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Health and Insurance

FAQs

Do I need health insurance abroad? 

All Dickinson students going abroad are covered under a Dickinson-funded policy through Chubb ACE. Dickinson also provides all students with medical and travel security assistance through International SOS. These plans can be utilized as your primary insurance while abroad. However, we do require you to maintain your own personal health insurance as additional coverage, as this will ensure you have coverage before/after your program. Payment for services and treatments not covered under the Chubb/ACE policy are the responsibility of the person who incurs them.

Check your current policy to see if your policy covers you outside your home country. Even if your current policy covers you abroad, you may have to pay for medical treatment upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement within a certain time-frame.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover me abroad?

Dickinson also covers all students studying abroad through a policy with CHUBB ACE Insurance Company. However, students are responsible for the payment of services and treatments not covered under the Chubb/ACE policy, including but not limited to co-pays. Prescriptions are covered under the plan but require out of pocket payment. You may request reimbursement by completing the reimbursement form. Students are automatically signed up for coverage and the cost is included in the program fee.

What happens if I get sick abroad?

During on-site orientation you will be given information about local doctors, clinics, and hospitals. Be sure you talk with your program director and let them know about any health issues you are experiencing; they are there to help. You can also always contact International SOS for assistance.

Is insurance included in the cost of the program?

Yes, basic insurance is included in the cost of the program as well as medical and travel security assistance through International SOS . However, you should maintain your own personal health insurance, whether that is purchased through Dickinson or independently.

Can I take prescription medication with me?

It depends; you need to make sure it is legal. Check the consulate website of the country you are visiting—they may be able to direct you to resources advising on what drugs are accepted. If it is legal, carry the doctor’s prescription and a letter stating the reason you are taking the medication and, of course, keep the medication in the original container! Or, you can also contact International SOS, who can assist in answering your questions related to taking prescription medication abroad.  

What if my prescription medication is illegal?

You should talk to your doctor about changing your medication, if possible. In extreme cases, you may have to consider choosing another country to study abroad. Please investigate this early on in your process; the more time you and your doctor have to explore options the less stressful this aspect of your preparation will be!

What if I need to refill a prescription abroad?

It is illegal to mail prescription medication. Arrange with your doctor and insurance company to take enough medication with you for the duration of your studies. It can take many months to arrange this so start the process early.

How do I pay for medical care abroad?

See your program page or program handbook for specifics. Please be prepared to pay out of pocket for medications, co-pays, and other medical expenses. ISOS can sometimes assist in placing a guarantee of payment, but this is not applicable for all countries or providers.

Am I covered if I travel outside the host country?

Students are covered under the Chubb/ACE policy during the program dates for travel, either program-related or personal with the exception of travel to "war risk" countries and to countries with a Level 3 or 4 State Department advisory. Per the ACE Policy, Personal Deviation (any personal travel outside program dates) is covered for only 7 days either before or after the official program dates.  

Am I covered by the CHUBB policy if I travel before the program or after the program ends?

Students are only covered by the CHUBB policy during the program dates, and 7 days either before or after the official dates. In the event you elect to extend your travel beyond the policy term you can purchase additional insurance at the link posted below. If you have any questions please contact Tim Cummons at tcummons@rcmd.com or (800) 346-4075 ext 1452 or here.

If my laptop is stolen when I’m on the program, am I covered by Dickinson insurance?

Students are not covered by Dickinson for personal liability, including the loss or theft of personal property. It is the responsibility of each program participant to purchase liability insurance, if needed. Students who bring laptops are advised to purchase adequate coverage. Check first to see whether the homeowner's insurance of your parents/guardian will cover personal liability while overseas. Normally, a copy of the police report filed at the time of loss or theft will be required by the insurer before any claim will be considered.  

I am studying in a developing country, does the Dickinson CHUBB insurance policy cover emergency medical evacuation?

Yes, the policy covers emergency medical evacuation. International SOS will be responsible for when an emergency medical evacuation is necessary. If the procedure can be performed in-country (or in a neighboring country) this coverage will not pay for the student to return to their home country for the procedure.

What if I need accommodations?

Accommodations available to students with disabilities in the United States may not be available to students studying abroad. It is unlikely that you will find the same medications, medical and/or psychological care, or support services at your study abroad site that you would at home. It is also possible that some host sites abroad may not be adequately equipped for students with physical disabilities.

For you to fully assess whether you will be able to successfully complete a study abroad program, we encourage any student with special needs to review the program descriptions and to visit websites about the community in which you will be living and learning. If you wish to have assistance from Dickinson College in helping you to assess your ability to succeed in studying in a particular program or in identifying programs where more support may be available, you are encouraged to come talk to the Center for Global Study and Engagement. It is important to ask questions and do your research before you apply.

Once you determine the right program for you and, if accepted, you will be invited to self-disclose your personal needs on a medical questionnaire open to you through the on-line application system. Disclosure is completely voluntary. However, on-site staff will have a better chance to advise you of accommodations that may be possible if they are aware of your needs before you arrive on site. If you choose to study on a program and travel to an abroad site, you will be expected to fully participate in the program. Therefore, you need to inform yourself about the demands of the program in order to plan ahead and to prepare to cope with your health needs in a new environment.

I suffer from depression and/or anxiety, am I still able to study abroad?

It is strongly recommended that you consult your counselor or psychiatrist when considering study abroad. When abroad, most students experience various states of excitement and frustration as a result of the opportunities and differences presented by the new culture. These alternating emotions are usually related to the natural phenomenon of culture shock, which occurs when people adapt to a new culture and surroundings. As you become accustomed to your new surroundings and establish a routine, these feelings will begin to subside. If homesickness, depression, or eating disorders persist, seek professional assistance and inform your program director. If you are currently seeking treatment from a mental health care provider, remember that English-speaking counseling services abroad may be limited and the terms of care will likely be different from here in the U.S.

If I am a non-Dickinson student participating on a Dickinson program, am I covered under the CHUBB ACE American Insurance Policy?

Yes, all students (Dickinson or non-Dickinson) are covered under the CHUBB ACE American Insurance Policy and International SOS.