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Health Abroad

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Please note that NYU’s rules and policies are subject to change, in light of evolving public health conditions and governmental regulations and guidance. Students are expected to review communications from the University and to periodically visit the NYU Returns webpage for updates. 

GeoBlue International Health Insurance Coverage

All students participating in a Steinhardt Global Affairs study abroad program outside of the U.S. are automatically enrolled in an NYU-sponsored international health insurance plan administered by GeoBlue.

GeoBlue international health insurance will provide coverage ONLY for the dates of your short-term study abroad program. Students who have additional travel plans before and/or after their program dates are responsible for securing comparable international coverage for those additional dates of travel. While you may purchase coverage through any company, previous participants have found it easy and affordable to purchase directly from GeoBlue. Find more information about purchasing additional coverage here.

GeoBlue Enrollment Process

In the weeks leading up to the start of your study abroad program, you will receive confirmation of your enrollment from GeoBlue via email. The subject line of the enrollment email will be “NYU-Global Important Insurance Info” and the sender of the email will be customerservice@geo-blue.com. Be sure to check your spam folder if you do not see it come through.

Once you receive the email from GeoBlue, please be sure to follow the steps below to register and gain access to an electronic insurance ID card and global health and safety tools:

  • Click “Log In or Register” at the top of the GeoBlue Student homepage, then:
    • If you were ever enrolled in GeoBlue before (for example, if you participated in an NYU study abroad program in a previous term) and already have an account with GeoBlue, click “For students/members” to log in.
    • If you haven’t ever created an account with GeoBlue, click “Register as a member” under “For Students/members” and enter the Certificate Number or Group Access Code from your enrollment email.
  • Enter your name (as it appears in the enrollment email) and date of birth and click submit. This will give you access to the GeoBlue website.
  • Follow the instructions for printing your insurance ID card. Please be sure to carry a copy with you on your trip.
  • Download the GeoBlue app (iPhone | Android) as an alternative to register and access your electronic ID card and access global health and safety tools.

Once you have completed your GeoBlue enrollment, explore the GeoBlue and Center for Disease Control and Prevention websites for location-specific information, including: English-speaking approved physicians, specialists, dentists, clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, health and security profiles for your city/country of study, and translations of medical terms and brand-name drugs. All students are encouraged to thoroughly review the NYU GeoBlue Student Member Guide.

PLEASE NOTE: You will also receive Travel Support and Proof of Insurance Coverage letters from the Steinhardt Office of Global Affairs. Note that these letters are different from the enrollment confirmation email from GeoBlue.

Using GeoBlue While Abroad

If you need to seek medical care during your program, please take the following steps:

  • When possible, please contact GeoBlue before seeking care. You can arrange pre-payment for your care so you may not get a bill. If it is an emergency, please seek care immediately.
    • If you are unable to contact GeoBlue before seeking care, you should pay for your care out of pocket and submit a claim with GeoBlue after you return to the U.S. 
  • Contact your program’s faculty leader and/or course assistant as soon as possible to let them know you are seeking medical care. 

Domestic Programs Insurance Coverage

Students participating in a domestic study abroad program, including those in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Nashville, are required to maintain their current health insurance coverage in the United States for the duration of their program. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to confirm what your coverage is at your program location.

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Mental Health & Wellness

While studying abroad can be an incredible experience, it often takes time to adjust to a new culture, living arrangements, food, language, and immersion in the unfamiliar. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, homesick, afraid, anxious, or depressed while studying away.

The availability/quality of mental health resources may differ from what a student is accustomed to in their home country, so it is a good idea to make a mental health support plan before you leave home. Speak with your current doctor or therapist to discuss your travel plans and to determine what supports you will need while abroad. The GeoBlue app can help with finding local doctors and you can read more about the Health and Wellness services available at each NYU Global Site here.

Accessing NYU Mental Health Services

You can contact the NYU Wellness Exchange on behalf of yourself or a classmate, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, by calling +1 (212) 443-9999, email wellness.exchange@nyu.edu, or text via the Wellness Exchange App (iPhone | Android). The Wellness Exchange can assist with connecting you to mental health professionals abroad to discuss issues including medical issues, academic stress, depression, sexual assault, anxiety, alcohol and other drug dependence, sexually transmitted infections, eating disorders, and more.

