Health Insurance
Duke University requires all students studying away on Duke-Administered and Duke-Approved programs to be covered by adequate sickness and accident insurance from a U.S.-based insurance carrier for the duration of their programs. Duke students insured through the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) have adequate sickness and accident insurance. If students are planning to use their existing domestic insurance carrier while on their study away program, they should check with the carrier to ensure that their coverage will extend to their program location. Be sure to bring a copy of your insurance card or information with you abroad. As noted in the GEO Participation Agreement, students will be financially responsible for all medical expenses incurred during their program.
Students should be sure to review and understand their insurance coverage prior to departure. In most instances, medical expenses incurred on their program will need to be paid upfront and then submitted to the insurance carrier for reimbursement.
Duke students studying away can elect to purchase the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) administered by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina.
Additional Consideration for Study Abroad Students
Due to laws and regulations in certain countries, some programs abroad will require students to enroll in country-specific supplemental insurance plans. Please note, however, that enrollment in such plans does not exempt students from the requirement of having separate U.S.-based medical insurance coverage while on their programs.
Non-Duke Students
If non-Duke students need help locating health insurance coverage abroad, they should consult the study abroad offices of their home institutions for suggestions or recommendations.
Travel Insurance
If you feel the need to insure your travel arrangements against unexpected illnesses, delays, or other disruptions, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance. Please note that Duke does not provide this coverage or provide reimbursements.
Motor Vehicle Insurance
Students are not permitted to operate motor vehicles during program-sponsored activities or events. Duke highly discourages students from driving motor vehicles for personal travel while on their study away programs. Students who plan to operate a motor vehicle must be sure to obtain the proper credentials for legally operating a vehicle in the applicable state or foreign country/countries, and must obtain liability and collision insurance that will cover them and their vehicle(s) abroad. See the Driving While Abroad section for additional driving-related health and safety information.
Property Insurance
Duke is not responsible for a student’s personal property that is lost or stolen while the student is studying away. Students are encouraged to consider insuring their property from loss or theft, since out-of-pocket replacement expenses for lost or stolen personal items (e.g. laptops, smart phones, digital cameras, etc.) can be high. See the Travel Safety section for additional for additional information on protecting your valuables while away/abroad.
