Handbook – Health & Wellness

It is important for you to review and understand your Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) plan and all exclusions to your coverage. Detailed coverage information and policy descriptions defining the coverage terms is available online. Your CISI coverage is in effect for the duration of your program and applies if you travel to other locations during the program dates.

CISI coverage can be used for emergencies, accidents, and illnesses that occur while away, as well as establishing necessary continuation of care for ongoing physical or mental health issues.

Your CISI coverage includes an online portal of tools and information as well as access to 24/7 medical, personal, travel and security support. Through this customized site, you can:

• View/print/email your ID card, coverage brochure, consulate letter and claim form
• Purchase an extra month of insurance for a period of personal travel
• View/update your online account profile information
• Obtain contact information for emergencies and benefit/claim questions
• Search for hospitals and clinics

You can also find valuable travel-related information, such as:

• Contact information for English-speaking doctors
• Travel advisories as issued by the U.S. Department of State
• Country-specific information and profiles for every country of the world
• Links to overseas U.S. Embassy web sites
• Health and vaccination recommendations compiled by the CDC

Our office will enroll you in the CISI policy. Once you are officially enrolled in your CISI coverage by our office, you will receive an email from CISI with a link and login instructions. Print out your ID card and carry it with you at all times while on your program.

Students who are participating on programs run in conjunction with the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) are enrolled in CISI through them directly and not by UW-Madison. IFSA  will provide policy information and online log-in information directly to you.

You should check with your current health insurance provider to see what coverage you may have while on your program. This is beneficial so you can have continuation of any ongoing  medical/mental health services with your usual providers while you are on your program. If you need a full-time enrollment letter in order to maintain your current health insurance coverage, contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Some countries require that foreign students participating in study abroad programs purchase local health insurance in that country. You are responsible for purchasing this insurance if it is a requirement for the country where you will be studying. Students participating on these programs are still required to have the CISI coverage.

You are required to submit your Health and Wellness Information in your MySA account. This is confidential information and does not affect your admission into a program.

Sharing this information is designed to:

• provide you with information about steps you can take to prepare for travel;
• allow our staff to best support you during an emergency situation.

Mild physical or psychological conditions may become more serious under the stresses of life away. It is important to disclose any pre-existing conditions, past or current treatment, and medications in your Health and Wellness Information. You can also update this information before departure, if there are any changes. Sharing medical or mental health condition information during the planning process will make it easier for our staff and UW-Madison to assist you in case of an emergency.

It is strongly recommended that you have a medical examination before you leave, especially if you are taking prescription medication or are in regular treatment for a pre-existing condition. Some locations may even require that you obtain certifications of health and/or immunizations in order to enter.  Regardless of where you are going, below are some recommended steps to help you prepare for travel:

• Educate yourself about health and safety in your travel destination. Consult the Center for Disease Control (CDC)  to learn about possible health issues, recommended and/or required immunizations, or precautions in the areas in which you will be studying or traveling. The World Health Organization also provides relevant health information.
• Consult with your personal medical and/or mental health provider for pre-departure planning, especially if you have any ongoing conditions. Work with your provider to develop plans in the event that any conditions worsen, reoccur or change while away. Make arrangements for any prescription medications, medical supplies, and medical care you will need.
• Do a pre-travel visit (sometimes listed as “travel clinic” or “travel education”) with your health care provider and receive required or recommended preventive immunizations and medications (such as malaria prophylaxis or for traveler’s diarrhea) for your area of travel. Some recommendations may be based on personal health history. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and to ask if there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the locations you will visit.
• Allow as much time as possible for immunizations, as some may require a series or spacing for protection (as long as three months for a series of shots).
• Have optometry and dental check-ups and address any potential problems before you leave.

University Health Services (UHS) has a travel clinic that provides health services for students who are planning international travel, including vaccines and immunizations.

Whether you are currently being treated for mental health concerns or if you have in the past, you should know that preparing for and participating in this new experience can bring about a return or an increase in symptoms. Disclosing mental health information helps you plan with others so that the necessary support will be in place when you are away. Our insurance provider, CISI, can provide you with options for mental health services in your program location. Some students may be able to continue receiving support from a current therapist or counselor online while they are away. For more information, review our Mental Health Abroad Page.

UHS has compiled some resources that could be helpful to you while abroad. You can review the Remote Health and Connection to explore these online resources, UHS Services, and Identity Specific Resources.

Think carefully about any medications and/or travel health supplies that you may want to bring with you. Consider making your own care package of the medicines you prefer when you are sick so you have some of those comforts from home easily available.

