Health, Safety & Insurance

EdAbroad requires all students who are studying abroad to complete the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation series. Students will be added to the Pre-Departure Orientation series when they apply to a study abroad program at WWU. 

Pre-Departure Steps to Complete:

• Review all the content in the pre-departure Canvas course.
• Attend both the mandatory pre-departure sessions in person:
  • Session 1: Mindful Travel: Navigating Culture & Identity Abroad
  • Session 2: Responsible Travel: Health, Safety & Security

Those participating in faculty-led programs or non-credit programs may be required to attend customized pre-departure sessions with their faculty leader and EdAbroad staff before departure. 

The WWU Education Abroad office encourages all students to consider studying abroad. Studying abroad can present students with exciting, life-enriching experiences while making progress toward completing your degree. 

One way to assure a safer study abroad experience is to learn more about how people who share your background experience life in your potential study abroad country. As you explore your study abroad options, you will want to consider aspects of your identity and begin your research. You might pose questions as you research online such as:

     “Is Chile accessible for wheelchair users?”

     “Safety tips for women traveling in Italy.” 

     “Can I use my GI Bill to study in the U.K.?” 

     “What’s it like to be _____ traveling/living in Japan?”  

Each host community’s socio-cultural context may present challenges and rewards. Being knowledgeable beforehand enables you to better adjust and adapt within your new environment. It also helps you make an informed decision about what risks you’re willing to take and where you’ll choose to study. 

The EdAbroad office has compiled resources for some groups of students who have asked for extra information regarding what they should consider before studying abroad. These categories and resources are not exhaustive but meant to be a starting point. 

• Athletes
• Disabled Students
• Studying Abroad with an Emotional Support Animal
• First Generation Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ+ Students Abroad
• Race & Ethnicity
• DACA & Undocumented Students
• Veterans Abroad

Studying or working abroad is extremely rewarding in many ways, but it can also be very stressful and may impact students' mental health. Students experience all sorts of new situations and emotions, and these experiences and situations can be really hard, exhausting, and emotionally taxing, especially when isolated from friends and family. Check in with yourself and remember that there is no wrong response to life abroad. Recognizing changes in your mental health and well-being, and knowing what resources are available to you, is a key part of a successful study abroad experience. 

Before departure, students should:

• Create a plan to navigate mental health challenges abroad that may include connecting with a therapist, exercise, journaling, meditation, getting involved in local activities to avoid isolation, and more healthy coping mechanisms that work for you.
• Understand counseling resources and prescriptions that are available in their host country. Some common prescription medications are illegal in other countries, so it's important to know what you can take with you. Plan to have enough medication for the direction of your program and pack it in your carry-on luggage. For more information, see the information on Vaccines, Health Considerations & Medications below.
• Bring items with you that are important for self-care, including but not limited to a journal, headphones, books, or running shoes.
• WWU Counseling and Wellness Center is available to you through your travel prep and upon your return.

When abroad, you can access mental health resources through your international health insurance policy. 

Title IX is a civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, in all educational programs. Western’s “Policy on Preventing and Responding to Sex Discrimination, Including Sexual Misconduct” applies to international programs. Title IX and Western’s Policy advocate for the protection of everyone from sexual violence, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, and race or ethnicity.

If you or a friend experience sexual harassment or sexual violence during an international program, please seek help. Reach out to your program director or host university to notify them of the situation and seek medical attention. You may also want to notify local authorities or utilize resources at WWU. Note, it is not always safe to contact the authorities in your host country. If you are in doubt, please seek advice before you do so.

WWU Resources: 

• Survivor Advocacy Services - A confidential survivor-centered and trauma-informed resource for Western students. Survivor Advocacy Services also offers training for faculty and staff.
• Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance - Investigates reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment involving two or more WWU students, faculty, or staff. Western employees must promptly report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.
• Supporting Friends Who Are Survivors - Survivors of dating abuse and sexual violence usually seek support from their friends, loved ones, and community first, before reaching out to formal support systems like an advocate or counselor. Each of us can play an important role in believing, validating, and supporting those who are closest to us. Use the information and resources offered here, at WWU, to best support your friends if they are not feeling safe in a relationship and/or experienced violence.
• Supporting Student Survivors - Faculty and staff members have a role to play. This guide can help you navigate those efforts and give you relevant resources for your students. 

