HTH Worldwide insurance services
An important change in the health policy for all our students going abroad has come into effect as of September 1, 2008. Boston College is switching from the services provided by International SOS to a new provider, HTH Worldwide Insurance Services.
This change provides much improved services for our students abroad. Most importantly, unlike International SOS, HTH is an actual health insurance that provides worldwide medical coverage for you while traveling and living outside of the United States. With this service and coverage, there is no need for a separate claim to your health insurance company in the United States. You need to register online at hthstudents.com. The website will then give you access to a large number of medical care providers and facilities abroad that directly work with HTH. In this case, you will just need to show your HTH membership card and all billing will be done directly between the provider and HTH. In case of an emergency, you should go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital without delay and then contact HTH worldwide at either 1 800 257 4823 or collect at + 1 610 254 8771.
This policy is in effect for both BC and approved external programs. Please note that HTH does not replace required medical insurance within the United States. Rather, it will provide you with medical services and assistance overseas. General policy exclusions apply. Program coverage dates vary by program. Please inform your International Study Advisor at the Office of International Programs should you wish to extend your coverage.
Medical Coverage
All BC students are required to have adequate medical coverage for their entire stay abroad. This coverage can be obtained via the Boston College insurance plan or that of a private carrier. If students plan to keep their Boston College health plan with Koster insurance, they must contact Student Services to sign up for coverage (you will not be automatically enrolled). If you have any questions regarding Koster's overseas coverage, call 1-800-457-5599. All students planning to study abroad receive the Student Health and Disability Information for Study Abroad information sheet. Please be sure to review it carefully prior to your departure.
Travel Documents
Students need to have a valid passport in order to study abroad. The Office of International Programs and your International Study Advisor will inform you on how to obtain an entry visa or student residency permit where needed; in some cases we help provide the visas, and in other cases we provide information on where to obtain a visa to study abroad. For general information on document requirements and visa application procedures, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Special provisions may apply to international students and/or non-U.S. citizens going abroad. Please check with the respective Consulate General of Embassy of the country where your passport is issued.
As a special service to our students, the Office of International Programs offers a complimentary passport photo service. Visit Hovey House during regular business hours to have your photo taken.
Security Updates
OIP regularly monitors State Department travel advisories and consular information sheets, and recommends that students and their parents also stay informed. In addition to State Department warnings, students may also obtain information from respective U.S. Embassy/Consulates abroad.
The safety and welfare of our students abroad is of our first and foremost concern and care. Please review the preliminary travel, health and safety information provided, as well as your Boston College Handbook for Study Abroad. If you or your parents feel a need for any further information or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Arrival
Once you have arrived at your study-abroad destination, please be sure to contact your family within a reasonable time. Next, please login to the OIP database and follow Step 2 to record your mailing address and contact information abroad. Remember to check your BC email address for important updates during your time abroad.
Cultural adjustment abroad
Once abroad, you may face an adjustment period referred to as "culture shock." The degree of "shock" depends on such factors as length of study abroad, your flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, degree of difference between your home and host culture, prior experience abroad, and your expectations. Culture shock is a normal part of study abroad. It shows that you are experiencing the differences between your culture and that of the host country. Symptoms of culture shock can include: homesickness, depression, feeling lost and out of place, frustration, irritability, and fatigue. If you experience culture shock, remember that you are not alone and will get through it. For more information and suggestions for dealing with culture shock, please refer to the Handbook for Study Abroad.
additional resources
We recommend a new resource from the U.S. Department of State, the web site "Students Abroad" for further reading and useful links. Click on the image below.
