Insurance

Purchase a major medical policy of your choice, being sure that the policy will cover your study abroad program and that the period of coverage includes the duration of time you will be abroad. 

Consider policies designed specifically for students studying abroad. Most cover major medical expenses, are relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased by the month. See the list of providers at the bottom of the page. 

Note that most insurance policies will have exclusions, especially around high-risk activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing and contact sports.  If you choose to participate in these activities abroad, you might want to buy an insurance policy specifically for that activity. 

You may opt to continue to keep your current policy in force while studying abroad even though it duplicates some coverage provided by your "Study Abroad" policy. Consider the following: 

• If you are currently being treated for a condition for which you may need continuing treatment after your program ends, it is recommended that you do not let your current insurance lapse. Your current insurance carrier may consider the original condition "pre-existing" if you have a break in coverage. 
• If you must withdraw from the study abroad program for any reason, your study abroad health insurance coverage might cease. Some study abroad policies require that you are actively participating in a study abroad program for continued coverage. 
• Conditions that develop while you are abroad would be considered pre-existing if you had a break in coverage with your current insurer. 
• Review the exclusions of your new study abroad policy. Many insurance policies, including those offered for study abroad, may have limitations for various items such as eyeglasses/contacts, dental, and routine medical exams. 

In most cases study abroad students will need to pay at the time of treatment and submit a claim for reimbursement. You will need a method to pay (cash or credit card are generally accepted).  It is recommended that you obtain a blank claim form(s) from your insurance company when you verify your coverage abroad or purchase a new policy.   

If you have a condition that requires continuous care or monitoring by a physician, discuss your situation with your U.S. physician(s) and with your insurance provider. This will help you anticipate your medical needs, construct a plan for medical care while abroad, and better understand your insurance inclusions and associated expenses for services rendered internationally.  

AIG Global Assistance Services provides supplemental medical insurance and assistance to overseas travelers in the way of consultation about and coordination of local medical services.  Services include medical consultation and referrals, medical monitoring in conjunction with local doctors and hospitals, and medical evacuation (transportation to the nearest medical facility in which adequate care can be provided).   AIG also provides evacuation assistance due to natural disaster and for security reasons (restrictions apply). 

In addition, AIG provides a number of personal services including assistance with lost or stolen baggage and documents, prescription assistance, legal and interpreter referrals, and emergency telephone interpretation assistance. 

KU Study Abroad includes AIG Travel Guard in the program fee to provide students and their families with international assistance in the case of a medical emergency and to protect them from the costs associated with emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.  While the need for evacuation and repatriation services is rare, the costs are often very high and not typically covered by health insurance policies. 

AIG does not pay for any medical expenses and services do not replace medical insurance for emergencies away from home.  Each student’s individual health insurance plan is responsible for all incurred medical expenses. 

Yes. AIG reserves the right to suspend, curtail, or limit any or all of the services at any time in the event of war, riot, insurrection, etc. AIG will provide services to the best of its ability during such occurrences. 

Students can access specific country information online by registering on the AIG Travel Guard website using instructions provided on the AIG identification card.  In the case of an emergency, students must call (collect) the worldwide access phone number provided on the AIG identification card or in the mobile app.  The policy number listed on the identification card is required for online access and when calling to request services.   

A student becomes suddenly ill with appendicitis in a small town in Italy.  Surgery is necessary.  AIG determines that the local medical facilities are not adequate for the surgery.  AIG arranges for transporting the patient to the nearest adequate facility – in this case, Rome – in order for the student to receive appropriate care. 

Telus Health Student Support (THSS) is a student assistance program providing emotional, psychological and behavioral support to KU students experiencing challenges abroad via 24/7 via the app, telephone and web.  

THSS employs master’s level or higher mental health professionals to provide telephone or chat counseling sessions to assist students with concerns such as adapting to a new environment, culture, learning style or city; tensions with family members, friends, or instructors; feelings of isolation, loneliness sadness, stress and worry; and much more.  THSS can support students in managing immediate unforeseen crises, work with a student to develop a plan for long-term care and provide access to comprehensive online resources. 

KU students can access THSS services and resources by downloading the app, on the THSS Website or by calling the phone number listed in the Get Support page and in the student’s JayhawksAbroad portal.