Additional Resources: 

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) or chat at rainn.org
• Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services - Bellingham-based survivor resource

Research the cultural customs and the political landscape of your host country before you depart. Knowing what is happening locally can help ensure you stay safe and pick a program that will set you up for success. 

Some resources to get started include: 

• U.S. State Department
• British Foreign and Commonwealth Office

You should also note local laws that may be important for your time abroad. You are responsible for knowing and upholding the laws at your destination. 

Vaccinations & Health Considerations

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is a great place to start to consider steps you might want to take before studying abroad, as well as information specific to your destination. This includes recommendations on vaccines and medications you may need before departure, preventable diseases, and guidance on staying healthy abroad. We recommend that you are up to date on all routine immunizations before going abroad. 

Medications

• Document which medications you take and work with your health care provider to ensure you have ample access to those medications during the entire duration of your travel. Plan to bring enough medication to last the duration of your program. However, many countries do not allow you to bring more than a 3-month supply of medication. In such cases, you may need to contact the embassy or consulate to get approval for a larger supply, or you may need to find out if you can refill your medications at your destination.
• Research if your medications are legal and available in your destination.  
  • Medications that are legal and commonly prescribed in the US may be considered illegal and require additional prescriptions and authorizations to be allowed in the country (e.g., Adderall is illegal in Japan).
  • If you need help, contact the EdAbroad office. We can connect you with someone from our international health insurance provider who can help guide you.
• If your current medication is unavailable in your host country, consult your physician about switching to alternative medications and consider starting the new medication weeks to months before you depart to make sure it's effective. Switching medications while on a study abroad program is not a good time to experiment with such changes.
• Carry a letter from your physician explaining your diagnosis, treatment, and list of medications, as customs may scrutinize medication or you may need to get a prescription refilled abroad. Keep medication in the original containers showing your name, the instructions for use, and the name and dosage of the medication.

Register for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

From the Department of State website:

• The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.
• STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
• STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The Department of State also has a downloadable app for Apple and Android users.

Below are further resources from the U.S. Department of State:

• What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis
• Tips for Traveling Abroad
• Students Abroad

Your Travel Plan will assist the WWU Education Abroad Office to assist you / know you are safe in case of an emergency. Please confirm that you are enrolled in a Travel Plan and that it is correct before departure. 

1. Log in to the EdAbroad Portal
2. Click My Travel in the menu options on the left
3. Click My Plans
   1. If you are traveling on a Faculty Led Global Learning Program - you will be enrolled in a Group Plan. You do not need to do anything further.
   2. If you are traveling on a provider program or exchange, you need to create a Travel Plan.
4. To create a Travel Plan, click Register Travel
5. Click Register Solo Travel Plan
6. Enter Plan Name. It should read: Term, Year, Program Name, First and Last Name
7. Select Plan Type:
   *Select Study Abroad - if you are earning ANY credit during your time abroad. Almost everyone should select Study Abroad as their Plan Type.
   *Select Internship - if you are doing an internship
8. Enter Where you will be traveling. Note: If you are studying at multiple sites, please enter the City, Country and Start/End Dates for each destination. Examples include: CIEE Open Campus, SAI Shorts, and ISA/Worldstrides Intensive Months / Short-term Service Learning
9. Click Create Plan
10. You can add your flight information, activities and housing information in your Plan Itinerary
11. Click My Travel in the menu options on the left to access your Travel Plan

To Build your Itinerary

1. Complete the steps above and click Keep Going! Build My Itinerary
2. Click + Add Detail
3. Click Transportation, Housing, or Activity
4. Click Continue
5. Fill out required information and any additional info, as desired
6. Click Add

SafeCheck allows the EdAbroad office to contact you in case of an emergency. You can mark that you are safe or need assistance, and we will follow up accordingly. 

1. Log in to the EdAbroad Portal
2. Click My Travel in the menu options on the left
3. Click SafeCheck
4. Click Edit Phone Number
5. Add a valid mobile number
6. Click Enroll

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• Your destination’s local emergency services (911-equivalent): Find yours here
• Your destination’s nearest U.S. Embassy: Find yours here
• The numbers of your program director or in-country contacts

The US Department of State manages all our embassies and consulates abroad, and with the help of US security personnel on the ground in each country, the State Department rates the safety of each country on a Level 1 – 4 scale:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Level 4: Do Not Travel

WWU allows students to travel to Level 1 and 2 countries in accordance with POL-U20.11 Traveling Abroad for Educational Experiences. WWU student travel to a Level 3 or Level 4 country requires an approved petition. Please note that Level 3 is the threshold at which even the US government begins to evacuate some of its own diplomatic personnel and their dependents. Therefore, it is important to assess risk and take the necessary safety precautions prior to travel. 

