About Health Abroad

The Office of International Safety & Security is committed to supporting healthy and successful international travel experiences for its students, faculty and staff.

Maintaining health care while abroad ranges from understanding the effect of jet lag or cultural adjustment on your body to actively managing health conditions in a new environment. The resources identified on this webpage are a great starting point for travelers with questions about managing health related concerns abroad. However, the CISI supplemental international insurance is designed to be the backbone of the university鈥檚 health and medical support for travelers abroad. Once enrolled, travelers are highly encouraged to utilize the CISI insurance by contacting them directly with any specific medical concerns or questions (e.g. availability of specific medical resources in destination(s)) prior to or during travels abroad.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please be sure to reach out below.

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General Travelers Health

  • Jet lag occurs when an individual鈥檚 circadian rhythm is disrupted, often by changing multiple time zones in a relatively short period of time. Identifying symptoms and following a few tips in advance can help you manage your experience and help restore a natural balance more quickly upon arrival in-country.

    Symptoms of jet lag include interrupted or disturbed sleep patterns, difficulties with concentration or physical dexterity, or even irregular appetite. To combat jet lag:

    • Get enough sleep. Being well rested is the best way to prepare for and combat jet lag.
    • Stay hydrated on the flight. Pressurized cabins, low humidity and increased altitude means that dehydration occurs at a faster rate in the air than on the ground. Caffeine and alcohol contribute to dehydration, so limit your intake of these substances in flight.
    • Stay active on the flight. Engage in stretches or take periodic breaks to stand up or walk about the cabin (assuming safe to do so). Movement can help improve circulation and combat tiredness.
    • Stay current. Know what the time will be in your destination and set your watch ahead of time to help you mentally prepare for the time difference. You may also wish to realign your body鈥檚 sleep and eating habits with those of your host country as soon as able upon arrival.
    • Employ situational awareness. You may be drowsy for several days following arrival but be sure to stay alert while exploring your new environment.

     Please see the CDC resource on  to learn more.

  • Many popular study abroad and tourist destinations coincide with locations possessing significant elevations. High altitudes carry risks such as lack of oxygen and increased UV exposure. Altitude illness can strike suddenly and can pose danger to some travelers鈥� health. Travelers should be mindful when traveling to locations high above sea level and know how to identify the signs of altitude sickness as well as steps to combat symptoms or mitigate the risk of altitude-induced illness.

    Please see the CDC resource on  to learn more.

  • Some locations are associated with an increased risk of sun, heat, wind or cold exposure. All travelers are advised to research the climate of a location and pack accordingly for both the destination and any intended activities. Keep in mind that winter in the Northern Hemisphere corresponds with summer in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. For more information, please visit the CDC resources on  or .

    Low latitudes and high altitudes contribute to an increase in sun exposure. Certain medications can make individuals more susceptible and sensitive to sunlight. It is recommended that travelers at increased risk for complications caused by sun exposure or exposure to the elements take precautions such as minimizing exposed skin or using sunscreen which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

    Please see the CDC resources on  to learn more.

  • Travelers to hot, humid locations are prime targets for insect bites. In order to reduce the risk of contracting vector-borne diseases, many of which do not have prophylactic medication for prevention, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of exposure.  The best steps for prevention include using insect repellent, covering up exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and keeping mosquitoes outside by utilizing window and door screens or mosquito nets when necessary.

    Please see the CDC resources on  to learn more.

  • Changes in normal routine including a new environment, diet or cultural norms can all have subtle or even noticeable impacts on an individual鈥檚 health.  Disorientation due to a new environment can challenge individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace new ways of thinking or doing, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. 

    For individuals needing assistance adjusting to a new environment, it can be good to reconnect with home and talk with loved ones. However, if you feel like you need or would like additional support, please feel free to contact CISI to arrange an appointment(s) with a mental health professional.

  • Students wishing to schedule a traveler鈥檚 health consultation can schedule an appointment with  at one of their locations on the Kennesaw or Marietta campuses.  There is no office visit fee at these locations.

    Due to a worldwide shortage of the Yellow Fever vaccination, travelers needing Yellow Fever vaccination will need to schedule a travel consultation at a Stamaril clinic.

    Additional health information:

Allergies

  • Travelers who suffer from environmental allergies should do additional research on the potential exposure to allergens in the destination country(ies) prior to travel. Air quality and pollution may be a major factor impacting quality of life in some regions and should be taken into consideration with those who have sensitivities to airborne pollutants.  Resources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and  among others can provide air-quality metrics for a variety of cities and countries around the world.

