YFU Handbooks 2015 Family Handbook (Study Abroad) | Page 19

travelregistration.state.gov/ibr and register today. If your
child does not have host family information yet, s/he can
enter the YFU host country office address.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Medical and Dental Examinations. All year and semester
students are required to have a medical and dental
examination before they are enrolled in an exchange
program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(cdc.gov) and the US State Department “Students Abroad”
web page (studentsabroad.state.gov) both offer valuable
tips about international travel. Additional health related
information about your child’s host country is also available.
Prescriptions. If your child has a condition that requires
regular medication, s/he should bring enough of the
medication for the duration of the exchange program. Pack
it in the carry-on bag in case the checked luggage gets
lost. All medications must be in their original container
and clearly labeled. Additionally, ask the pharmacist if
refrigeration or other storage features are required for your
child’s medication and notify the YFU Study Abroad team if
so.
If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, have him/
her pack the prescription and an extra pair of eyeglasses
or contact lenses if possible. The cost of replacing lost or
broken eyeglasses may not be covered by your insurance
company.
Students should bring a copy of all of prescriptions and/
or a letter from the doctor listing the medications with a
full explanation of the dosage and usage. Having this in
writing is important in the event that customs officials ask
for information about the medicines upon entering the host
country. If your child needs to buy more medication once
abroad, a prescription will be necessary. Because names
vary from country to country, ask your child’s doctor for the

Latin name of the medicine. If your child will need continued
treatment of an existing condition while abroad have him/
her pack any necessary medical records.
If your child has allergies to certain medications, foods,
insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider
having him/her wear a “medical alert” bracelet and carry a
letter from the doctor explaining required treatment.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
It is very important that all YFU students are properly
insured before they begin their exchange. You should
begin by checking the terms of your child’s existing health
insurance policy, to see if s/he is covered while living
abroad. If your child is not covered while out of the country,
you may need to purchase additional health insurance.
Other types of insurance to consider are travel and accident
insurance.
YFU offers optional insurance if students are not covered
on their own plans. The registration information for this
insurance is sent out with your child's enrollment letter.
Directions on how to purchase insurance through YFU will be
sent closer to departure.
You should not remove your child from any current
insurance plans while s/he is abroad. Most travel insurance
plans provide secondary coverage to the primary health
insurance in force for the participant, and usually only
pay benefits for medical costs incurred outside the home
country. All participants should keep primary health
insurance in force for pre-existing conditions and for needed
continuing care in the home country for illness or injury
incurred on the YFU program.
Most former YFU students have found that their US health
insurance providers do cover medical expenses overseas.
However, your child will most likely need to pay for
treatments or prescriptions at the time of service and then
file a claim in order to be reimbursed later. Check with your
insurance provider directly to obtain information about
payment for services. It will also be important for your child
to take an insurance card and blank insurance claim forms
overseas.
If your child has a medical condition that might need
attention while on exchange, you should check with your
insurance carrier to see that the pre-existing condition
is covered. If it is not covered, paying for doctor visits or
medication related to the pre-existing condition will be your
family’s responsibility.

Study Abroad Family Handbook - 19