Health & Safety

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We recommend that you register your travel with the U.S. Department of State here. When you sign up, you will automatically receive the most current information compiled about the country where you will be traveling or living.  You will also receive updates, including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  By registering on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, the Department of State will be able to assist you better in the case of an emergency, such as if you lose your passport or it is stolen while you are abroad.  

You should also check out the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about traveling/living abroad. 

International SOS

As a student, faculty or staff of The University of Akron, you have access to the university’s International SOS membership that provides assistance's to those traveling abroad. The benefits of the membership include:

• Pre-departure preparation: By logging into the International SOS website, users may sign up for health and security e-mail alerts and review valuable country-specific information.
• While abroad: International SOS will help users locate a qualified health care provider, replace a prescription or simply answer a general medical or security concern.
• In an emergency: International SOS can ensure users receive immediate care, whether it requires evacuation to a center of medical excellence or closely monitoring your condition with local doctors.
• It is important to note that International SOS is not health insurance.  This assistance program is designed to supplement and enhance your current health insurance with medical and security advice and services.  It does not cover medical or evacuation expenses.  Any charges incurred by the University for International SOS services not covered by existing University insurance will be passed on to the individual. 

You may pick up your International SOS member card in the Office of International Programs in room 483 of The Polsky Building.

International Health Insurance

If you do not have health insurance that will cover you abroad, it is strongly recommended that you obtain international or travel health insurance.  Companies like Compass Benefits Group , HTH Travel, and STA Travel all provide international health insurance that covers students studying abroad. 

For a list of questions that should be considered when choosing a medical insurance policy for a program abroad, please refer here.

To obtain information on supplemental insurance offered through the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC), please visit http://www.uakron.edu/oip/studyabroad/isic-itic.dot.