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MBA Programs > Traveling & Living Abroad - Degree Program > Health & Insurance Info - Degree Program |
Health & Insurance Issues |
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There are a number of items regarding health issues and insurance you should consider before going abroad. This section highlights the following topics.
Insurance
Repatriation & Emergency Evacuation Coverage
Medical & Dental Exams
Pre-Existing Conditions
Immunizations
Emotional & Mental Health
Medical Services in Italy
Medications
Insurance
All CIMBA students must have medical insurance that covers them while in Italy and the United States. If you are currently covered by a plan, be sure to call your provider and make sure that you have adequate coverage. If you do not currently have medical insurance you must purchase a plan prior to arrival in Italy that covers overseas travel. As University of Kansas students, all students are eligible to enroll in a student health care plan through the university. To view coverage details and enrollment information visit www.studentresources.net and select the University of Kansas as the school. There are other plans that may work better for you. This is a list of some providers; none are endorsed, but rather provided as a reference tool.
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Repatriation and Emergency Evacuation Coverage
All non-EU students attending a CIMBA program are provided with emergency repatriation and evacuation coverage during the program while studying in Europe. All non-US citizens will have coverage when they travel to the US to finish the program. This is not medical insurance as it only provides students with emergency evacuation and repatriation services as well as some additional consultation services in the event of a medical emergency. You will receive information on the coverage prior to departure. This service will help students with medical consultation, referrals and medical monitoring, transportation to the nearest medical facility in which adequate care can be provided, and emergency message transmission in case of an emergency.
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Medical & Dental Exams
It would be a good idea to get a medical and dental exam before departing, especially if you will be gone at a time when you would normally schedule these appointments. This will give you an opportunity to talk with a health care professional about general health concerns you may have.
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Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have ongoing medical problems (i.e. allergies, diabetes, etc.) you need to take special precautions in preparing for and managing your condition overseas. If you use specific medication, be sure to plan accordingly because you may not be able to find your exact prescription in Italy. If your condition requires periodic care by a physician or could require medical attention, please inform the CIMBA staff in advance so that preparations can be made.
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Immunizations
The most recent information indicates that you will not need any special vaccinations to travel in Italy or within the European Union (EU). However, we suggest that you talk with your doctor about what he or she recommends along the lines of vaccinations.
In order to complete your study at the University of Kansas, all students not holding a U.S. passport must show proof of measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations. Also, if you will be living in university housing during your time in Kansas, you will be required to receive a meningitis vaccination. More information regarding required vaccinations can be found at www.ku.edu/~shs. A form to show proof of required vaccinations will be provided later in the year; however, it may be wise to obtain written documentation of vaccinations prior to leaving your home country if it will prove difficult to get the necessary information in Italy. Vaccinations can be obtained once in Kansas for a fee.
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Emotional & Mental Health
International living can be stressful both emotionally and mentally. Most travelers will experience a degree of culture shock during the normal adjustment period. Culture shock causes feelings of disorientation and unease, which can be intensified for students dealing with ongoing unresolved emotional or medical issues. It also effects everyone differently. It is very important that students with such problems discuss these with their mental health providers, or other trained medical personnel before leaving. Other students will be going through the same experiences so it is important to remember that you are never alone. Talking with other students and staff about your feelings may help you through your initial feelings of culture shock or homesickness. Students often feel a sense of homesickness, but it is important to not let this feeling take over.
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Medical Services in Italy
Should you need to seek medical assistance in Italy, professors and students have been pleased with the quality of service in the Asolo area. In addition, the pharmacies will have most items that you need. For students who will be insured by companies outside of the Italian social system, you will be required to pay for insured services up front and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. In extreme situations, we can work with you to secure reasonable payment terms until your insurance company releases reimbursement.
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Medications
If you take regular medications for allergies or pre-existing medical conditions, you will find that many of the same treatments are available in Italy, but some are not. Over-the-counter medication availability also differs. Most things you already take will be available; however, brand names may differ. If you are particular on the type of cold medication you use, bring the generic (scientific) name of the medication and active ingredient you use. In the event the exact medication is not available, a complementary one will be. You cannot ship medication through the mail or through a courier service such as FedEx or UPS. If you take prescription medication, please bring a clearly written prescription from your doctor which also contains the generic (scientific) name of the medication in addition to the brand name.
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