Our goal is not to limit your academic experiences abroad, but help you think about how you will stay safe. We want you to think carefully about potential risk at your proposed destination and consider how you might be able to mitigate it. 

All petitions will be reviewed by the Director of Education Abroad, the Executive Director of the Global Engagement Office (GEO), the Director of Risk Management and the Provost. Please make sure to review the US State Department Travel Advisory for your destination(s) and write a rationale and risk management plan for travel.

If you need help, please contact EdAbroad@wwu.edu.

Are you a Faculty Member Traveling with Students?

If you are a faculty member traveling with students to a Level 3 or Level 4 country, you are required to submit a petition prior to travel. You can submit your petition on behalf of the group.  

Are you a Student Traveling on Their Own?

If you are student that wishes to travel to a Level 3 or Level 4 country as part of a study abroad program or co-curricular or extracurricular international travel experience, you must submit a petition on your own behalf. 

To Submit a Petition:

Complete and submit this esign form: Requesting Exception to Official Travel Warnings. 

You will be enrolled in international health insurance based on your program and the duration of your travel. See the Study Abroad Fees page for more details. 

International health insurance is included as part of your benefits for all official, work‑related WWU travel. This coverage applies only to approved WWU travel. You will receive full coverage information once your Travel Authorization is approved in Concur. Coverage also includes up to 15 days of Sojourn travel before or after your official work‑related travel dates.

Dependent Coverage

This coverage includes eligible dependents traveling with a faculty member, staff member, or other academic personnel. 

• Dependents must be traveling with the faculty or staff member and have the same travel dates.
• Dependents are eligible for sojourn coverage.
• Dependents are NOT eligible for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Any person for whom coverage is prohibited under applicable law will not be considered eligible for dependent coverage under this policy. In Washington State, dependents include spouses, domestic partners, and covered dependents under 26 years of age. 

The faculty or staff member traveling is responsible for:

• Registering their dependents for coverage
• Paying the required fees based on the program duration, based on the fee schedule for student travel
• Ensuring their own travel is approved in Concur before dependent coverage is added

To register dependent travel, contact the WWU Education Abroad office. Please include the full names of all dependents requiring coverage and your approved travel dates. If your dependent is not registered prior to travel through the Education Abroad office, they will NOT have international health insurance when abroad. 

It depends. Insurance costs vary based on the type of program and the length of travel. See our fee schedule online for details. 

Note, travel to British Columbia, Canada on a non-credit program under seven (7) days is free, but your travel must be registered with the EdAbroad office to be eligible. Faculty and staff travel is also included in their benefits for all eligible work-related travel registered with Travel Services. 

All official WWU travelers are enrolled in Cigna Global Health Benefits’ Medical Benefits Abroad (MBA) plan. This plan provides coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries that occur while abroad, as well as emergency evacuations due to severe situations such as natural disasters or security events.

See the full policy

Important Coverage Notes

• This coverage does not extend to any expenses incurred while you are in the United States pre/post-travel.
• You are advised to maintain your U.S. health insurance while you are abroad.

Reminder: If you do not complete the required pre‑departure steps, you will not be eligible for Cigna coverage.

• If you are traveling on personal holiday or travel that is not affiliated with WWU, you are not eligible for Cigna coverage. 

• If you are traveling abroad on an official WWU program or university business. It is also important to know what is not covered in your insurance plan. Exclusions include: 

  • Medication for pre-existing conditions. Please plan to bring enough medication with you for your entire time abroad

  • Loss arising from participation in professional sports, scuba diving, hang gliding, parachuting, skydiving, or bungee jumping

  • Elective medical care includes dental care, routine physical exams, and routine eye exams

  • Immunizations

  • Political or natural disaster evacuation may not be covered, if traveling to a US State Department level 3 or 4 country

In most cases, no. Students requesting a waiver must provide proof of medical, mental health, security, and evacuation coverage that is equal to or greater than WWU’s international insurance. Most policies do not meet these standards.

Do I qualify for an insurance waiver?

• If I have domestic U.S. health insurance — NO

Most U.S. health insurance plans do not include international coverage. Domestic plans from providers such as Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, or Kaiser are not sufficient to opt out of WWU travel insurance.

