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Health FAQs & Resources

YES

  • All TCU students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on TCU programs or business are automatically covered under the university’s accident and illness insurance plan through On Call at no cost to the individual.
  • You are covered by On Call International’s insurance for the program dates only.
  • You should also maintain your own U.S. (or home country) health insurance while abroad. Consider the On Call insurance as a supplement to your own personal policy.
  • For more information, review the On Call Resource Hub.

How to Contact On Call

  • Phone: +1 603-952-2062 from anywhere in the world, or +1 888-637-0447 from the U.S. & Canada
  • Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
  • Text: +1 603-945-0103

Consider your personal health needs prior to deciding to participate in an international program. You are responsible for your own well-being while abroad. Health care can be very different than in the U.S., and TCU cannot provide or arrange equivalent care abroad. Consider the following:

  • If you have been treated in the last year – or are currently being treated – for any serious or chronic physical or mental health conditions, carefully consider how you will manage your health needs where care is different and where you will experience new and unexpected stressors. Consider sharing with TCU staff or program leaders any serious issues that may impact you while traveling or any vital medication you take, and add your medical info to your smartphone medical ID.
  • Visit with your personal physician and a representative at On Call to discuss plans and tools for handling health conditions and concerns abroad.
  • If you have any serious food, drug, animal, or other allergies, contact On Call for advice on handling your allergies while abroad.
  • If you are on a medically restricted diet, carefully consider how you will manage your health where availability of food and goods are different.
  • Contact On Call to see if your prescription medication is allowed in your host country and discuss a plan if your prescriptions are not allowed or are illegal.
  • Keep your medication in its original, labeled container. Pack medications with you in your carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage.
  • Where appropriate, bring a copy of the prescription or letter from the attending physician describing the medical condition and the generic name of the prescribed medication.
  • Bring enough medication for your entire trip, or make arrangements in advance for options to refill the prescription while you are abroad. It is generally not advisable to have medication mailed to you.
  • The effect and effectiveness of your medications can change with changes in stress, diet, and climate. Even if you have been stable and doing well on your medications, plan in advance what you will do if your medications become problematic.
  • Maintain your medication schedule, even if it is inconvenient while you are on the road. Ask your treatment provider to advise you on how to adjust your medication schedule to a new time zone.
  • Consider packing a health travel-kit with over the counter medicine for minor needs.

For more tips on traveling with medication, see this OSAC resource.

TCU values your privacy and does not ask you to disclose medical conditions. You are responsible for your own healthcare, and we encourage you to develop a healthcare plan with your medical practitioners to address your health needs abroad. You may choose to disclose serious and /or chronic health conditions with your program leaders so they may be aware in case of emergency. In addition, you can save essential medical information and emergency contacts information on your smartphone, which can be accessed from the lock screen in case of emergency. To safe your Medical ID Info on your phone, use the following instructions:

Contact On Call at +1 603-952-2062 and also contact your local on-site staff. On Call provides emergency services, medical referrals, and insurance while abroad.

If you need minor medical care, be prepared to pay up front. After receiving care, you can submit a claim to On Call for reimbursement. If you prefer and have time to wait, you can contact On Call to schedule an appointment and prepay for your medical services.

If you have a CRITICAL emergency

Dial your country’s 911 equivalent, proceed to the closest ER. Contact On Call +1 603-952-2062 as soon as possible, so they can pre-certify your medical expenses.

Develop a self-care plan before you go. This may include staying in touch with healthcare professionals at home or finding referrals for professionals abroad. On Call can provide mental health resources. While abroad, remember:

  • Life abroad can lead to new and unexpected stressors, or can trigger existing ones.
  • Being away is not an escape from problems.
  • It is common to have bad days and frustrating experiences.
  • Communicate with people when you’re struggling and seek out help.
  • Try to create routines and familiarity.

These challenges can lead to increased emotional resilience and new perspectives, but it requires addressing your mental health, not ignoring it.

On Call: 1-603-952-2062 Read and carefully consider the CDC website for country-specific health issues and vaccination information. Visit your family physician to discuss your personal health needs, prescriptions, and vaccinations for travel.