When preparing to study abroad, it is important to consider what kind of insurance coverage will protect you from potential major financial consequences should you have medical problems prior to departure or while abroad.  PLNU requires that all students studying abroad be insured while participating on a study abroad program.  Consider the following:

Insurance is your responsibility

Make sure your present medical insurance covers you outside of the U.S. Also check to see if your, or your parents’ homeowners’ policy, covers your baggage while traveling abroad.  In most cases the program fee does not include insurance.  If you would like additional coverage, especially for trip cancellation, you must enroll for this on your own.

How much risk are you willing to take regarding insurance?

PLNU issues an ISIC to each student participating in study abroad (with the exception of domestic programs or programs that include the ISIC as part of the program fee).  Basic health and accident insurance coverage is provided as a benefit to cardholders.  However, the ISIC covers only a small portion of expenses for major accidents or illness and should be viewed as supplemental and not primary insurance coverage.

      ISIC Coverage

$300,000   Emergency evacuation
$5,000       Accidental death & dismemberment – air
$1,000     Accidental death & dismemberment – other
$25,000     Repatriation of remains
$25,000     Accident medical expense, includes $500 emergency dental coverage
$500          Lost document replacement service
$165          Per day sickness/hospital benefit (up to 61 days)
$100          Baggage delay
$100          Travel delay
Free           Travel guard assistance

        Are you insured through PLNU?

Are you insured through parents, spouse, or other insurance?

Talk with your family and insurance agent to find out exactly what your coverage includes.

Will you need trip cancellation insurance?

This type of insurance protects you financially if you have to cancel or interrupt your study abroad program for medical reasons.  If you cancel from your study abroad program after the final cancellation deadline, you could be responsible for the entire program fee.  Cancellation insurance is rather expensive, but you might consider it.

Resources for travel insurance:

·        www.isoabroad.com

·        www.studyabroadinsurance.com

·        www.myisic.com

Suggested Questions for your insurance provider:

1. Does the plan include hospitalization coverage for accidents and illnesses while abroad?
2. What is the maximum amount of coverage provided?
3. Are there deductibles?  If so, what are they?
4. Will the plan include emergency room expenses?
5. What is the coverage for medical evacuation*?
6. In the event of death, what is the coverage for repatriation**?
7. What do you do under the plan if you have to pay cash up front and have no money?
8. Does the plan cover visits to the doctor or medication prescribed while abroad?
9. What are the procedures for filing a claim, and how long does it take to get reimbursed after filing?
10. If it is a trip cancellation plan, what are the guidelines regarding pre-existing conditions?
11. When does the plan begin and end?
12. Does the plan enable you to have continuous coverage before, during and after you go abroad?
13. Is the plan the primary or secondary carrier?  If secondary, when does the coverage begin?
14. Is there a booklet explaining coverage in detail?

 

*Emergency evacuation: returning to U.S. quickly in order to be given medical treatment for injury or illness in necessary.

**Repatriation of remains: return of bodily remains after death to country of origin.