Chapter:
6 - Health

Health

PREDEPARTURE

Planning for a Healthy Trip

Planning can reduce the risks of sickness or injury and support your wellness needs during your time abroad. Medical care varies worldwide and be differ from what you expect in the US. Existing health problems can worsen when adjusting to a new cuisine, a different climate, and the emotional strains of being away from your support network. Consider that you may get sick, injured, or need treatment abroad. Work with your doctor to make a health plan.

  • Visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health destination pages for health information. Check the CDC Travel Health Notices for your destination.
  • Identify medical services and resources abroad. Read about their standard of care. The US Department of State Country Information Pages include information about healthcare infrastructure and standard of care. US Embassy locations list medical facilities.
  • nformation about medical providers in your host country is available through AXA Assistance, a non-insurance benefit included with the student travel insurance policy. To obtain pre-travel information regarding medical care and providers, you will start by registering for a free account on Travel Eye. After confirming your email, you can select the city and country where you plan to study abroad and search for specific types of medical care.
  • Review the Insurance chapter in this guide so you know how to get reimbursed for eligible health costs. Print and carry your insurance contact card, which can be found in your UCEAP Portal.
  • If you have a complex preexisting medical condition and would like assistance, please contact ihscm@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu

Information about local medical care may be provided upon arrival during your UCEAP on-site orientation.

Medication and treatment commonly found in the US for some conditions (e.g., ADD, ADHD) may differ or be illegal in the host country or region. See further below for guidance on prescription medications.

It is important to remember that you may have fewer and different resources on your program than on your UC campus. If you are struggling to maintain your health and wellness on your UC campus, consider delaying program participation to a later date.

Disclosing Physical and Mental Conditions

Consider disclosing all medical conditions before departure. Traveling and living in an unfamiliar setting can aggravate existing physical or psychological disorders and may introduce new stressors. You may be challenged in ways you did not anticipate.

You are responsible, along with your support network and physician, for assessing any physical or mental health conditions that studying abroad may affect. If you disclose in advance of participation, UCEAP can help connect you to appropriate care abroad, if available.

Medical Confidentiality

All information that UCEAP collects is kept strictly confidential and only shared with program officials who need to know and can help during predeparture planning and/or an emergency.

Travel Vaccines

You may need to get vaccinated against serious diseases endemic to your UCEAP program location. Vaccines can also be a part of entry requirements into certain countries and regions. Schedule an appointment with a travel health specialist at least eight weeks before your travel. Some vaccines come in a series and take time to be effective. The travel insurance does not cover vaccines. If you are enrolled in campus student insurance, verify with your campus Student Health Insurance Office whether vaccinations are covered.

Service and Emotional Support Animals

Notify your program specialist if you are planning to take a service animal, emotional support animal (ESA), or any other type of animal abroad with you. Medical documentation may be required. In most cases, animals are not allowed in program housing.

Research and seriously consider all the implications of going abroad with a service animal or ESA, as you will be responsible for complying with all pet entry regulations for the host country or region. See the Students with Disabilities chapter for more information.

Resources

MANAGING HEALTH RISKS 

Risks vary depending on geography, the length of your program, the diversity of planned activities, and your behavior.

Not all UCEAP programs are in countries and regions where hygiene, sanitation, medical care, and water quality meet the same standards to which you are accustomed in the US. To prevent common travel illnesses, be careful about food and water, protect against insect and mosquito bites, and wash your hands frequently.

Risky activities (e.g., paragliding, bungee jumping, drinking alcohol excessively) increase the likelihood of injuries.

Some Health Risks While Traveling
  • Vaccine- or medication-preventable diseases
  • Infections
  • Insect-, food-, and water-borne diseases
  • Climate, sun exposure, altitude sickness, air quality
  • Animal bites or scratches
  • Allergies (e.g., food, medication, environment)
  • Accidents while under the influence of alcohol
  • Local medical facilities that may be inadequate or nonexistent

Preexisting Conditions

Living and studying in a foreign environment may cause unexpected physical and emotional stress, which can exacerbate some chronic conditions and affect those with weakened immune systems. Consult with your doctor and follow health precautions.

During a Health Emergency

UCEAP representatives in California and abroad are prepared and experienced in responding to any kind of emergency. If you need help finding a doctor or counselor, need a prescription refill, or are not feeling well, contact local program or host institution staff.

