Medical Insurance and CISI
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of
medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
That
is why the University of Wisconsin System has mandated that all
University of Wisconsin students studying/traveling abroad under
a UW sponsored program must enroll in health insurance through
 Cultural
Insurance Services International (CISI).
In addition, certain
countries require that foreign students participating in study
abroad programs purchase health insurance in their country; it
is the students' responsibility to make sure that such a requirement
is in effect for their study abroad program. Students can check
with their Study Abroad Advisor if they are not sure.
Health insurance is included in the program fees. For most IAP programs, the insurance is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and is designed for the University of Wisconsin System study abroad and international exchange programs.
Coverage duration varies by program location and term, but generally will start a day or two before the official program start date and terminate within a week or two of the program's conclusion. Participants may extend their coverage (if the student continues to travel after the academic program ends) by contacting Cultural Insurance Services International at (800) 303-8120 or (203) 399-5132 or by writing to CISI at River Plaza, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902-3788. Please see the World Class Coverage Plan brochure included in the student pre-departure packet for additional information.
If you need a full-time enrollment letter in order to maintain your current health insurance coverage, please contact a Study Abroad Advisor in our office for assistance.
Their Brochure and Claim Form can be downloaded here.
UW-Madison's policy number is GLB 9111660.
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You may want to consider having insurance to cover damage or theft of personal property which you take with you abroad. Although occurrences are rare, you may encounter personal property loss due to a fire or other incident in your local residence overseas.
Insurance company policies vary widely on the circumstances and amount of coverage for personal property abroad. In some instances, your parents' homeowner's policy or your own renter's insurance policy is enough to provide limited coverage. In other cases, a special policy must be purchased.
Check with your insurance company, or contact any insurance company which provides home or renter's insurance to learn more about the extent of coverage possible for personal property that you take with you abroad.
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