In addition, consider the following:

• Certain medications, including many mental health medications that are common in the U.S., may be limited in the amount that you can transport into and out of the country. Some may be considered illegal substances in other countries, even if they are regularly prescribed in the U.S. Check with the country’s Embassy or call CISI insurance to learn about any restrictions and if your medication will be legal abroad and consult with your healthcare provider and CISI if you need to make arrangements to work within such restrictions.  Then follow up with our staff to confirm your plan.
• Bring all necessary medication with you for the duration of your program and bring it in your carry-on luggage only.  For some medications, you may need to carry a letter from your physician stating why you need the prescription medication. Bring along copies of your medical prescriptions as well, including the name of the active ingredient(s) and keep medications in their original containers.
• If your insurance company asks for a letter certifying that you will be away, contact your Study Abroad Advisor.
• It is illegal to ship medication overseas and it will be rejected at customs.
• Consult with CISI about obtaining medication in your host country.  In order to fill a prescription, you will need to see a healthcare provider to obtain a new prescription in that location.
• Review potential side effects of your medications with your healthcare provider, as your body may react differently because of adjustment to new sleep habits, time zones, altitudes, activities, and diet. Maintain your usual dosage and pattern of taking your medication while you are away or consult with your healthcare provider about any necessary adjustments due to significant changes in time zones.
• If you have a medical condition that is not easily identified (diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies), you should wear a medical alert bracelet and consider having it translated into the local language. Be sure to develop a plan with your healthcare professional before you leave home. Individuals living with diabetes are encouraged to bring a sufficient supply of needles and syringes with a prescription or doctor’s authorization.
• You may want to consider purchasing allergy cards created specifically for travel. These are customized to your specific allergies and the local language.
• The CDC has recommendations for packing a travel health kit.

McBurney Accommodations

Students with disabilities have successfully participated in many study programs; however, not every program is a good fit from an accessibility perspective.

To properly prepare to travel, if you are a student with disabilities, you should start planning for accommodations a minimum of six months (preferably one year) in advance of travel, regardless of the type of disability. The key to success is early notification and planning. Learn more at Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

If you have any ongoing health conditions, you should consult with your personal health care provider prior to departure regarding your health and safety abroad.  University Health Services is a resource for students who would like to discuss any health issues and planned travel as well. Talk with your Study Abroad Advisor if you need to establish continuation of care while on your program. Your Study Abroad Advisor will direct you to more specific sources of information about which local support services you can reasonably expect to find in your location. Some locations may not be able to accommodate all reported individual needs or circumstances.

While it is important the program is aware of any physical or mental health conditions, past or present, which might affect you during your travel, the University is not responsible for assuring your medical well-being and safety while away. It is ultimately your responsibility to meet your medical needs during your travels.

The best way to avoid having a severe allergic reaction abroad is to prepare well in advance of your departure. There are many resources available to you as you prepare to study abroad, including your medical providers and study abroad staff, but remember that it is ultimately your responsibility to meet your medical needs during your program participation. As you prepare for your experience:

• Communicate your food allergy early to your Study Abroad Advisor, Program Leader, and program provider so that they can determine if accommodations are required, particularly if meals are provided as part of the program. They can help communicate this to your homestay family, on-site staff, etc. Be upfront about the nature and severity of your allergy, particularly if it might affect the actions of your entire study abroad group. You may want select your housing based on whether you wish to cook for yourself or not.
• Talk to your doctor. By getting a good understanding of what is best for you while traveling, you will be able to prepare for your program and focus on the other important things to know before studying abroad. Work with your doctor and study abroad staff to create your personalized plan of action should you need it. Consider getting a multilingual medical alert bracelet, in English and the local language, to wear while abroad.
• Talk to your family. Discuss your interest/decision to study abroad with your family. Share the factors you considered when choosing your program and your plans to stay safe and communicate with them regarding any concerns or needs.
• Pack medications, copies of prescriptions, and other supplies: Make sure that you have enough EpiPens, antihistamines, adrenaline injections, or any other medications you might need during your time abroad. Pack these in your carry-on to avoid losing them. It is essential to bring hard copies and digital copies of your prescriptions to present at immigration when you enter your host country(ies) to justify your possession of your medications and in case you need to get more during your program.
• Learn how to explain your allergy in the local language. Google Translate can be a great tool to communicate your allergy, but it is not fool-proof, so it will be important to try to learn how to explain your allergy.
  • Practice local manners and learn how to politely inquire or ask for things. Translations for words and phrases like excuse me, can you help me, please, and thank you. Kindness, especially while traveling, really does go a long way.
  • Work on your pronunciation of key words and phrases, including:
    • “I am allergic to X.”
    • “If I eat/am exposed to X, [what may happen in an allergic reaction]”
    • “I cannot eat…” vs. “I will not eat…”
    • “I am allergic to….”
    • “Does this contain…[ingredients related to your allergy]?”
    • “Was this cooked with…[ingredients related to your allergy, e.g. peanut oil]?”
    • “I need to go to a hospital.”

