Insurance

An important, but often overlooked, part of the study abroad program is arranging for health insurance coverage. Many students assume that the health coverage they have in the U.S., whether under their parents' plan or their own, will cover them overseas as well. This is often not the case, as many policies have strict coverage limitations, only cover medical emergencies abroad, or require that a student cover all costs abroad and then try to get reimbursed after returning from abroad. The International Study Program Office requires that all participants on University of Notre Dame study abroad programs provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage prior to attending their program. We recommend that you review the following issues with your parents and with your parents’ insurance provider and, if necessary, enroll in an insurance plan designed for Americans living or traveling overseas. After you have made your insurance coverage decision, remember to complete and return the mandatory Insurance Statement to the International Study Program Office.

EXISTING INSURANCE POLICY
It is your responsibility to make sure your current policy covers claims outside the United States. Your policy must be in effect for the entire period you are overseas. If you cannot answer the following questions, consult your written insurance policy or call the customer service department of your insurance company.

You should be aware that many insurance policies require that you pay your medical bills yourself at the time of treatment and submit a claim for reimbursement. In order to make a claim while abroad, always carry a wallet-size ID card with your name, insurance company, contact information and policy number with you. If possible, obtain a list of your company’s agents abroad, and carry one or two claim forms with you. Make sure you know the procedures for making a claim from abroad.

Most foreign hospitals and clinics abroad cannot bill your insurance company directly. They require payment in cash at the time of treatment. In case of emergency, you should have access to a credit card or an ATM card in order to pay for your treatment. You should always obtain a receipt for the medical services performed and for the amount paid.

STUDY ABROAD INSURANCE COMPANIES
If you are in need of an insurance policy to cover you while overseas, the University of Notre Dame has contracted with HTH Worldwide Insurance Services to provide an Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan for Study Abroad Students. For more information on this plan, visit HTH's website at www.hthstudents.com, Access Code BGP-1982, or pick up a brochure from the ISP Office. The HTH Plan is just one of several plans written to meet the particular health insurance needs of study abroad students. If you purchase one of these plans, you should still maintain your current health insurance policy. This is due to the fact that these travel insurance plans are only valid for the period of time spent outside the United States. If continuous coverage at home is not maintained, any accidents or illnesses abroad could be considered as pre-existing conditions, and render it more difficult to obtain affordable coverage back home after studying abroad.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an option for all study abroad participants. This card provides life insurance coverage, some supplemental accident coverage, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains in addition to travel and touring discounts worldwide. Please note that the coverage offered thorough the ISIC insurance plan is very limited and does not fulfill the ISP health insurance coverage requirement. You will need to carry additional coverage (as outlined above) during your travels abroad.