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Health Insurance
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
While most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid programs, do not provide for payment of medical services outside the country, doctors and hospitals abroad often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties with health services and payment for those services.
That is why the University of Wisconsin System has mandated that all University of Wisconsin students studying/traveling abroad under a UW sponsored program must enroll in health insurance through
Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).
In addition, certain countries require that foreign students participating in study abroad programs purchase health insurance in their country; it is the students' responsibility to make sure that such a requirement is in effect for their study abroad program. Students can check with International Engineering staff if they are not sure.
CISI is designed for the University of Wisconsin System study abroad and international exchange programs.
Coverage duration varies by program location and term, but generally will start a day or two before the official program start date and terminate within a week or two of the program's conclusion.
Participants may extend their coverage (if the student continues to travel after the academic program ends) by contacting Cultural Insurance Services International at 203-399-5132 or by writing to CISI at River Plaza, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902-3788.
Please see the
World Class Coverage Plan brochure for additional information.
If you need a full-time enrollment letter in order to maintain your current health insurance coverage for your student, please contact the
Office of the Registrar.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CISI Health Insurance
- What are the terms of this insurance coverage?
This insurance provides a comprehensive package of medical benefits and emergency services specifically designed to address the risks associated with study abroad. The coverage is primary. Specific benefits include:
- Medical Expense (accident/sickness) — $100,000 per incident
- Deductible — Zero
- Accidental Death/dismemberment — $10,000
- Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains — $50,000
- Team Assist Plan (see below) — Included
- Emergency Family Reunion (see below) — $2,000
Other coverage includes nervous/mental coverage — $1,000 outpatient/$5,000 inpatient, maternity, 30-day extension of benefits, expenses resulting from alcohol and drugs, and pre-existing conditions up to a $500 limit.
The Team Assist Plan provides participants with assistance by telephone in the event that travel-related problems arise.
This service is available worldwide 24 hours a day at no extra charge to the participant.
The Assistance Provider will coordinate and answer all questions related to claims, medical assistance, travel assistance, and technical assistance.
The Emergency Family Reunion benefit provides one family member with coverage for travel to and lodging in the host country should the participant be hospitalized for at least seven days.
- Who is this insurance intended for?
This insurance program is intended for any current faculty, staff, or student participating in international education activities sponsored by University of Wisconsin System. A student is any person who is registered for study in any UW System institution for the current academic period.
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Am I required to purchase this insurance?
All University of Wisconsin students will be required to purchase this insurance when they participate in a university-sponsored international education experience outside the United States. The cost of the insurance is included in International Engineering fees. Faculty and staff are not required to purchase this insurance, but are encouraged to do so.
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Are dependents eligible for this coverage?
No.
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Does the insurance cover "Special students"?
Yes, all students who are currently enrolled at the time they engage in international education activities outside the United States are required to purchase this insurance.
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Are there any age restrictions associated with this coverage?
No, this insurance applies to all age groups.
- Does this policy provide coverage for acts of war or terrorism?
The insurance policy contains an exclusion for acts of war, when war has officially been declared. However, this insurance coverage applies even if the State Department issues a warning not to travel to a specific location. It will also cover injury resulting from acts of terrorism, such as treatment for anthrax.
- Can I get a refund if the trip is cancelled?
Yes, the company will refund the insurance fee if the trip is cancelled and will prorate the refund for insurance already paid if the trip is interrupted. All refunds for insurance are handled between CISI and the institution, not directly with trip participants. This policy does not provide coverage for trip cancellation or trip interruption. Since the insurance is included in the program fees, Engineering will handle the refund.
- How soon do I need to enroll in the insurance program in order to ensure coverage?
You will automatically be enrolled in the insurance program once you have accepted a space in a College of Engineering program.
- How do I get information on the levels and types of coverage?
You may obtain information on the health insurance program on the CISI website.
- What if I already have insurance for international travel?
This insurance is mandatory and will be your primary coverage. There is no option to waive the insurance coverage.
- What about programs that require students to buy insurance coverage through the host country? Can I get a waiver from the UW insurance requirement?
We are aware that some countries require the purchase of country insurance in order to secure an international student visa, and so purchase of the UW System policy may seem unnecessary.
However, there are some important differences between the two types of coverage.
Country insurance provides no benefit for medical evacuation and repatriation.
Country insurance is specific to the host country, and will not provide coverage for participants who travel to other countries while studying abroad.
For this reason, the UW System requirement will not be waived in these circumstances.
However, some foreign consulates may issue student visas without requiring purchase of the country insurance if the participant can provide proof of coverage under a valid group plan.
The sponsoring UW System institution and CISI will work with participants to provide proof of coverage letters for submission to consulates.
- How much insurance do I have to buy?
This insurance coverage is purchased in one-month increments, where month is defined as any 30-day period. Coverage begins and ends according to the dates requested by International Engineering at UW-Madison. If you wish to extend your coverage, please contact CISI directly.
- How much does the insurance cost?
The monthly premium rate is $31.
- How do I file a claim if something happens?
Individuals file claims directly with CISI. Prior to departure, all participants will receive an identification card and information explaining benefits under the program, including a claim form and instructions. Claims must be filed within 52 weeks of the reported incident, accident or illness.
All students should have adequate health insurance coverage for travel within, to and from their host country, and for visits to neighboring countries.
Physical Exams and Vaccinations
International Engineering does not require students to have a physical exam before going abroad. However, it may be required for certain countries/visas. We do recommend that participants schedule a visit with their medical provider to discuss any concern; mild physical or psychological disorders can become serious under the stresses of life while studying abroad. We also recommend dental check-ups and complete any necessary dental work before you go abroad.
We urge participants to consult with their physician about any inoculations they should have before leaving for the countries in which they will be studying or visiting. It is ultimately the participant's responsibility to have all necessary shots. Inoculations should be recorded and certified in the yellow "International Certificate of Vaccination" pamphlet. These pamphlets are available from the Post Office or from physicians.
Prescriptions
Students who take prescription medicine regularly or expect to take any while away should take a sufficient supply along for the time abroad. Insurance companies may ask for a letter, which certifies that the student will be studying overseas. The
Registrar's Office
will issue this letter if you need it.
Students should ask their doctor about the availability abroad of any prescription medicine they take regularly.
Even if the prescription is available, it may be simpler to take an adequate supply along for the period abroad (provided it is not perishable).
Be sure to keep all prescription medications in their original bottles to facilitate clearance through customs.
In many countries, participants will also need to carry a letter from their physician, stating why they need the prescription medication.
Other countries may require prior authorization for carrying medications into the country.
The site-specific handbook that students receive contains details and procedures.
Participants should also be sure to carry a copy of all current prescriptions, including that for eyeglasses.
All prescription medicines should be packed in carry-on luggage in case the checked baggage is lost or delayed.
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