Health Tip: Studying Overseas

Spending a semester in another country can be an incredible experience, but it doesn’t come without risk of travel-related illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prepare for a semester abroad:

Learn about health concerns in your host country.
At least a month before you leave, make an appointment with your doctor to get needed vaccines and medicines.
Pack a travel health kit, to include: needed medications, first aid supplies and your health insurance card.
Check to see if your medicines are permitted and properly packaged.
Pack your medicines in your carry-on, in case your packed luggage is lost.
Monitor travel warnings at your destination through the U.S. Department of State website.
Enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get safety updates and phone numbers in case of an emergency.
Leave copies of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, and proof of school enrollment with someone at home, in case you lose them.
Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation.

Source: HealthDay