INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Insurance

The University of Minnesota (all campuses) offers mandatory international health insurance for education abroad opportunities provided through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Most students on University of Minnesota sponsored and cosponsored programs, custom programs offered by colleges and departments, outside programs, WIV (work, internship, volunteer) opportunities, directed and/or independent study, etc. are covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is most often included in the program fee or arrangements can be made by the student to purchase the insurance individually at the International Education Office.

Students requiring the insurance and not participating on a program offered by a University of Minnesota office can complete an application form and take it to the International Education Office (138 Kirby Plaza) or can complete the form in the office and make payment arrangements in person.

For all students covered by the University's CISI policy and for most other students participating on University sponsored learning abroad opportunities, you will receive a detailed policy description defining all items covered and not covered along with an insurance card prior to your departure. Information on items included in the CISI health insurance policy may also be reviewed on the CISI web site.

In order to minimize the need for on-site medical and dental expenses, we strongly encourage students to see a doctor and dentist prior to departure. Since most insurance plans require that services be paid for up front and be reimbursed later, we also advise that students budget some money for medical situations while in-country. The University of Minnesota 's international policy through CISI will pay the foreign hospital directly. As with most insurance companies, CISI will need time to investigate the claim before paying it. For non-major medical situations students will need to pay at the time of service and then get reimbursed later.

Keep in mind that the international health insurance coverage begins only upon departure from the US and ends immediately upon return to the US. For coverage in the United States, students must purchase or maintain a separate plan.

We strongly recommend that students consider retaining their US health insurance, even while overseas. This will cover them both before departure and after returning from the program, and should a student have an accident or illness overseas that requires long-term care, they will have insurance upon their return to cover these expenses. Students may find it difficult to purchase a health plan if they return with what the insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition. If students have special insurance needs, or if they plan any personal travel before, during or after the program, they are responsible for the coverage. It is their responsibility to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage for their particular circumstances.

University of Minnesota students should be aware that they are not automatically covered by the University's Health Plan while on a study abroad program. Contact our office for answers to any questions during your time abroad.

Information about coverage is subject to change. For most up-to-date information, please contact:

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford , CT 06902-3788
Tel: 203-399-5132
Fax: 203-399-5596
Web: http://www.culturalinsurance.com/