Health and Safety
Â鶹´«Ã½ requires all students participating in a University-sponsored international program to have international health insurance.
Students spending time at SLUÂ-Madrid are automatically enrolled in the Sanitas health insurance policy; you’ll receive your health insurance card when you arrive in Madrid. In addition to Sanitas, students will be enrolled in the GeoBlue Travel Medical and International Health Insurance policy.
Students traveling through Webster University’s study abroad programs will enroll for international insurance through Webster University.
All other students traveling overseas will be enrolled in the GeoBlue Travel Medical and International Health Insurance policy. For SLU-Âapproved programs, the cost of insurance is included in the program fee. For independent international experiences, the cost of insurance is $20 per week and can be paid through the . Coverage is required for the duration of your time abroad (this includes students spending a week, month, semester or year abroad).
Once you’ve received your electronic insurance card, you can visit the website to:
- Complete your registration
- Find a doctor in your region who accepts GeoBlue insurance
- Read instructions on how to submit a claim (Â鶹´«Ã½ will not do this for you.)
Safety and Security
By following a few common-Âsense safety tips, you can greatly reduce your risk while traveling overseas. Please know that your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
- Remain in regular contact with your family, friends and contacts at both your home and host university. Inform others of your whereabouts and welfare so they can update others if necessary.
- Create and carry a list of emergency phone numbers with you at all times. Know how to reach a doctor, a hospital or clinic, and the police in the country in which you are traveling.
- Keep your information current in the Billikens Abroad database. This includes registering any side trips you take while abroad.
- Pay attention to warnings issued by local program administrators regarding safety and security issues.
- Stay informed on news and current events around the world.
- Make copies of your passport and travel documents. Leave one copy at home with your family and bring another with you.
- Stick to wellÂ-traveled streets and try to walk in groups at night. Be especially cautious in a new city when you’re not sure which parts of town are safe.
- Do not leave your bags unattended.
- Use alcohol sparingly and be aware that drinking may increase your vulnerability to crime. Avoid substance abuse of any kind.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid political demonstrations, large crowds and gatherings.
- Integrate into the host culture as much as possible, including clothing, mannerisms and language.
- Have sufficient funds and/or a credit card on hand for emergencies.
Travel Warning Cancellation Policy
Â鶹´«Ã½ recognizes the risks to safety and security of students who travel internationally, and particularly to students who travel to countries where the U.S. Department of State or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel warning. The University reserves the right to cancel or suspend any program of study, research or service at any time in its sole discretion if it determines that there is unnecessary or significant risk to participants.
Learn More Â鶹´«Ã½ Travel Warnings
Additional Resources
provides excellent information, advice and tips for students studying abroad.
is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country to assist in case of an emergency.
administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. CountryÂ-specific information, travel alerts and travel warnings are vital parts of this program.
to U.S. embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions all over the world.