Health and Safety Resources

Health and Safety Resources 

As you prepare for your CSU IP year abroad, take the time to research your destination carefully. Be prepared! Know as much as you can about your host country and the city where you will be living. Follow current events in your destination country and in the countries you plan to visit during your time abroad. By informing yourself and acting responsibly, you can help make your stay abroad healthy and safe.

Health Insurance

CSU requires that all students be insured during their time abroad, therefore IP participants are covered by a health and emergency travel assistance insurance policy with Ace American Insurance, through Alliant Insurance Services. The cost of this mandatory insurance is included in your IP program costs (you can find these cost estimates on the program brochure pages of this site). Once you have applied to a program and have been accepted, you will receive updated and detailed information regarding  this coverage.

The IP insurance coverage goes into effect the day before your program’s mandatory arrival date and remains in effect as long as you are enrolled in classes with IP. This insurance is only valid outside of the U.S. and is considered a primary medical policy. Other insurance you may have, such as insurance coverage through your parents, will act as secondary insurance while you are abroad. Some students will also be required to purchase National Health Insurance, depending on the host country, and this insurance will provide additional coverage for medical needs during your time abroad. For more information on the IP policy and to view the Summary of Benefits, see the California State University Risk Management Authority website.

Emergency Travel Assistance: AXA Assistance 

The IP insurance policy also includes emergency travel assistance coverage administered by AXA Assistance.  This is a supplemental part of your health insurance policy that will assist if you need emergency medical care or travel assistance while traveling abroad. The AXA coverage includes emergency medical care, assistance with finding a doctor or hospital for medical treatment, repatriation and medical evacuation services, evacuation services in the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest and referrals for legal assistance. The AXA coverage also includes pre-travel counseling for students who may have questions about prescription medications or medical services abroad.  Additional information about AXA Assistance can be found in the Summary of Benefits, which can be accessed via the California State University Risk Management Authority website.

As an IP participant, if you need emergency medical care or travel assistance while abroad, you can contact AXA Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll free at (855) 327-1414 or direct dial at (630) 694-9764. They can also be reached via email at medassist-usa@axaassistance.us. To access ACE’s Travel Assistance website, go to www.acetravelassistance.net and enter your user ID and password (shown on your Travel Assistance ID card).  

IP Expectations 

As a CSU IP participant you are expected to expend your best efforts in successfully completing the academic requirements of the courses in which you enroll and ensure that your conduct during the course of the program meets the highest standards. In choosing to participate on an IP program, you agree to conform to standards of conduct consistent with the maintenance of a positive reputation of The California State University and all applicable rules, regulations and policies of The California State University International Programs.

IP participants must recognize that no location in the U.S. or abroad can be considered risk-free. Changing circumstances that pose risks to students may require CSU IP to act. In rare cases it may be deemed advisable to act decisively (for example, in the event of a warning from the U.S. State Department, a civil disturbance, hostilities or potential hostilities) and IP may be forced to consider and undertake evacuation, relocation, or suspension of the program.

Consular Information and Informative Websites