• Prepare an allergy card with the help of your doctor and a professional translator or native speaker. By carrying a card with your allergy perfectly translated and written down, you will be able to share it with restaurant staff, chefs, street vendors, etc. Use an index card or a quarter sheet of printer paper to briefly but clearly explain your allergy and any dietary needs. Consider including points like the severity of your allergy, specific foods you cannot eat, or how you need food to be prepared. Use polite language. Laminate a physical card to carry with you. Save a digital copy on your phone and to the cloud. Be aware that the same words and terminology may not necessarily be used (or understood!) in different countries even though they speak the same language.
• Download and learn to use apps that can help you navigate studying abroad with an allergy. Some examples include:
  • Food Allergy Card (translates food allergy information)
  • Allert– for food allergies (translates food allergy information including levels of severity or preferences)
  • Equal Eats (provides detailed information about specific allergies)
  • Find Me Gluten Free (finds and provides reviews of gluten free restaurants around the world; also provides platform to connect with others)

• Pack your own non-perishable snacks to bring with you for moments where it might be harder to find something that fits your diet.
• Review CISI health insurance policy, print your CISI card, and research local medical services. Understanding what is covered by CISI and which local providers are in-network will allow you to access medications and healthcare as well as submit associated claims more easily. If you plan to do personal travel before or after your program dates, be sure to work with CISI to extend your coverage to include your personal travel dates.
• Notify airlines of your allergy. When booking your flight, notify the reservation agent of your food allergy, and request that your information be forwarded to folks like the gate agent, food service, and flight crew. Some airlines may provide special meals and snacks to accommodate allergies, but it would be wise to pack your own just in case. You will likely also need to communicate your allergy with a gate agent for each flight as well as flight attendants. Airline policies and alternate snacks/options will vary.
• Read about past students’ experiences. You may find online blogs about individuals’ experiences abroad with a particular allergy in various locations, which might be helpful to read as you prepare for your own experience.
  • Help us build our resources to share with students. Did you write about your experience with food allergies? If so and you’re willing to share it with others, please send it our way peeradvisor@studyabroad.wisc.edu

Do I need to get vaccinated to participate in a UW–Madison study abroad/away program?

We strongly encourage all participants to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations with a CDC or WHO approved updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine prior to their program start date. The definition of “fully vaccinated” or “up to date” in many countries may differ/could change to include an updated (bivalent) vaccine, a booster, or a second/third dose (depending on vaccine) at some point before or during your study abroad experience. Access to vaccines for study abroad students may vary as well per location. Please also check in with your program for specific recommendations.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison does not require participants be vaccinated. However, some countries may require proof of vaccination for entry, and some individual programs and/or partners may also require proof of vaccination prior to participation. Additionally, country and program protocols such as mandatory quarantines, self-isolation, travel policies, course and activity participation, housing options, and testing requirements may vary by vaccination status. Being up-to-date with a CDC or WHO approved vaccine will result in a less burdensome and safer traveling, living, and learning experience for you and those you interact with given dynamic worldwide health conditions.

It is your responsibility to understand and abide by the vaccination requirements (including acceptable vaccine types and verification methods) for your specific program and location(s), as well as any country you may travel through or visit during your time abroad. Note that restrictions and regulations may change at any time. Any related delays, penalties, quarantines, self-isolations, program status changes or cancellations, and associated costs are the full responsibility of the student.

We encourage you to bring your COVID-19 vaccination record card and a copy of your general vaccination record when abroad and to also have copies available as a back-up. Many countries have different systems to document your vaccination record, so you will need to research and complete these as needed if required for any country you will enter. Many countries do not accept the US’ handwritten vaccination records.

You will need to research and monitor the COVID requirements for your host country and program. The U.S. Embassy is a good source for any country(ies) you’re visiting. For program-specific requirements, please read all your program materials carefully or reach out to your Study Abroad Advisor if you have any questions.

Additional information regarding potential impacts of pandemic-like circumstances and how to prepare can be found here.

Missing a unique cultural experience because you’re stuck in bed with a travel-related illness or injury is probably not part of your plan for a great experience. Prepare for a safe and healthy experience by following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) travel health recommendations. Recommendations are available by destination or topic at the CDC website.

