Health & Travel Resources

Health & Safety are very important matters to consider, regardless of whether students are studying here in Texas or overseas on a study abroad program. Here are some things to consider, with regards to health & safety abroad: 

Health Check-Ups

Before students go abroad, it's recommended that students get a health or wellness check-up at least 6-8 weeks prior to their scheduled departure. This will help ensure that students are aware of any existing or newly found medical conditions and can establish necessary treatment options prior to going abroad. 

Students should notify their primary care doctor or health provider to notify them of the student's intended international travel. The primary care doctor can assist with establishing any necessary health care plans or prescription information (if applicable) for students going abroad. 

If students are also receiving routine dental care, it's also recommended that they schedule an appointment to get any necessary dental care completed prior to departure. 

Vaccinations and Medications

Most universities and programs will require that students have basic immunizations completed; however, for travel purposes, there may be additional vaccinations required depending on the student's intended country of study. 

For a list of possible vaccinations that may be required for your country of travel, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider, or you can visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health website. You can also find internationally related health topics via the World Health Organization website. 

Traveling with health conditions or medications? You may want to check the U.S. State Department's Your Health Abroad website for other tips and reminders as you prepare for your program abroad. 

 COVID Vaccinations Required?

At this time, the university is not requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID in order to participate in studying abroad; however, we do strongly urge all individuals who are eligible, who may not have underlying health risks, to get vaccinated if possible.

Students participating in programs offered through an affiliate or provider may be required to be vaccinated in order to participate on their sponsored programs. In these cases, students will need to adhere to the provider programs terms and conditions in order to remain eligible to participate on their program. 

Students may need to check with specific country travel information to see if the COVID vaccination will be required for entry or travel. You can find more country-specific information by visiting the U.S. Department of State's Country Information website, or, by visiting the U.S. Consulate/U.S. Embassy website for the specific country they will be studying in; i.e., U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany).    

International Health Insurance

The TAMU System requires that all students traveling on a study abroad program be covered under the university's mandatory international health insurance plan administered by CISI Insurance. Students who are participate on an exchange program, faculty-led program will be automatically enrolled for this insurance program for the duration of their intended program dates. For more information regarding the CISI Insurance Coverage, please click on the following link below: 

• CISI Policy

Note: Students participating in an TAMU-CC Affiliate/Provider Program that offers international health insurance coverage as part of their program amenities may be exempt from the TAMUS system's mandatory enrollment in CISI insurance coverage. Students should check with their provider programs to ensure that they are provided with comprehensive international health insurance coverage that includes repatriation and emergency evacuation coverage. If the policy does not include that coverage, students may have to be enrolled in concurrent CISI coverage for the duration of their study abroad program.

Here are some important links to help you have a success and safe travel experience as you study abroad. It is vital for you to register with STEP to receive updates about your host country, be aware of your passport expiration, review information about traveling abroad, and take measure to stay safe. 

• Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for U.S. Passport holders and Permanent Residents
• U.S. Passport Information (How to Apply and Renew)
• Know Before You Go
• International Travel/Country Information
• While Abroad