International Health and Accident Insurance
It is required that all students have valid international health insurance prior to departure. This insurance is not included in all Study Abroad programs. If your program has no provision for international health insurance coverage, it is your responsibility to sign up for this. NJSCIS member institutions offer the International Student Identity Card. The ISIC Basic Card can be beneficial for students studying and traveling in Europe. With this card you can receive student discounts on airfare and train travel, and with various merchants and service providers. This card also comes with basic accident and sickness insurance and a 24-hour traveler’s assistance hotline. Keep in mind that the Basic Card’s coverage should only be used as a secondary policy, and that students must still have primary international health insurance.
For an additional fee, the ISIC Basic Card can be upgraded to the ISIC Premium Card, which will serve as your primary international health insurance. If your program does not already include such insurance, you must sign up for this card at your home institution. You will need two 1” x 1” photos and a check. Contact your Study Abroad coordinator for more information.
General Health Care
Physical Examination
As part of your preparation, you should have a doctor's examination to assure that you are healthy and can adjust well to the rigors of the Study Abroad experience. Because the change in diet is sometimes drastic, plus long, exhausting hours, students who are not in top physical condition suffer unnecessarily. For this reason we recommend a physical examination and urge each of you to take whatever precautions necessary to assure that you are in top physical condition when you start your Study Abroad experience.
Special Medical Problems
A detailed statement from your physician listing treatment recommendations may be helpful when seeking special treatment abroad.
Dental Check-up
See your dentist before you leave to allow time for necessary fillings or other dental work.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
If you wear contacts and/or eyeglasses, do not forget to take a prescription and an extra pair. Take a sufficient supply of soaking/wetting solution for your lenses if necessary.
To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. If you travel with a prescription drug that contains a narcotic, take along the prescription or have the medication in a container that bears the label of your pharmacy with your name and the name of your doctor on it as well as a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before leaving. Bring any medications and eyeglasses and/or contact lenses that you need in your carry-on luggage.
Please refer to our Study Abroad Handbook for additional information on Health and Safety.