Host countries may change their definition of “fully vaccinated.” Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom may limit the validity of vaccinations to nine (9) months, or even six (6) months. More countries are likely to follow. After “expiration,” residents will be considered “unvaccinated” and likely subject to additional restriction unless they receive a booster. Austria recently locked down unvaccinated residents.

During initial vaccination efforts in 2021, short-term residents and visitors were not immediately eligible in many countries. If repeated for booster shots, students may be excluded from receiving the booster for weeks or months.

Once eligible during early vaccination efforts, short-term residents and visitors in some countries had to pay the national health service and/or private clinics for vaccination. While the cost was not high, immunization is free in the U.S. Additionally, the university’s international insurance will not pay or reimburse for vaccination or boosters.

If you become sick with COVID-19, the international insurance provides coverage as if it is any other sickness. It will pay or reimburse you for a healthcare visit to obtain a diagnosis based on having symptoms. If you are further treated for COVID-19, to include hospitalization, benefits will cover those costs. A healthcare visit due to suspected exposure or close proximity to someone who is sick is not covered.

A new international insurance benefit is tele-health and tele-counseling. If travelers are unsure about their symptoms and considering seeking local care, the international insurance offers tele-health consults to review and discuss symptoms with a medical professional. They can advise on seeking local care.

The international insurance will pay or reimburse travelers for the cost of a COVID-19 test if ordered by a medical professional because COVID-19 symptoms are present. The international insurance will not pay for mandatory tests related to travel (before departure or after arrival) nor for other voluntary tests to determine one's status. The requirement to test must come from a medical provider and be documented for insurance reimbursement.

The international insurance will not pay for vaccinations or boosters, whether in the U.S. or abroad. This applies to all vaccinations, not just COVID-19.

The quarantine benefit covers reasonable lodging and meal expenses due to an unexpected quarantine, as well as limited travel rearrangements. Reimbursement for documented expenses is up to $2000 or 14 days of quarantine, whichever comes first. The quarantine must be required (and documented) by a recognized government authority or medical staff due to having, or being suspected of having, a contagious disease or infection while abroad.

Mandatory arrival quarantine is not covered. If required, this is a known cost that should be included in the travel budget.

The University of Illinois expects all participants to be fully vaccinated, and, if more than six months between vaccination and departure, to receive a booster. These simple actions can reduce the chance of infection while abroad. The severity of symptoms in those vaccinated (and now boosted) against COVID-19 are significantly reduced, lowering the risk of serious infection.

Students and the general public are now more accustomed to wearing masks, practicing social distancing, increased sanitation, and potential government interventions. We also benefit from situational experience in making decisions. These simple steps can reduce transmission of infection, protecting travelers and the local community.

The university’s International Insurance has improved benefits, including access to tele-health, financial reimbursement of some quarantine costs, and coverage for care.

University staff reviewed partner plans and provisions to mitigate risk. Partner plans vary but demonstrate commitment to student well-being. Likewise, students completed an assessment and action plan to demonstrate a basic understanding of concerns and plan for possible interruptions.

As your departure approaches, it is critical to check the State Department’s COVID-19 Country Specific Information page for your destination. Entry requirements can change at any time.

Students should check their university email for program updates from program staff and college study abroad offices. In the event of a significant update, International Safety and Security will also communicate by email. If you have questions, proactively communicate with appropriate staff.