It is vital that you discuss your current health insurance policy with your parents and make certain that you have a plan for paying for medical treatment overseas. UMBC and the Study Abroad Office requires that all study abroad participants demonstrate that they have adequate health insurance that will cover you while you are studying abroad.

Do not assume that your parents’ current insurance plan offers the same level of coverage when you are outside the country as it does when you are attending UMBC. It is vital that you confirm with your parents’ insurance provider the level of coverage that your current insurance policy gives overseas. If you and your parents determine that this level of coverage is insufficient, you may wish to purchase additional insurance coverage for the time that you plan to study abroad. Many US program providers and universities require that students purchase that program's study abroad insurance. This insurance fee may be included as part of the program fee, or it may be charged as a separate fee. Any insurance required by a US university or program is sufficient to meet UMBC's study abroad insurance requirement.

It is also strongly recommended that you purchase medical evacuation and repatriation insurance prior to your departure. In case of serious illness overseas, medical evacuation insurance can cover the cost of flying you back to the United States. There are several providers of this insurance geared specifically for study abroad students; ask for more information at the Study Abroad Office.