Health and Safety

Depending on your host country, you may want to consider certain immunizations before you leave. To learn about recommended, or even required, immunizations, please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for travelers. Here you can read about an array of health issues related to all regions of the world. Print this information out, and take it with you when you meet with your doctor to complete your Study Abroad Student Health form. Please discuss this information with your doctor and when completing the health form.

If you are taking medications, make sure that you know what you are taking. Have your doctor provide you with an explanation of your prescription, especially if you know you will need to fill it abroad. You cannot mail medication internationally. Customs officers will confiscate it. Follow the same procedures for any other type of treatments you may be undergoing. If you know you will need to see a doctor abroad for a specific reason, bring as much documentation about your condition as possible. Depending on the seriousness of you condition, you may want to bring it to the attention of the Global Education Office well before you leave so that we can help you locate a doctor abroad in advance.

Even when you are abroad, you are expected to follow the SUNY Plattsburgh Student Code of Conduct. The best way you can ensure your own safety is to conduct yourself as a diplomat. Think, talk, act, and dress conservatively. Give yourself time to settle in and meet good people. And certainly, stay away from drugs, disorderly conduct and drink responsibly if you are of legal age. You do not want to find yourself charged with a crime in another country.

In light of recent events, terrorism does need to be taken into account when studying in another country. It is always important to check travel.state.gov for alerts for your host country or any other country you are traveling to. If an attack does take place abroad, our office will take quick action to check in with students to make sure they are safe.

Unfortunately, there are no parts of the world that are untouched by crime. Just as in the U.S., how safe you are abroad will largely depend on the personal decisions you make. To make sure you are thinking about your own safety, all host institutions conduct an arrival orientation where they cover general health and safety specific to their regions. The Global Education Office also conducts a general pre-departure orientation each semester where we cover basic safety information, and other topics. If you are not a SUNY Plattsburgh student, contact your home campus’ study abroad office to see when they conduct their orientation.

With permission of University of Michigan’s Global Engagement Office, we have included their Travel Health Preparation Guide with slight modifications. This is a valuable resource for you to review, even before deciding on a study abroad program. Please let us know if you have any questions about the information listed. Please also make sure to consider this guide when filling out your Study Abroad Student Health Form after you are accepted on a program.

Travel Health Preparation Guide

This guide is designed to help you identify and plan for your health and well-being during travel, with a particular focus on how health conditions or disabilities that are managed in the U.S. health-care context may change or be more challenging in an off-campus or international setting.

Whether you are traveling domestically or abroad, answering the questions in this guide will assist you in proactively addressing potential health challenges such as securing appropriate on-site treatment services, obtaining prescription and over-the-counter medications, understanding controlled substance regulations from state to state or in foreign countries, researching customs requirements for medications and/or medical devices, and preparing for emergencies.

Student Instructions

• Answer the questions within this guide.
• Research strategies to manage your health in your specific travel destination/s.
• Consult with your current psychological and/or physical health care provider or the Student Health and Counseling Center. If needed, work together to develop a self-care plan for your off-campus experience.
• Keep an electronic or printed copy of your completed guide with you during travel for easy reference. Disclose health conditions to a study abroad advisor, onsite staff member, or program leader (if applicable) if it will make you feel safer or help you in case of emergency. Common examples include sharing information about emergency medications or life-threatening allergic reactions.

What is a self-care plan?

A self-care plan is a set of strategies to manage your health and wellbeing and to minimize the potential that health issues become a barrier to your learning experience. The self-care plan helps you catalog, reflect upon, and plan for your physical and psychological health needs. This is especially important while living and working in a foreign environment, where available resources or stressors may differ.

Consider the following questions about your health and well-being:

1. Everyone is impacted by travel. In terms of your emotional wellbeing, these questions can help you prepare: What are you expecting to do during your trip? What are you expecting to learn and how might the travel experience change you? What are you most excited about? What are you most anxious/fearful about? What experiences may be most challenging for you (e.g., culture, interpersonal situations, etc.)?

