All education abroad students are required to complete Pre-departure Orientation, a large portion of which is dedicated to health and safety. Additional health and safety information and resources can be found in the UNCW Education Abroad Handbook.
International Health Insurance
All students participating in UNCW’s education abroad programs are automatically enrolled in comprehensive international health insurance through GeoBlue for the duration of their academic program. This insurance is mandatory for all participants and provides comprehensive medical and mental health coverage as well as political unrest and natural disaster benefits. Once enrolled, students have access to GeoBlue Students, which provides extensive information about the insurance program and its benefits.
Students may elect to extend coverage or enroll for additional days beyond the length of their program for an additional fee. In addition to GeoBlue, students may decide to continue their own personal health insurance policy to avoid gaps in domestic coverage.
Additionally, some host countries (e.g. Australia, Germany, New Zealand, etc.) or universities require visiting students to obtain additional medical insurance. In such cases, students will not be exempt from GeoBlue enrollment and will be required to carry both policies. GeoBlue also has a website specifically designed for parents available.
Health, Immunizations and Medications
Your pre-departure preparations should include a plan to address pre-existing health conditions, including mental health concerns. It is never too early to utilize campus resources in planning for a successful experience abroad. Below are a few resources to assist in this process.
Mental Health Resources
The UNCW Counseling Center is available (pre-departure) to assist in developing a plan to manage your mental health while abroad. The UNCW Education Abroad Handbook has some great considerations for creating a workable plan and managing stress in the Mental Health section as well.
Additionally, when you receive your insurance enrollment confirmation from the Office of Education Abroad, you can login to GeoBlue Students to explore physicians/counselors at your host destination or review the availability of your medications abroad. This can be a great tool to plan ahead and manage health concerns even before arrival. You can contact GeoBlue with questions and guidance at (800) 257-4823.
Immunizations and Medications
The UNCW Student Health Center can provide wellness examinations, T.B. testing, immunizations, and prescriptions needed during travel.
The New Hanover Health Department is available for medical advisement on which immunizations or vaccinations are needed during travel, and can provide a full-range of vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) also have excellent information regarding recommended immunizations and health, safety and security conditions around the world.
Disability Accommodations
It is important to communicate any need for accommodations with your education abroad advisor and host program when choosing a program and prior to departure.
The TSA also provides a Disability Notification Card for Air Travel. This is a notification template to discreetly provide information about medical conditions or disabilities to Transport Security Officers at airports. The U.S. Department of State has some very helpful related travel advice and information.
