Health & Insurance

Preparation is key to staying healthy while traveling. Please refer to the information and resources listed below for preliminary guidance and follow up with a travel medicine provider prior to traveling.

Insurance

The International Travel Risk Policy requires that all students possess health insurance and evacuation/emergency travel assistance coverage meeting minimum standards. Faculty and staff are strongly advised to verify their coverage prior to travel.

Wellness Checks and Immunizations

The Travel Clinic at Boston Medical Center, as well as numerous other travel clinics in the Boston area, provides both pre- and post-travel medical services, including:

  • advice and counseling on disease prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment
  • advice on special issues such as medical care abroad, altitude sickness, and jet lag
  • itinerary-specific immunizations

Please be sure to make an appointment four or more weeks in advance of travel.

Traveling with Medication

Several common U.S. medications are illegal in other countries. Be aware of your destination’s restrictions on medications. Common restrictions include:

  • Narcotics and psychotropic medications (e.g. Adderall and Ambien)
  • Hormone medications (e.g. birth control pills, hormone therapy medication)
  • Certain ingredients (e.g. diphenhydramine HCI, found in Tylenol PM) or quantities

The U.S. embassy website of your destination country should provide information on the legality of most medications. If any of your medications are on the list of restricted items, talk with your health care providers about possible alternatives that are legally permitted and readily available at your destination.

General Resources

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • required and recommended vaccinations and other health precautions

World Health Organization

  • information about infectious diseases abroad

International Society of Travel Medicine

  • information about travel medicine providers in other locations