Health

Medical Self-Assessment

Students are asked to complete a medical self-assessment upon acceptance into the program. The health questions are used as a guide for program leaders or staff, allowing them to best advise medical personnel in case of an emergency. It is important to fully explain any question to which you answered “yes” to adequately provide accurate health information in case of an emergency.

Medical Examination, Immunizations & Medications

CIE strongly recommends that students receive a medical examination before they leave the country, especially if they are taking prescription medication or are in regular treatment for a pre-existing condition. Some countries may even require they obtain certifications of health and/or immunizations in order to enter the country. Students should research the medical restrictions of the country to which they are traveling to avoid additional issues.

Regardless of where students are going, here are the recommended steps to help prepare them for international travel:

• Research health and safety in the travel destination.
  • Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization to learn about possible health issues, recommended and/or required immunizations or precautions in the countries where studying or traveling will take place.
  • Verify any prescriptions are legal in the country(ies) to which you travel.
• Consult with personal medical and mental health providers for pre-travel planning.
  • Work with providers to develop plans in the event any conditions worsen. 
  • Make arrangements for any prescription medications, medical supplies and medical care that may be needed. Request a letter from your doctor verifying your medication for customs and refill purposes.
• Know the details of your prescription medications.
  • Be aware of brand, generic and name(s) in the local language, the dosage and the quantity needed for your time abroad. 
  • Carry all prescriptions, including glasses/contacts, in your carry-on luggage in their original prescription containers.
• Visit a specialized travel medical provider and receive required or recommended preventive immunizations and medications (such as malaria prophylaxis or for traveler’s diarrhea) for the specified areas of travel.
  • Some immunizations require a series or spacing for protection (as long as three months for a series of shots), so allow as much time as possible for immunizations.
  • It is recommended that you take a copy of the program information and a printout of the CDC requirements for the program location and visited countries.
• Have an eye and dental check-up and address any potential problems.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that routine immunizations are up-to-date and to ask if there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries they will visit.

The Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) Center offers comprehensive international travel services to help you prepare to go abroad with UWM. This includes personalized travel consultations, itinerary reviews, required immunizations and travel-related prescriptions. To book a travel clinic appointment with SHAW, call 414-229-7429.

International Health Insurance

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) is comprehensive international health insurance coverage, which is required by the UW System for all study abroad students. It includes accident, health, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. CISI is meant to supplement, not replace, travelers’ regular health insurance plans. CISI is NOT travel insurance and cannot be used to cover the cost of cancelled travel or lost luggage, for example. 

CIE completes the enrollment for CISI on your behalf and includes the coverage cost in your program fees. Once enrolled, you will receive information regarding access to the CISI health insurance online portal. There you will be able to:

• View/print/e-mail your ID card, coverage brochure, consulate letter and claim form
• Purchase extra insurance for a period of personal travel
• View/update your online account profile information
• Search for hospitals and clinics abroad
• Find valuable travel-related information

You will be asked to provide your policy ID number, which can be found on the coverage information document. If you are concerned in any way, please contact CIE and we will work with CISI on your behalf to ensure that you are able to receive the care that you need.

For minor injuries/issues expect to pay out of pocket, save receipts and submit a claim. For major injuries/issues, if you are admitted to a hospital, we will contact CISI, who in turn will contact the hospital, to set up a guarantee of payment on your behalf.

Resources

Visit our Health & Safety web page for more information on health resources.