Health & Safety Resources

All individuals approved to travel internationally under the auspices of Marquette University will have access to the services available through International SOS. This is a security and risk management company that helps facilitate our international health insurance plan for those traveling abroad.

Travelers should call International SOS at +1-215-942-8226 to open a case if they have any questions, including (but not limited to):

• medical advice
• medical provider referral
• to receive a guarantee of payment
• to file an insurance claim for any medical expenses paid up-front

Travelers may encounter a variety of physical and environmental changes while abroad. If you plan ahead and take preventative measures and precautions, you can reduce the risks of unfavorable health consequences.

If you will have specific health care needs while abroad, you should share this information with your Education Abroad Coordinator and your study abroad program. They can help you access care and services while you are abroad and alert you to differences in care and services in your host country.

Before traveling, research local clinics and hospitals with English speaking doctors (if you don't know the host language). Know where you will go in case of an emergency.

Contact International SOS emergency international assistance and response at +1-215-942-8226

(NOTE: Marquette's policy number is needed for access to the International SOS website. Marquette policy numbers are given to students in the MU Global Portal and during the pre-departure orientation, but can also be requested from the Office of International Education)

When bringing medications abroad:

• bring all prescription medications in their original packaging
• bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription for each medication
• know the generic names of your medications in case you need to request refills while abroad
• verify that your medication is legal to possess in your destination before you go
  • The International Narcotics Control Board
  • Contact International SOS emergency international assistance and response at +1-215-942-8226 for advice (NOTE: Marquette's policy number is needed for access to the International SOS website. Marquette policy numbers are given to students in the MU Global Portal and during the pre-departure orientation, but can also be requested from the Office of International Education.
  • Mobility International USA has general tips on traveling with medication that you may find helpful.

All individuals approved to travel internationally under the auspices of Marquette University are invited to complete the optional Medical Information form, which is provided in the MU Global Portal. This way, program staff will have knowledge of any medical conditions that you wish to disclose, and they will be better prepared to assist you in an emergency.

• We also suggest that you share this information with your resident director or homestay provider so they will have this information in the case of an emergency.

If you are a student with a disability requesting accommodations for your study abroad experience, you will need to register with the sponsoring institution's disability resources. 

• Insurance
• Emergencies abroad
• Disabilities and chronic health issues
• MU Travel Clinic. This site includes additional information about:
  • Resources for travel health
• Students should consider establishing a medical or legal Power of Attorney prior to participating in an education abroad program. The State of Wisconsin has basic power of attorney forms available online at  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/index.htm. The Office of International Education and Marquette University cannot provide students or parents with legal advice as to the appropriate Power of Attorney form. If students or parents have questions about the form appropriate for their needs, they should consult an attorney for guidance. 
  • • Medical Power of Attorney 
      A medical power of attorney allows a student to assign an individual to speak on their behalf in the event the student is not able to make decisions for themselves. 
    • Legal Power of Attorney 
      A legal power of attorney allows a student to assign an individual to make decisions on their behalf while they are abroad, specifically with regards to their finances. 

Worldwide Caution Alert

 Coronavirus Education Abroad Information

• Students are given a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, both through synchronous and asynchronous options, covering safe travel tips and information related to health and safety in their country of study. This includes information on what to do in case of an emergency.
•  Template of a fillable emergency card (download and open in Adobe), as well as information on how to locate international 911 equivalents for their host country and U.S. Embassy locations and contact information.
• All individuals traveling internationally are advised to enroll in the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• All individuals approved to travel internationally under the auspices of Marquette University are provided with information on how to download and activate the Alert Traveler app, through which they can access country and city intelligence, quick-dial emergency service numbers, receive real-time alerts, and request help

Emergency situations

Non-emergency situations: In case of a non-emergency situation where a student, faculty, or staff member is seeking resources related to issues such as:

• international insurance coverage and benefits
• finding a doctor
• getting a guarantee of payment for a provider
• travel advice related to health or security

call International SOS at +1 (215) 942-8226 to ask questions and/or open a case.

Office of International Education staff are regularly monitoring multiple sources of information, including:

• U.S. Department of State
• Centers for Disease Control
• Overseas Security Advisory Council
• International SOS.

A safety and health review of any program is ongoing to through date of departure and continues in country. Marquette University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time due to safety and health issues or concerns.

• Office of International Education maintains a 24/7 emergency line, which can be contacted via (414) 288-1911

In the event of a major incident abroad where we currently or routinely have students, faculty or staff, we will:

• Promptly reach out to any students, faculty or staff near the affected area using multiple methods of communication (email, phone, social media, etc.)
• Notify emergency contacts via email that we are aware of the situation and have reached out to the students
• Inform campus emergency contacts of those in the affected location

In the event of a real emergency involving a Marquette student, faculty or staff member, we have established specific policies and procedures, depending upon the type of event. In an emergency, we will:

• reach out directly to the affected student, faculty or staff member;
• work with our partners abroad and international insurance company to provide services and resources as necessary;
• notify the Stakeholder Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Marquette University Police Department, where appropriate;
• notify the participant's emergency contacts only in the case of severe injury, major mental health concern, incapacitation, or overnight hospitalization;
• work with on-campus and community resources to provide services and support upon return to campus.

OIE has established emergency response plans. We prepare all program leads with a mandatory orientation and recourses that help guide them through responding to health and safety emergencies abroad. All individuals approved to travel internationally under the auspices of Marquette University can also always contact the university at any time through the Marquette University Police Department (1-414-288-1911).