• If I have country‑specific insurance required for my visa — NO

Country specific insurance plans do not include benefits for repatriation or evacuation back to your home country and they often have considerably lower coverage limits. These plans are not eligible for a waiver.

• If I am traveling to my home country — NO

Even if your home country offers universal healthcare, these systems typically:

• Do not offer 24/7 emergency assistance abroad.
• Do not include medical or security evacuation. WWU’s international insurance ensures coverage in emergencies such as political unrest or natural disasters.

• If I am participating in a partner program, already have travel insurance, or have overseas military insurance — MAYBE (but unlikely)

Most standalone travel insurance policies do not meet WWU’s coverage requirements. However, if you are participating in an approved provider program, WWU has already vetted their insurance to ensure it meets minimum standards.

You may compare your plan against WWU’s coverage to determine whether a waiver might be possible.

I think I'm eligible for a waiver. How do I apply?

Insurance waiver requests must be submitted through the WWU EdAbroad portal. If you would like to request an insurance waiver, please contact the WWU EdAbroad office at EdAbroad@wwu.edu.

Students who register their travel with the WWU Education Abroad office and are enrolled in international health insurance coverage through WWU can access their insurance card, the Cigna Envoy portal to find a healthcare provider, get a Certificate of Coverage for their visa and more. Please use the instructions below to access information about your insurance coverage in the EdAbroad Portal. 

Credit-Bearing Study Abroad Programs: 

Please see the WWU Study Abroad Fees page to understand if this applies to you. 

1. Log-in to the EdAbroad Portal
2. Navigate to My Programs
3. Click Forms
4. Open the form titled Cigna Health Insurance Information

This will allow you to download your insurance card, locate health care providers if you get sick abroad (including mental health professionals), access telehealth resources, and more.

Non-Credit International Travel:

If you are participating in a non-credit international program (this includes travel to British Columbia, Canada), you are required to have international health insurance. Note: students pursuing any extracurricular international travel experience that is connected to WWU in some way must register travel with Education Abroad. For more information on non-credit travel and what you need to do before you go abroad, click here.

After you register your travel and complete all required steps, you will receive an email with your policy documents. Be sure to save a copy of your insurance card on your phone so it’s easily accessible in case of an emergency.

If you have questions or cannot locate your insurance information, please contact the Education Abroad office.

Staff & Faculty Members:

You will receive an automated email with instructions on how to log in to the Cigna Envoy portal when your Travel Authorization is approved in Concur to access your insurance card and policy information. 

1. Log in to the Cigna Envoy Portal  

• User Name: 10816AMBA
• Password: Cigna1

2. Navigate to Submit a Claim on the homepage

3. On this website, you need to provide:

• Details about your claim
• Completed claim form, including your name, date of birth, and group number
• Clinical notes including diagnosis, symptoms, and reasons for treatment/care
• Itemized Invoices
• Date(s) of service
• Provider Information including address
• Incurred country
• Travel dates
• Preferred payment method and currency
• Banking information (per payment method and currency – wire transfer and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) available)
• Scanned proof of payment/paid receipt information (attach file)
• Other coverage information (if applicable)
• Review the legal disclaimers and more

4. Make note of your claim submission number. This number will not be emailed to you, nor will it be available via Cigna Envoy once you exit the system. Most claims with all the information provided are processed within 15 business days (excluding weekends and United States (U.S.) holidays).*

5. Check on your claims status using your claim submission number and by calling the global customer service at +1 800-243-1348 or direct at +1 302-797-3535 (collect calls accepted). 

Please note: Allow a minimum of 48 hours after you have entered a claim into Cigna Envoy for it to show in the system for processing.

iNext Accident & Sickness Insurance - Ultimate Plan

Upgrades for International Travel Outside of Canada

*This is only a brief description of the coverage available. Please see your policy with restrictions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. 

How do I use my insurance or file a claim?

In most cases, you should be financially prepared to pay for healthcare services up front while abroad. You should simply go to the doctor of your choice, pay the doctor, and submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to save supporting documentation, such as original receipts, diagnosis, proof of travel, etc., to file a claim. In certain emergency situations, such as hospitalization, you can call International Medical Group (IMG) who can issue a guarantee of payment for up to $5,000 or help you arrange a doctor to visit. See your policy for more detailed information on what is included and how to file a claim, or visit the iNext website.