While students are on study away programs, certain insurance is required (e.g. health insurance) and other types are suggested (e.g. property insurance). This section outlines insurance that students and parents should consider before studying away.
Health & Insurance
All students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance during their enrollment at Duke University. Furthermore, all students studying away on Duke-Administered and Duke-Approved programs are required to be covered by adequate sickness and accident insurance from a U.S.-based carrier for the duration of their programs.
If students are planning to use their existing domestic insurance carrier abroad, they should check with this carrier to ensure that their coverage will extend abroad, as they will be financially responsible for all medical expenses incurred during their program (this includes coverage during travels away from the primary program site).
Students should be sure to review and understand their coverage prior to departure. In most instances, medical expenses incurred abroad will first need to be paid for out of pocket, after which they will need to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
If they already have it, Duke students can maintain the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) (administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina), or purchase it for their study away. Duke SMIP will cover them while away (whether studying abroad or outside of North Carolina). See the Duke Student Affairs website for additional information.
Non-Duke students in need of insurance coverage abroad should consult the student services and/or study abroad offices of their home institutions for suggestions or recommendations.
Due to laws and regulations in certain countries, programs, and/or foreign institutions, some programs abroad will require students to enroll in country-specific supplemental insurance plans. Please note, however, that enrollment in such plans does not exempt students from the requirement of having U.S.-based insurance coverage while on their programs.
When seeking health care services while away (whether physical or mental), students can reach out to the program staff on site for referral to a local medical facility/provider that meets their needs (whether they require an English-speaking provider or a specialist), as well as coordinate with International SOS (they have a referral service) and their health insurance provider (to ensure that they are following guidelines for coverage/reimbursement, as well as possible referrals).
Property Insurance
Duke is not responsible for a student’s personal property that is lost or stolen while the student is studying abroad/away. In order to mitigate the expense of lost or stolen property (e.g. laptops, iPhones, etc), students are encouraged to insure their property from loss or theft while abroad/away.
Travel Insurance
If you feel the need to insure travel arrangements against unexpected illnesses, delays, or other disruptions, consider purchasing travel insurance from your airline or travel agent. Be sure that you read and feel comfortable with any terms and conditions before purchasing a policy.
Tuition Insurance
Parents and students are not required to purchase tuition insurance, but students on Duke-administered programs may purchase insurance through the Tuition Refund Plan. See Duke Bursar Office website for more information.