at each of the insurance carriers’ website and may be accessed using your ID and Password.
If you are traveling before or after the IFR program, we recommend that you arrange for health insurance coverage as a precaution. Contact HTH directly for extended coverage of their policies.
Health and Safety Guide
Traveling in a foreign country can be a risky endeavor. It is important that you prepare yourself before and during your travels. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy travel study experience:
- Read the State Department's Travel Advisory for your country;
- Read the Centers for Disease Control's information for your country (including immunization requirements and recommendations);
- Make sure the program director is aware of any medical conditions you have;
- Pack a first-aid kit (including Band-Aids, disinfectant, over-the-counter medications for headaches, diarrhea, sinus conditions, etc.);
- If you take prescription medication, bring enough with you to cover your entire time abroad;
- Always pack prescription medications in your carry-on bag;
- Drink plenty of bottled water while traveling;
- To reduce jet lag, try to sleep as much as possible on the plane. Once you arrive at your destination, try to avoid sleeping until nighttime;
- Travel in groups. Do not walk alone;
- Do not accept rides from strangers or put yourself in a compromising situation with someone you have just met. If you go out with foreign nationals, make sure to leave their names and addresses with your program director;
- If you sight-see independently, let the program director know where you are going and when you will return;
- Always carry emergency telephone numbers with you;
- Check-in with someone in your home country from time to time;
- Keep your passport and other travel documents (plane tickets, travelers checks receipts, extra passport photos, etc.) in a safe place. Keep a photocopy of the front page of your passport separate from your passport;
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
For more information about health and safety abroad, please visit the U.S. Department of State's Web site on Studying Abroad.