If your student is experiencing an illness or impacted by an emergency while away, there are ways you can help from home:

Remember that your student has access to two very helpful resources in case of illness or emergencies:

Students may be able to access resources through their insurance provider

If your student has the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP), they can contact GeoBlue at 1-844-268-2686. If your student is covered by another insurer, they can reach out to their informational number to explore available resources (it is recommended that students know before they go what services are available to them through their health insurance plan, so that they don’t have do this in the case of an illness or emergency).  

Your student may also be able to access program resources for support – whether that is program or university staff (including an office dedicated to student health and safety).

Duke University also enrolls your student in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered by the U.S. Department of State, which notifies Consulates and Embassies on site of their presence in the country, and allows these entities to contact your student in the case of a crisis.  

If your student reaches out to you because they are sick or injured:

  • Encourage your student to get help! Students can contact the program Resident Director or designated program support staff for recommendations for local healthcare providers. This information may also be available in the program handbook. Your student can also reach out to ISOS for English-speaking health care recommendations, and for help setting up an appointment. 
  • In cases of more severe illness or injury, suggest that your student get immediate help:
    • If necessary, dial the local equivalent of 911.
    • Notify the program Resident Director or designated program staff. 
    • Contact the Duke Office of Global Health and Safety (OGHS) at their 24/7 emergency number: +1. 919-452-9546 (accepts calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages)
    • Connect with ISOS for help or support.

Know that Duke, GEO, and OGHS constantly monitor and assess the security conditions in and around program sites. Read more about how we do this.

If your student is involved in an emergency, suggest that they:

  • Dial the local equivalent of 911 if necessary. If you or your student are concerned about notifying local law enforcement authorities, your student can contact ISOS first for recommendations.

Notify the Resident Director, designated program support staff, or the Duke Office of Global Health and Safety (OGHS).