Before going abroad...Remember your health

Starting a new life in a new place is always an adjustment.Starting a new life in a foreign country is a big adjustment.For international students studying in the States, or Americansventuring abroad, there are essential things to keep in mindbefore going global. Planning an extensive stay in a foreign country can be exciting,stressful and incredibly overwhelming at times. Travelaccommodations, housing, and what to pack often overshadow thelogistical items that matter most.Health insurance, medical coverage, and travel insurance arenecessary parts of going abroad. Neglecting to include themcould turn a minor injury into a giant hassle. People of the "itwon't happen to me," mind-set, unfortunately, are often the oneswho end up needing medical coverage the most. International students studying in the U.S. encounter a verydifferent health system than what they are used to. Unlikepublic health care systems in other countries like Britain andCanada, most people in the U.S. depend on private insurancecompanies for medical needs and emergencies. Finding the insurance that works for you isn't always easy. Asan international student, multiple plans are usually offeredthrough the university sponsoring your education. However, theseplans aren't always the cheapest, and often do not provide themost extensive coverage. The most important thing to rememberbefore you leave your home country is to shop around foroptions. International Student Organization, (www.isoa.org) is amembership based organization started by former internationalstudents to fill the need for affordable international healthand travel insurance. They offer an extensive selection ofoptions for students in a variety of payment plans, as well ashelpful outlines to determine which plan fits your financial andmedical needs. ISO also covers the most important "items" inyour life, your family. ISO's plans offer health coverage forinternational student's immediate family members. You can enterinto a plan and manage your account online.ISO also has a variety of health and travel insurance optionsavailable for U.S students studying abroad. Getting health coverage before going overseas is essential to asafe and happy experience abroad. Without the appropriateinsurance, the simplest thing could cost you. Look into thenecessities you need before you leave your home country, andshop around to find the plan that fits your needs.