Food Allergies

Students with severe allergies should take precautions as the cuisine may include ingredients that can cause anaphylaxis. A language barrier increases the risk.

  • Talk with your doctor before departure to discuss managing your allergy abroad.
  • Research the local cuisine. Learn the names of foods you are allergic to in the local language.
  • Carry medication to treat unexpectedreactions.
  • Tell others about your food allergy.
  • Wear a medical alert ID with instructions in English or the local language.

Medical Alert ID

Consider wearing a medical alert ID if you have significant allergies or chronic medical conditions.For more information, contact American Medical ID.

Flu Vaccine

The UCEAP physician consultant strongly encourages a flu vaccine before departure, particularly if you have a chronic medical condition. Influenza is one of the most common ailments reported by UCEAP students.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Review the CDC’s information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Drugs and Alcohol

Students often experiment with alcohol and other drugs abroad where they may be of legal drinking age. Know the risks associated with drugs and alcohol. If you decide to drink while abroad, drink wisely.

  • Alcohol concentrations by volume in some countries and areas are stronger than in the US.
  • Reports of tainted or counterfeit alcohol occur in many countries and regions worldwide.
  • Alcohol poisoning is a potentially deadly condition that occurs when someone drinks too much alcohol in a short time.
  • UCEAP students who engage in drinking are typically at higher risk of being the victim or perpetrator of attacks, robberies, muggings, and sexual assaults.
  • Control your drinking to minimize accidents and preserve your decision-making capabilities. If you choose to consume alcohol, you remain responsible for your actions.
  • Review the UCEAP Substance Abuse Policy.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are in most places worldwide, and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found. They can be found in five-star hotels.

MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLIES

Prescription Medications

Medications that are legal in the US can be illegal in other countries and areas. Every country and region have a different classification system for medicines. Although medications in amounts for personal use are rarely inspected or questioned, customs officials can become suspicious of medicines in large quantities.

Before Departure
  • Find out if your prescription is legal in your host country or area. Check the US or foreign embassy in the country or area where you’ll be studying, as well as information from official foreign government sites andthe International Narcotics Control Board.
  • Familiarize yourself with the travel insurance for studying abroad with UCEAP. Refer to the Insurance chapter in this guide. It’s not the same as your campus health insurance.
  • Schedule an appointment with your doctor three to six months before departure to discuss your medication and treatment regimen. If you need to switch to a different medication, this will allow time to monitor for side effects and adjust dosage. Discuss medication regimen adjustments for traveling across different time zones.
  • If your medication is legal to bring into the country or area, ask if you can get a prescription to last the entire program duration. Consider that you may need to fill your prescription abroad.
  • Obtain a letter from the prescribing physician on letterhead indicating your diagnosis, treatment, medication regimen, and generic name(s) of medication(s), as brand names vary around the world. This letter is often needed to pass through customs with medication. This letter will also assist the local physician in writing you a prescription should you need to refill abroad.
Traveling with Prescription Medications
  • Keep medication in its original packaging clearly labeled with your name, doctor’s name, generic/brand name, and exact dosage.
  • Carry copies of original US prescriptions and carry the letter from your doctor.
  • Travel with medication in your carry-on luggage, provided it is in pill form. Consult the US Transportation Security Administration if your medication is liquid.
In the Host Country or Area
  • If you need to refill while abroad, you must see a local doctor. US prescriptions are not valid in other countries or regions. Showing your letter from your doctor can facilitate getting a refill. If the visit to the local doctor is considered preventative care, it will not be covered by the student travel insurance. Your campus or private insurance plan may cover it.
  • To purchase medication using the travel insurance, you must pay upfront and submit a claim (see next section, Filing Insurance Claims for Prescriptions).
Regulated and Controlled Medications
  • Two classes of medicines—narcotics and psychotropics—are under the control of international law. These classes cover medicines that affect the central nervous system and have the potential for drug abuse. The narcotic class mainly relates to analgesic opioids and their derivatives (e.g., morphine and codeine). Psychotropic medications can treat mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic conditions. These medications are often highly regulated.
  • If you have a prescription containing controlled substances, check with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The INCB is responsible for international drug control. If traveling with controlled substances, you must have a letter from your doctor. Generally, amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse) are illegal or unlicensed in other countries and regions. Discuss alternative medications with your doctor.

