Yes. For many reasons, all students traveling internationally must have international health insurance. If you are traveling on a University of Colorado Denver Global Study program, international health insurance is included in your program fee.
If you are studying with a third party provider, e.g. you pay a fee to an approved outside vendor to study abroad, intern abroad or for an international clinical or research experience, then you must confirm that they provide international health insurance policy. If the provider does not include international health insurance or, see below.
If you are traveling independently, university risk management insists that you take out international health insurance with emergency medical evacuation. You may do so through the university’s provider, HTH Worldwide (for 2009 – 2010) tel. 866.780.3824. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) also includes a basic international health insurance.
Look carefully at the prospectus. What is covered and what is excluded? To what extent are pre-existing conditions covered? What if any of your current prescriptions will be covered? What is the policy maximum? Will you be covered if alcohol is involved? At the core of any international policy are emergency evacuation services. What is the coverage level? We suggest a minimum of $75,000, but medical evacuations can cost more than this. In the event that you are hospitalized, will the policy cover a visit by an immediate family member? Does the policy cover repatriation of mortal remains in the event of an extreme tragedy? These are difficult things to think about, but it is best to be prepared.
International Travel policies cover a wide range of items, often with many exceptions. This type of policy is a matter of personal choice. Some policies cover “trip” cancellation, but not cancellation of study abroad programs. Some policies provide limited coverage for theft with notable exceptions such as cash, laptops and cameras. These non-travel items may be covered by your renter’s insurance policy, or a homeowner’s policy. Check the deductions and maximums.
Students participating in CU Denver Global Study programs will have international health insurance through HTH, please see brochure to the left. Students not participating in CU Denver Global Study programs may also purchase the HTH policy, if they need international health insurance. CU Denver faculty and staff may also purchase the policy. While the HTH policy has been reviewed by CU Denver staff, the university is not endorsing any specific policy.