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Health & Safety Guide

This guide contains general information related to health and safety during overseas travel, as well as documents from UCLA's health insurance policy for travelers.

Health Insurance

A traveler's health insurance policy is provided for both international and domestic programs. Coverage is for the dates of the program only.

UC Health Insurance Benefits Summary (.doc file)
UC Health Insurance FAQ (.doc file)

You are responsible for all fees incurred as a result of any accident or medical emergency which may occur while participating in a UCLA Study Abroad program. Be sure to keep all receipts for medical treatment in order to file a claim upon your return to the U.S. Click for the claim form (.doc file).

If you are traveling before or after the UCLA program, we recommend that you arrange for independent health insurance coverage as a precaution.

Health and Safety Guide

Traveling in a foreign country can be a risky endeavor. It's important that you prepare yourself before and during your travels. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy travel study experience:

  1. Read the State Department's Travel Advisory for your country;
  2. Read the Centers for Disease Control's information for your country (including immunization requirements and recommendations);
  3. Make sure the program director is aware of any medical conditions you have;
  4. Pack a first-aid kit (include bandaids, disinfectant, over-the-counter medications for headaches, diarrhea, sinus conditions, etc.);
  5. If you take prescription medication, take enough to cover your entire time abroad;
  6. Always pack prescription medications in your carry-on bag;
  7. Drink plenty of bottled water while traveling;
  8. To reduce jet lag, try to sleep as much as possible on the plane, and once you arrive at your destination, try to avoid sleeping until nighttime;
  9. Travel in groups. Do not walk alone;
  10. 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;
  11. If you sight-see independently, let the program director know where you a going and when you will return;
  12. Always carry emergency telephone numbers with you;
  13. Check-in with someone in your home country from time to time;
  14. 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;
  15. 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.

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