Do not mail medications before your arrival or have medications mailed to you. Do not have a member of your support network or anyone else travel with medications issued to you. No one can bring medications for you into the country or region. This is considered drug trafficking and could lead to fines and incarceration.

Filing Insurance Claims for Prescriptions

Fill prescriptions before you depart the US using your US health coverage. This will give you time to meet any requirements, such as registering with a general practitioner, before needing a refill abroad. Refer to the Student Insurance section in this guide.

Over-the-Counter Medications

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), virtually any drug can be purchased without prescription in many developing countries. Do not buy these medications. The quality and safety of drugs purchased outside the US cannot be guaranteed and may not meet US standards. They may even be counterfeit or potentially hazardous due to contaminants. A high percentage of antimalarials abroad are counterfeit. Medications you purchased abroad may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the US upon your reentry.

Medical Marijuana

Never travel internationally with medical marijuana. Marijuana is illegal in many countries and areas. You can be arrested, prosecuted, and deported for possessing marijuana. Even if you have a US prescription for marijuana, US prescriptions are only valid in the US—airports and airplanes are federal jurisdictions, and federal authorities do not recognize the medical marijuana laws or cards of any state. You can be detained and arrested when going through security with medical marijuana.

Prescription Eyewear

The travel insurance does not cover preventive eye exams or prescription eyewear. If you are covered by your campus health insurance, consult with your campus student health insurance office to find out whether eye exams and prescription eyewear are covered.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, take an extra pair and your written prescription abroad. Research if your preferred contact lens solution is available in your host country. Consider taking a supply.

Travel First Aid Kit

Assemble a travel health kit tailored to your needs, length of travel, and destinations. Consult your physician on assembling a suitable medical kit. Visit the CDC’s Travel Health Kits page for recommended items.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

Things to Consider

Before Departure
  • Discuss with your doctor whether the type of travel and your destination are appropriate for you.
  • Research the cultural acceptance of mental health and familiarize yourself with the mental health care system of your country or region.
  • Find out if English-speaking psychiatrists, counselors, or psychiatric facilities are available in your host country or region.
  • Consider contact methods and time differences (counseling via Zoom, Skype, texting, email, phone, or other communication methods.).
  • Work with your doctor to develop self-care strategies and discuss how you would handle emergencies.
  • Review the insurance chapter in this guide so you know how to get reimbursed for eligible health costs.

The following are UC offices of counseling and psychological services. Consider speaking with a counselor to address any concerns you may have in maintaining your wellness during study abroad.

UC Berkeley

  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • 2222 Bancroft Way, 510-642-9494
  • Call 510-643-7197 to speak to an advice nurse Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • uhs.berkeley.edu/counseling

UC Davis

UC Irvine

UC Los Angeles

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  • 221 Westwood Plaza
  • 24/7: 310-825-0768
  • counseling.ucla.edu

UC Merced

  • H. Rajender Reddy Health Center
  • Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation & Wellness Center, 2nd Floor
  • 24/7: 209-228-4266 and press 1 after the prompt for a ProtoCall clinician.
  • counseling.ucmerced.edu

UC Riverside

  • UC Riverside Counseling Center
  • Veitch Student Center North Wing, 951-827-5531
  • counseling.ucr.edu

UC San Diego

  • Psychological and Counseling Services (P&CS)
  • Galbraith Hall, Room 190
  • 24/7: 858-534-3755
  • caps.ucsd.edu

UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Cruz

  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • 1156 High Street
  • 24/7: 831-459-2628; after office hours, select option 3 to talk to a counselor
  • caps.ucsc.edu
While Abroad
  • Maintain your medication regimen.
  • Become familiar with your surroundings and establish a routine.
  • Consult your doctor before altering your medication regimen.
  • Integrate activities you enjoyed in the US into your daily life.
  • Know whom to contact locally at the first sign of distress. Do not try to manage things alone.
  • Remain flexible and set reasonable expectations to minimize stress.
  • Access Lyra, a mental health service provider for teletherapy, for counseling.
  • Access Chubb-AXA Global Remote Behavioral Health Crisis Consult when you need immediate mental health support: +1630-694-9804

Other Mental Health Resources