    Students on an education abroad program seeking specific and reasonable accommodations (e.g. transportation, housing) are advised to disclose this information in their education abroad program application or communicate this information to their program coordinator or travel providers to determine reasonable accommodations. Travelers who rely on specific items such as fragrance-free products or portable nebulizers should plan to pack them as access to such items may be limited in-country.

    During transit, travelers with severe allergies can and are encouraged to notify the airlines of any needs, however there are no standard requirements to which airline carriers must adhere. Travelers with specific concerns can take steps such as traveling with disinfectant wipes and packing any necessary medications in carry-on luggage. If traveling with an emergency epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is accessible and not stored in an overhead bin.

    In the event that a traveler has a severe allergy, it is highly recommended to carry a medical ID or  with information about the allergen written in the local language.  It is additionally a good idea to know how to verbally communicate your allergy in the local language, when possible.

    Be advised that allergists or specialists may be limited in your intended destination(s). Contact CISI directly to identify medical resources available to you.

    If you are traveling on an education abroad program, please be advised that most faculty and staff are not medically trained to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis nor administer epinephrine. Kennesaw State programs do not travel with medications, including EpiPens. However, making program leaders aware of your allergy as well as the specific signs and symptoms of your allergic reaction as well as if you use or carry specific medications can help them recognize and assist you in a medical emergency.

  • Travelers who suffer from food allergies or have dietary restrictions for medical reasons should do additional research on the potential exposure to allergens in the destination country(ies) prior to travel.

    Students on an education abroad program seeking specific and reasonable dietary accommodations are advised to disclose this information in their education abroad program application or communicate this information to their program coordinator or travel providers to determine reasonable accommodations. This is especially true if the food allergy may prompt a life-threatening reaction or require medical assistance.

    During transit, travelers with severe allergies can and are encouraged to notify the airlines of any needs, however there are no standard requirements to which airline carriers must adhere. Some airlines may offer special meals, avoid serving nuts or create a buffer zone.  Travelers with specific concerns can take steps such as traveling with non-perishable food to eat during the time abroad, keeping in mind that some countries have strict regulations on food items which are allowed to enter into the country. Be advised that similar products manufactured in other countries may not contain the exact same ingredients.

    Travelers should also pack any necessary medications in carry-on luggage. If traveling with an emergency epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is accessible and not stored in an overhead bin.

    In the event that a traveler has a severe or life-threatening allergy, it is highly recommended to carry a medical ID or  with information about the allergen written in the local language.  It is additionally a good idea to know how to verbally communicate your allergy in the local language, when possible.

    Be advised that allergists or specialists may be limited in your intended destination(s). Contact CISI directly to identify medical resources available to you.

    If you are traveling on an education abroad program, please be advised that most faculty and staff are not medically trained to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis nor administer epinephrine. Kennesaw State programs do not travel with medications, including EpiPens. However, making program leaders aware of your allergy as well as the specific signs and symptoms of your allergic reaction as well as if you use or carry specific medications can help them recognize and assist you in a medical emergency.

  • Researching the local cuisine as well as common food preparation and ingredients is a key step travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences should conduct in advance of travel. If you are a student traveling on a Kennesaw State University faculty-led education abroad experience, be sure to convey any significant dietary requirements, restrictions, preferences or allergens to your program coordinator early in the application process so that every effort may be made to accommodate your dietary needs.

    Travelers with specific concerns or dietary needs can take steps such as traveling with non-perishable food to eat during the time abroad, keeping in mind that some countries have strict regulations on food items which are allowed to enter into the country. Be advised that similar products manufactured in other countries may not contain the exact same ingredients.

    If your dietary restriction is related to a food allergen, please see Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions for more information on traveling abroad with a food allergy.

    Travelers with eating disorders are disordered eating are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider(s) to discuss their travel plans and itinerary, as well as research and review the role of food in the culture along with local diet and food preparation. Some accommodations and locations may not have the option for travelers to prepare their own meals. 

Pre-existing Conditions & Medications

  • The CISI supplemental international insurance does cover treatment of most pre-existing conditions. Please read the CISI policy for a list of covered expenses, provisions and exclusions. 