2. Physical Health. Are you currently being treated, or have you been treated for a serious physical health condition injury or disease within the last five years? If yes, what do you do in the U.S. to care for these conditions (e.g., medication, seeing a health professional, personal networks, other strategies)? Do you need a prescription for medications that you might take during a flare and will you be able to replicate this treatment while traveling?

3. Physical Health Needs During Travel. What do you need in order to successfully manage your physical health conditions during your travel experience? What concrete steps will you take to address these needs? Do you need to consult with a health care professional or take medications at your destination?

4. Mental Health. Are you currently being treated, or have you been treated during the last 5 years for a mental health condition (e.g., addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorder, a condition related to loss or grief)? If yes, what do you do on campus to care for these conditions (e.g. medication, seeing a health professional, personal networks, other strategies)?

5. Mental Health Needs During Travel. What do you need in order to successfully manage your mental health and wellbeing during your travel experience? What concrete steps will you take to address these needs? Do you need to consult with a mental health professional at your destination? How would this condition be treated during an acute flair and will you be able to replicate this treatment while traveling?

6. Allergies. Do you have any drug, food, or other allergies (e.g., medications, nuts, shellfish, bee stings, wool, etc.)? If yes, what are your reactions if exposed? How likely will it be to encounter these allergies in your host location? What steps will you take to minimize the risk of exposure and/or plan for treatment?

7. Dietary Needs. Make a list of any dietary restrictions you may have (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, kosher, no pork, etc.). How will you accommodate these restrictions during travel? Will your main sources of nutrition be available in your host location? Are there any items you should plan to carry with you?

8. Medications. Make a list of any prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking (e.g., birth control, insulin for diabetes, Claritin for outdoor allergies). Next indicate which ones you will need during travel and in what amounts. Are these medications available in your host location/country? Are there any legal restrictions? What are the translations for each medication in your destination language and local brand name?

For international travelers, the following resources can assist you in determining the legality or availability of your medications abroad:

• Contact a GeoBlue advisor to determine if a particular medication is available in the destination/s. Please note that it is possible that a medication is available in a country, but it may be illegal to bring the medication through customs. Also, travelers will need their Certificate Number (this will be given to you after you are accepted on a study abroad program) when calling an advisor. The number for GeoBlue is: +1-844-268-2686 (toll-free inside the U.S.) and +1-610-263-2847 (outside the U.S.)
• Search for your medications on the GeoBlue Students Drug Equivalents Guide here.
• Call the Embassy or consulate of each country you will be visiting to determine if your medications can be safely brought into the country.

9. Immunizations and Prophylaxis. Do you have the following?

• Copy of your own immunization record to carry in case of health emergency.
• List of required and recommended immunizations and prophylaxis for your host location(s). For general recommendations, look up your destination(s) on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Website.
• If you do not have these items, how will you locate them and arrange for any boosters or new immunizations needed prior to departure?

10. Language. Are you traveling to a destination where English is not the primary language? Do you speak the local language? If not, what strategies will you use to explain your health care needs? If needed, have you identified health care facilities where English-speaking professionals are available? Note: Medical facilities affiliated with GeoBlue that have English-speaking staff are listed on their website.

11. Accommodations. Do you have any conditions that may require special accommodations during travel (e.g., mobility or physical activity restrictions, learning disabilities, hearing or visual loss, etc.)?
If yes, what accommodations or support services do you receive on campus? Will these accommodations be needed during travel? Are they available in your host location? What steps will you take to research your options?

Health Care Provider Information

Having this information in one place can be helpful when seeking health care or emergency care during travel.

• Health Care Provider Name. List the name of your regular health care provider (personal physician, group practice, etc.).
• Health Care Provider Office Contact Information. List the office phone number and email address for your regular health care provider.
• Health Care Provider Emergency Contact. List the after-hours emergency number for your health care provider.

Additional Planning Questions

• What are your greatest challenges in taking care of your health on campus?
• What do you anticipate will be the most challenging aspect of taking care of your health while traveling?
• What questions do you still need to research about your particular travel health care needs?
• Are there any particular psychological or physical health concerns that are so serious that you may not be able to manage them during travel? If so, is it better to:
  • Travel to another destination for another experience where you will be better able to manage your health and wellbeing.
  • Postpone your travel to another time when you are better able to manage your health and wellbeing.
  • Implement strategies and utilize on-site resources that will better enable you to manage your health and wellbeing at your intended destination.
• To better manage your health while traveling, who should you disclose your health information to? Your study abroad advisor, a classmate, a program leader, on-site staff at your destination, or others?