The CDC provides various recommendations, some of which include:

• Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. An important part of maintaining your health is eating and drinking properly to stay hydrated.
• Try not to take risks with your health and safety. Respect your host location and its people by following local laws and customs.
• Do not use illegal drugs and use good judgment if you consume alcohol.  Drugs usage can carry severe penalties. Alcohol may be legal in your destination, but it is important to consume it safely.
• Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections, to avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis.
• Use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and take precautions to prevent mosquito and other bug bites.
• Avoid animal bites by not handling or petting animals, especially dogs and cats. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention to determine if medication or anti-rabies vaccine are needed.
• Practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you are feeling ill.

Jet lag can be a problem for travelers who are crossing several time zones.  Although it is not a serious condition, jet lag can make it hard for you to enjoy your first few days. Here are a few tips you can take to minimize the effects of jet lag:

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. The air on planes is extremely dry and it is easy to become dehydrated when not drinking enough fluids.
• Avoid large meals, alcohol, and caffeine during your travel.
• On long flights, get up and walk around periodically to stretch your muscles.
• Sleep on the plane if you can.
• After arrival, stay awake until the local bedtime. If you are sleepy during the day, take short naps (20–30 minutes) so you can still sleep at night. Eat meals at local meal times.

Unclean food and water can cause traveler’s diarrhea and other diseases.  Travelers going to developing countries are especially at risk. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits, some of which include:

• Avoid uncooked food from street vendors.
• Avoid dairy products that are not refrigerated or pasteurized.
• Eat fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself.
• Do not drink water unless you know that it is safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. Make sure the factory seal is intact.
• Avoid ice cubes in drinks unless you know that the ice was made from water safe for drinking.
• Do not leave drinks unattended or drink anything opened out of your sight.
• Wash your hands with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer before eating.

Vegetarians or students on special diets should be aware that their dietary needs might not be easily met in some locations. Discuss your needs in advance with your healthcare provider and your Study Abroad Advisor as necessary. You should list any special dietary needs in your Health and Wellness Information, as well as any housing or other program-specific forms.

While away, communicate your allergy(ies) to relevant individuals, carry medical essentials, and remain vigilant of potential risks in your food and environment. Seek out assistance and support when needed, but remember that It is ultimately your responsibility to meet your medical needs while a program participant. To that end:

• Communicate your food allergy to your Program Leader, on-site staff, host family, roommates, close friends, travel companions, restaurant staff, food vendors, etc. Be sure they are aware of its severity and how they can help keep you safe, but remember that YOU are your best defense against an allergic reaction. Teach relevant individuals how to administer an EpiPen. Use your allergy card and translation apps (Google Translate, Allergy Smartz) in addition to your own explanations.
• Always carry your allergy card, EpiPen, medications, prescriptions, and non-perishable snacks. Having these with you will allow you to travel more safely and can help prevent a severe allergic reaction.
• Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right or you are unsure if a food is safe, don’t eat it.
• Build a routine. Find local grocery stores and restaurants that have ingredient lists and foods that meet your needs.

The “rules” of dating vary from culture to culture. It is important that you consider your behavior and inform yourself as best as possible about how dating and relationships generally function in the location. Students traveling should take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some places in the world have a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and hepatitis. To protect yourself, do not have unprotected sex. Use a latex condom correctly, every time you have sex. Bring condoms with you, since those in other countries may not be up to the same standards as U.S. condoms, or be readily available. Overall, you are encouraged to be cautious about sexual activity while away.

You may want to talk with your healthcare provider or the UHS Sexual Health Clinic before departure for additional information.

Just as in the U.S., you should actively do things to help your wellness while you are abroad.  Consider the following:

• Aim for roughly eight hours of sleep each night.
• Be physically active for 30-60 minutes each day.
• Eat a healthy diet and a variety of foods.
• Drink sufficient fluids each day.
• Consider stress reduction practices. Do at least one thing to calm your mind and body like: deep breathing, meditation, yoga, imagery work.
• Set up your support structures. Identify key people you can rely on both in country and at home to provide support and guidance.  Your Study Abroad Advisor can also assist you with questions or concerns.

For more wellness suggestions visit UHS’s wellness page.

If you are going to be adventurous, do so carefully and at your own risk. Safety policies, standards, and infrastructure vary around the world. If these are lacking, high-risk activities may be even more risky. Injuries sustained while taking part in certain high-risk activities (including bungee jumping, parasailing, racing by motorcycle, mountain climbing, scuba, skiing, sky-diving, etc.) are NOT covered by CISI insurance.

Doctors and hospitals outside of the U.S. often expect immediate cash payment for health services. You may need to pay up front for medical expenses and send a CISI insurance claim form along with the original receipt to CISI for reimbursement. CISI insurance claim forms can be found in the CISI coverage details online.

It is sometimes possible for CISI to pay bills directly on your behalf if you are receiving expensive or ongoing treatment. Contact CISI or your Study Abroad Advisor directly for more information.