Health & Safety Abroad

Most Grand View students who go abroad have a safe and enriching experience. However, no place in the world is completely without risk and it is important for students to take responsibility while abroad and to be vigilant of their new surroundings. The Study Abroad Office will also do everything possible to support students and provide a safety net while abroad.

Safety & Security While in Your Host Country

• Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within two weeks of your arrival so they can alert you to any emergencies and help you if necessary.
• Maintain regular contact with the host coordinator/program director at your host institution.
• Integrate as fully as possible into the university community.
• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations, and do not photograph them.
• Maintain regular contact with home, so parents and others are assured of your safety.
• Keep informed through newspapers, radio, internet, and television broadcasts. Develop a political awareness.

Travel Insurance

Students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad. Please note study tour participants are required to purchase the emergency and travel insurance plan provided through Grand View. If you are not participating in a Grand View program, it is important to secure the proper insurance prior to program departure.

Begin by determining what your current medical insurance does and does not cover. Since most international health insurance coverage varies greatly from one insurer to another, investigate the insurance policy components when choosing a plan. While abroad, carry a wallet-size ID card with your name, insurance company, and policy number with you.

Required Insurance

The types of coverage required for study abroad participants includes: health care, repatriation, and evacuation coverage for international locations.

• Health Care – Coverage varies from country to country, and covers all medical costs for illness and injury.
• Repatriation of Remains, Accidental Death, and Dismemberment – While these types of insurance deal with worst-case scenarios, they are still vital for the student to have while studying overseas.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation – Covers any transportation to the nearest medical care facility, whether by ambulance, helicopter or air.

Optional Insurance

Additional insurance coverage recommended for study abroad includes: personal property, program cancellation, and tuition. These are not covered under the insurance plan required for study tour participants. Students can look for a plan to complement their Grand View plan if they are interested in additional coverage.

• Personal Property – If you plan to bring valuable personal possessions such as a laptop computer and camera overseas, you may want to purchase short-term, personal property insurance designed for students living or traveling overseas. Personal property will protect your possessions against fire, theft, and vandalism. Consult your or your parent’s homeowners insurance to see if you will be covered while overseas.
• Program Cancellation – Program cancellation is not part of the insurance coverage for Grand View students participating in a Grand View off-campus program. If you are interested in cancellation insurance, many insurers offer special packages that cover lost or delayed baggage, flight cancellation or delay, and other potential circumstances relating to overseas travel.
• Tuition – Provides coverage if there is withdrawal from your program due to medical reasons.

Insurance Options