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Students Accessibility

Students in need of disability-related accommodations are strongly encouraged to contact the Moses Center for Students Accessibility prior to confirming their study abroad plans. A Disability Specialist can discuss accessibility and accommodations available in the destination country. Students can find more information here.

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Immunizations

You should review the Health Requirements section of your Program Page to ensure that you are aware of any required vaccinations and/or preventative medications for their program. Some countries may require you to provide proof of your immunizations as part of the visa process or upon arrival.

You can obtain necessary vaccinations and/or medications by scheduling an appointment with the Travel Medicine division of the NYU Student Health Center or by consulting a physician covered by your health insurance provider.

Please ask your physician to provide you with an official list of immunizations you have received to date. Carry this document with your passport while traveling.

You should make sure that all of your routine immunizations are up to date as part of your Travel Medicine appointment or a separate visit to the Allergy and Immunology Division of the NYU Student Health Center.

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Pre-Travel Check-Ups

We recommend that students have a general physical and follow-up with any relevant specialists well in advance of departure to address any concerns that may impact your study abroad experience. Physicals can be obtained free of charge or at minimal cost at the Student Health Center. You may also schedule an appointment to see your primary care physician as covered by your health insurance.

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Traveling with Medication

When traveling with medicines and medical equipment, carry your medication in its original container in your hand luggage or carry-on, along with a copy of your prescription.

Certain medication commonly prescribed in the United States can be illegal in other countries. Prior to travel, review the Medication Notice page and follow the steps listed below. Be prepared with a backup plan if your medication is confiscated or is lost. 

Prescription Medication

  • Plan to speak with your physician about your plans at least 2 months before travel
  • Carry a letter from the attending physician that describes the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.
  • Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for the duration of your trip and a few extra days if possible. 
  • Keep medications in their original, labeled containers. Do not keep them in unlabelled containers such as daily pill organizers.
  • Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or transiting through to confirm that your medications are permitted in that country.

Prescriptions written in the United States are not valid in other countries. You may contact the NYU Wellness Exchange team via email at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu if you anticipate needing to obtain a prescription for medication while abroad.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Similar to prescription medication, you will need to make a plan when it comes to bringing over-the-counter (OTC) medication with you while traveling internationally. Some OTC medicines will be subject to restrictions or prohibitions in your destination country. You can consult with the NYU Wellness Exchange team regarding the OTC medication you plan to bring and any restrictions that you should be aware of. Consider purchasing a local equivalent of the medication once you arrive at your destination instead of bringing it with you from home.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pack Smart list provides valuable advice regarding packing for international travel.

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Allergies

Students will be prompted to list any allergies they have into the University’s Travel Registry. Our team may follow up if there are any questions about the specific triggers or the severity of the reaction. 

Some tips for traveling with allergies:

  • Have a list of your allergies translated into your host country’s language saved and easily accessible. This could be a screenshot on your phone or a handwritten note to display when ordering in a restaurant. 
  • Make those traveling with you aware of your allergy and advise them on how to assist if you are incapacitated.
  • Bring non-perishable snacks that you know are safe for you to eat.
  • Locate the hospital(s) nearest to where you are staying. 
  • Review your Program Page for information on local health care facilities. 

You can find more information and tips on traveling with allergies on the Food Allergy Education Resource website. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns.

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Dietary Restrictions & Expectations

Students are responsible for communicating special dietary needs, restrictions, and sensitivities to their program leader, as well as to restaurant and cafeteria staff when dining out. Please be sure to contact your program leader to inform them about your dietary restrictions and to develop a plan that accommodates your dietary needs.

The Steinhardt Global Affairs office will do its best to accommodate students’ dietary preferences for sponsored group meals, however, please note that there are limitations on the types of accommodation that we can provide.

Below are some general tips for your consideration on navigating your dietary restrictions abroad:

  • Use Google maps to research restaurants and supermarkets nearby your accommodation that can accommodate your dietary needs.
  • Be prepared to find a tactful way to deal with social situations in which you are offered specially prepared meals that may not fit your diet.

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Alcohol and Substance Abuse

As an NYU student participating in an NYU-sponsored study away program, you are to abide by the Substance Abuse and Alcoholic Beverage policy at the University.

Please be aware that the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad can increase your risk of accidents and injury. Violating local drug laws can result in very serious consequences such as paying large fines and/or jail time. Students must avoid the use of illegal drugs while studying abroad to avoid any health and safety risks as well as legal consequences.

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Additional Resources

Tips for Safe Travels Abroad

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