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University of Colorado Denver

Study Abroad/Global Education
 

Staying Healthy and Safe While Abroad

How to stay healthy and safe during your time abroad.


Staying healthy while abroad

Many people are concerned about their health while traveling. There are many helpful resources to help you take charge of your health while abroad. To check on what immunizations are recommended or required, visit the Center for Disease Control. The best way to stay healthy while abroad is to visit with health care professionals specializing in travel. Preparation:

  • Seek advice from medical professionals, preferably those specializing in international travel. Similarly, do not recycle someone else’s left over medications from a previous visit.
  • Review the CDC site for the country(ies) you will visit.
  • Check with your US medical insurance provider, what will they cover?  Office visit?  Vaccinations?  Preventative medications (e.g. anti-malarials)? (generally not much)? Which physicians/clinics do they work with? 
  • Make an appointment and indicate the countries you will visit.  Some vaccinations require special handling and must be ordered in advance, or multiple injections over a period of time.
  • Know (and report) your allergies.

 

Denver Travel Clinics

If you are concerned about health issues while abroad or traveling to a destination that requires vaccinations, special preventative medicines, Denver has a range of fine clinics. Your community health center may also be able to provide low-cost vaccinations. Family physicians may have adequate preparation for many destinations, but often do not have the expertise or medications for more exotic destinations beyond Europe.

 

Staying Safe While Abroad

Most countries are as safe or safer than the US. The greatest threat to your security in a foreign country is not knowing and understanding the local cultural norms and practices. Fortunately, many of these risks can be reduced by advance preparation.

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