Travel Health & Safety

We strongly recommend that all students who study abroad visit a health care professional before departure. Ideally, this should be done 4-6 weeks before departure so immunizations have time to take effect.

Student Health Services (Morgan Hall 140) offers travel health consults free of charge. Before making your appointment for a travel consult, you are requested to do the following: 

1. Obtain a copy of your full immunization records.  Information on how and where to get your records may be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. It is very important that you take your immunization record with you to discuss with the health care provider.
    
2. Download current information from the CDC website about the country/countries you will be traveling to and read it before going to the consult. It is very important that you take the CDC information with you to discuss with the health care provider.
    
3. Watch this brief video before your Travel Consultation:
   • "WU Student Health  - Health & Safety Information"

• World Health Organization - Travel Advice
• US State Department International - Travel Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Vaccines, Medicines &  Advice
• USA.gov - International Travel Issues for Americans
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

If you will be participating in a program that requires a health form as part of the application process, or if you will need a health exam in order to apply for a visa to a certain country, you are requested to schedule one appointment and bring the necessary forms.

If you choose to visit your own health care provider, we recommend you still follow the steps listed above, as not all health care providers have experience with travel health consultations.

NOTE – While WU Student Health Services can offer some of the needed immunizations, the Shawnee Country Health Agency also provides travel immunizations on a walk-in basis on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  If you are traveling to a country that requires a yellow fever vaccine, you will need to schedule a travel immunization appointment at the Shawnee Country Health Agency.  Visit their website for office hours and contact information.  Fees vary based on services.  It is very important that you take your immunization record with you to discuss with the health care provider.

Prescription medications

While you’re abroad is not the time to suddenly realize you ran out of your prescription! If you have a condition that requires regular medication, bring an extra quantity with you and pack it in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage gets lost. Just remember to keep it in its original container and clearly labeled — you don’t want to create the impression you’re carrying drugs which haven’t been prescribed to you. In fact, you should check with the local embassy to make sure that your medication is acceptable to carry into the country. Some countries may consider your prescription medication to be illegal. Bring a letter from your doctor listing your medications and explaining why you need them. Doing your research and having a letter can help prevent any misunderstandings along the way.

Make arrangements with your family doctor and insurance company so that you will have the necessary supply of your medication. Check with the airline and your host country’s Embassy or Consulate for specific restrictions about bringing medications into the country.

Vaccinations for foreign travel

How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important vaccinations including routine, recommended and required.

The following are sources of information about whether or not you need any vaccinations or preventive medications to enter your host country:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a list of recommended vaccinations for other countries
• Your family doctor
• Washburn University Student Health Services 785-670-1029
• The host country's Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.

No vaccinations are required to return to the U.S., but after returning, you might want to consult your family doctor for a general examination.

AIG WorldRisk & Travel Guard information

• WU AIG WorldRisk Insurance Brochure
• WU AIG WorldRisk Insurance Policy

Please note that this is NOT Health Insurance. It is important that you check with your insurance carrier to make sure your health insurance coverage will apply while in another country.  Expenses incurred upon return to the territorial limits of the insured person’s country of domicile or home country of residence are not covered by this policy.  Also note it is NOT Trip Cancellation Insurance.  If you require trip cancellation coverage it can be purchased through online services or a travel agent.

Eligibility

WU employees must complete the International Travel Registry. Visit the faculty and staff page for more information.
WU study abroad students and approved participants must complete the AlertTraveler Registration process through their WU Study Abroad Portal.

Filing a Claim for Reimbursement

AIG Travel can be reached collect at + 1 (817) 826-7008
Email: WorldRiskClaimsReporting@aig.com
Web: https://www.aig.com/wsclaimsreporting
U.S. or Canada toll free:
1-800-401-2678 or 1-888-873-8394
Insured Organization: WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA
Policy Number: WS11015544
 
To initiate a claim you will call and provide some basic information, you will receive a claim number and a representative will contact you to proceed with processing the claim.  There is a $500 deductible on the policy. If the claim is above $500 you may process a claim for reimbursement. If the claim is below $500 it is not eligible for reimbursement. In this case, you would work with your regular insurance company to request reimbursement.

If you receive accessibility accommodations or have disability-related needs, planning ahead can help you have a successful study abroad experience. Accessibility standards and available accommodations vary by country and program, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply outside the United States.

Before choosing a program, talk with your Study Abroad advisor about any accessibility needs or concerns you may have. You should also connect with Washburn’s Student Accessibility Services as early as possible to discuss your accommodations and what support may be available while you are abroad. Working with both offices early can help you identify a program that fits your needs and prepare for your experience.