You should know
- How to manage current health conditions while abroad.
- Resources available to assist you in managing pre-existing health conditions while abroad.
Pre-departure health care
- Schedule physical, dental and eye exams before you leave.
- Gather all of your health information, including medications, allergies, immunizations and health care providers.
- Ensure you can access your health information while you are abroad.
Disclosing on-going health issues
Developing a plan to manage your physical and mental health before you depart can allow you to seamlessly transfer care you are receiving in the U.S. to your study abroad destination.
Students participating on a study abroad program are asked to disclose any on-going physical and mental conditions on the Health Information Form in your myStudyAbroad account. After completing this form:
- The Student Health Center will review your form and provide guidance about how best to manage your condition abroad.
- The Office of International Health, Safety and Security will contact you to offer assistance with pre-travel health planning.
The health information you provide will not affect your eligibility to study abroad. The information will be accessed by the MU director and assistant director of international health, safety and security, and may be released to your study abroad program leader(s) or overseas program staff unless you request otherwise.
If you are registering university-related international travel through the International Travel Registry (including group programs such as Mizzou Alternative Breaks), you will not receive the Health Information Form and should instead discuss any health concerns directly with the MU Student Health Center and/or your health care provider.
Immunizations
Make sure all your routine immunizations are up to date. You can make a travel appointment at the MU Student Health Center to have your immunization history reviewed and receive any immunizations you may need. During this appointment, the health care practitioner will also discuss medications and precautions specific to your destination. Some immunizations require multiple injections over a period of time, so do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Prescription medications
You should plan to bring enough of any prescription and non-prescription medications to last for the duration of your program. It is not possible to fill prescriptions written in the U.S. in other countries and it is not legal to mail medications from the U.S. to other countries. All medications should be in their original containers and clearly labeled; do not put them in pill boxes or organizers.
You are responsible for confirming that any prescription and over-the counter medications you take are legal and available in your host country and any other countries where you plan to travel before you depart. Contact GeoBlue to find information about the availability of your medication abroad. Contact the Office of International Health, Safety and Security (globalhealthsafety@missouri.edu) for information about the legality of your medication abroad and how to refill or replace it.