 

Health Insurance

All students are automatically enrolled and billed for a SUNY international health insurance policy through GeoBlue. This is an extremely comprehensive plan that includes the following:

• 100% Coverage for illness and injury up to a maximum of $400,000 per illness or injury
• Medical Evacuation up to $1,000,000
• Repatriation of remains up to $50,000
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit of up to $10,000
• Maternity Care
• Outpatient prescription drugs including oral contraceptives and devices
• Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Care
• Bedside Visit Benefit of up to $5,000
• Medical treatment received in the Home Country, if NOT covered by Other Plan up to $5,000

Global Health and Safety Services

GeoBlue’s Global Health and Safety service maintains a 24/7 call center to assist you with everything from routine requests to complex medical situations. They coordinate emergency services with a worldwide network of Regional Physician Advisors. Their services include:

• Pre-trip planning for chronic conditions
• Insight on the local healthcare system
• Direct pay for medical care
• Prescription transfer information
• Support in a crisis (emergency medical evacuations, bedside visits, etc.)

How to Register on the GeoBlue Students Website

Upon enrollment by our office, you will receive an email from [email protected]. This email will contain the information you need to complete your registration.

Get started by registering:

Visit GeoBlue Students and click “LOG IN OR REGISTER.”
Be sure to have your Certificate Number available: 555222111.
You can now take advantage of services, such as:

• Print your ID card
• View your member guide
• Review your plan benefits
• Locate carefully selected, trusted providers and hospitals.

Parents can also consult the Parents/Guardians page for information about what the plan covers.

If you are traveling with a medical condition, it is important to plan ahead

If you have a medical condition, particularly one that requires regular treatment or medication, please contact GeoBlue’s Global Health and Safety team prior to your departure. They will provide the resources you need to manage your health while you’re away. Their pre-trip planning services include:

• Support finding appropriate care — They will locate a provider in your destination and help you coordinate the care you need.
• Assistance locating prescription medication — They will determine if you can take your medication with you, if it is available in your destination, or if shipping is an option.

For 24/7 assistance from the Global Health and Safety team:
1-610-254-8771 call collect from outside the U.S.
1-800-257-4823 call toll free from inside the U.S.
Email [email protected]

For customer service for members:
1-844-268-2686 (From inside the U.S.)
+1-610-263-2847 (From outside the U.S.)

Travel Insurance
It is important that you consider enrolling in travel insurance during your flight over to your host country and while you are traveling abroad. Most airlines provide the option to purchase travel insurance when you are booking your ticket. You can also consult sites such as Allianz Global Assistance or Insuremytrip to purchase travel insurance and to read about the benefits.

In the event if an attack or natural disaster occurs while you are abroad, it is important that you know what resources are available to you. One recommendation is that you register your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad. STEP allows you to enter information about trips abroad so that the Department of State, via the embassy and consulate, can better assist you in an emergency by providing important safety and security information. You can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel alerts and other information for a particular country.

To enroll, visit https://step.state.gov/step/ It only takes a few minutes to create an account and register your trip.

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP

• Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
• Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

How can the embassy or consulate assist me while I am abroad?

Consular officers assist U.S. citizens and nationals who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. They can provide the names of local attorneys and doctors, provide loans to destitute Americans, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad. In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area. Visit the website of the closest embassy or consulate for more information.

If I don’t enroll, but I need assistance while I am traveling, will the embassy still help me?
Yes, but they will not be able to proactively contact you if the embassy or consulate has important information about safety or security conditions in the area you are traveling. If there is a crisis or an emergency, it is much easier for them to assist travelers who have previously enrolled their trip information with STEP.