    Travelers who are actively managing a health condition necessitating access to routine or ongoing care, or specific medications or medical supplies in order to manage a pre-existing condition should research whether or not they will have access to the specialists or supplies sought while abroad. Contact CISI for questions regarding pre-arranging medical appointments or services, including availability of specialists in the destination, or for inquiries related to locating or transporting medical supplies.  It is encouraged that travelers managing pre-existing conditions carry or wear a form of medical identification with critical information in both English and the host country language during their travels.

    Travelers should proactively assess their personal health management plan prior to embarking on travel. Treatment or access to medical infrastructure for supporting certain health concerns may be limited in some locations. Participants on a Kennesaw State University education abroad program are highly encouraged to disclose information related to ongoing health management on the Medical Clearance Form. The information disclosed allows for determination of reasonable accommodations. 

  • Individuals traveling with any medications should research the legalities and availability of their medication(s) in their intended destination. Different countries enforce different limits on the amount of a given medication(s) entering the country. It is the responsibility of the traveler to conduct their own research ahead of travel.

    CISI is one resource that travelers may utilize ahead of departure for questions related to traveling with medications.  The host country鈥檚 Embassy or Consulate may also have additional information or forms to complete for importing specific quantities or kinds of medications.

     

    Prescription Medications:

    While traveling, medications should be kept in the original containers. While pharmacists abroad will not honor prescriptions written by a physician from the United States, travelers should also have a copy of the prescription along with a description of the medication and dosage information. It Is the responsibility of the traveler to research what, if any, additional documentation may be needed. 

    During a pre-travel consultation, travelers should consult with their medical provider regarding how to make necessary adjustments due to travel and time zone changes in order to maintain the usual dosage and pattern of taking medication while abroad.

    Medication should not be sent in advance. Instead, it should be packed in carry-on luggage for ease of access during transit, as well as in the event that checked bags are delayed for any reason.  In the event that medication needs to be replaced or a prescription filled while abroad, please be advised that you will first need to schedule a medical appointment to obtain a prescription written by a treating physician licensed in-country.  Contact CISI to schedule a routine medical appointment and to inquire about options for establishing direct pay or securing a guarantee of payment.

     

    Equivalencies:

    Some medications may be unavailable, limited in availability, or available in different dosages in your destination country. Prior to travel, it is recommended to research what the available equivalent medication is in-country rather than assume the medication will be available or known by the same name in another country. CISI is one resource that travelers may utilize ahead of departure for questions related to medical equivalents abroad.

     

    Medical Storage and Supplies:

    Students participating on an education abroad program requiring medical refrigeration or other storage accommodations should be disclosed to your program coordinator early in the process so that reasonable housing accommodations can be arranged.

    Travelers who are actively managing a health condition necessitating access to medical supplies and devices or periodic testing should research whether or not they will have access to said supplies while abroad. Contact CISI for questions regarding pre-arranging medical appointments or services, including availability of specialists in the destination, or for inquiries related to locating or transporting medical supplies.

Routine & Mental Healthcare Abroad

  • The CISI supplemental international insurance does cover treatment for the most commonly reported health issues such as gastrointestinal illnesses, dehydration, the common cold or flu, and minor injuries. Most of these cases constitute outpatient care with a local doctor, a local clinic or at the emergency room at the nearest hospital. It is encouraged to seek rather than defer care should you wish to consult a medical expert related to routine health concerns.

    To make an appointment for non-urgent or routine care, contact CISI to identify a local provider and inquire about the capacity for direct pay or to obtain a guarantee of payment.  See Using the Insurance for more information.

  • Changes in normal routine including a new environment, diet or cultural norms can all have subtle or even noticeable impacts on an individual鈥檚 health.  Disorientation due to a new environment can challenge individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace new ways of thinking or doing, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. 

    For individuals needing assistance adjusting to a new environment, it can be good to reconnect with home and talk with loved ones. However, if you feel like you need or would like additional support, please feel free to contact CISI to arrange an appointment(s) with a mental health professional. 

    If you are currently managing your mental health and are planning to travel abroad, discuss your plans with your current mental health professional.  Work with your provider to develop a plan to manage your mental health during your time abroad. Be sure that your health management plan includes considerations for continuing medical treatment or care abroad.  Once enrolled with CISI, the supplemental insurance will be an invaluable resource to source medical professionals, including mental health experts, in your intended destination.

    Listen to our Mental Healthcare Abroad webinar below to learn more.