Privacy

Information you provide the U.S. Department of State is protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a). This means that the Department of State will not disclose your info or email to any third parties unless you have given them written authorization to do so, or unless the disclosure is otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act. They will not share your email or personal information and will only contact you as part of this STEP enrollment. You may update your country alerts or enrollment preferences at any time via the mobile website or the STEP link at https://step.state.gov/step/.

PASSPORT DAY: SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
The United States Post Office (USPS) in Plattsburgh is hosting a Passport Day on Friday, September 29^thfrom 10 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Alumni Room, Angell College Center at SUNY Plattsburgh. This opportunity to apply for a passport is open to students, faculty, and staff, along with any friends or family of the Plattsburgh community.

The USPS staff has requested that anyone planning to attend please RSVP so that they may send the appropriate number of staff in order to reduce wait times. Those that do not RSVP will be accommodated as soon as possible, but the wait time may be longer. To RSVP please call the USPS Plattsburgh office at 518-563-1450.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Here you will find USPS Passport Day Info.pdf on what to bring, which includes completed (but not signed) passport application DS-11, proof of citizenship (original birth certificate), photo ID (such as driver’s license), front and back photo copy of your proof of citizenship and ID, as well as checks or money orders to pay fees ($110 passport fee and $25 processing fee for passport book). The Global Education Office (Kehoe 210) has form DS-11 available at the front desk. You can also get it online at: travel.state.gov.
2. Here you will also find a Vital Records List.pdf by state for those that need to access their original birth certificate.
3. USPS will take passport photos during your appointment for a $15 fee. If you bring your own photos, please be sure they meet the requirements online at travel.state.gov.
4. Those seeking to RENEW a passport may have their documentation reviewed and photos taken (for the $15 fee) on the 29th, but will still need to visit the local post office or shipping carrier to mail the documents. Please note that renewals require form DS-82, which is available at travel.state.gov.
5. Questions should be directed to the USPS Plattsburgh office at 518-563-1450.

How to Apply for a Passport
If you do not yet have a passport or you need to renew your passport, it is important that you apply as soon as possible. The processing time can sometimes take up to two months. Please consult the USPS Passport page for detailed application information. You should consult this Passport Fees page to determine how much you will be expected to pay for your new passport. You will also need to complete an application for your new passport. You will need to provide proof of citizenship/identification as well as a 2" by 2" color passport photo. You will then need to submit your materials at an acceptance facility or passport agency. Post Offices may have limited hours for passport services an you can use this location search to find the nearest Post Office that offers passport services.

Lost or Stolen Passport
If you loose your passport or it is stolen, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. Before departing, make a copy of their passport and leave it with their parents and take a copy with them abroad in case a situation like this arises. When you apply for your study abroad program, we will have a copy of your passport on file as well, so you can always reach out to us for a copy if you need it. Please consult travel.state.gov for additional information.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should:

• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance.
• Ask to speak to the Consular Section to report your lost or stolen passport
• If you have been the victim of a serious crime, report it to the consular officer
• Provide consular staff with details of your travel

Get or bring the required documents:

• A passport photo (if possible, bring this with you when you go abroad)
• Identification
• Evidence of citizenship
• DS-11 Application for Passport
• DS-64 Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport

File a police report.

• A police report is not mandatory, but it can help confirm the circumstances of loss or theft.

While you are abroad, make sure to carry the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate both in English and the local language in case you are the victim of a crime. Also make sure that you know the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility. Always be aware of your surroundings and travel in groups. Keep emergency phone numbers with you at all times, including the numbers for local staff.

What should you do if you are a victim of a crime?

• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate or consular agency for assistance
• Officials can assist you with:
  • Contacting family and friends
  • Obtaining appropriate medical care
  • Addressing emergencies
  • Emergency assistance is available 24/7
• Contact the local police
  • Don’t forget to request a copy of the police report
• Inform your host university of the situation

Additional resources for Sexual Assault and Harassment
SASHAA (Sexual Assault Support and Help for Americans Abroad) is a very valuable resource specifically for students who are abroad. There is contact information for a crisis center that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can either call the international toll-free crisis line, send an email, or message an advocate through live chat.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Title IX page provides information on your rights in regards to sex and gender discrimination and violence. Contact information for Title IX.