Insurance and Health Matters

Student Health Insurance

All students enrolled in an Alliance program automatically receive insurance through our health insurance provider. The Alliance's plan is offered through HTH Worldwide and underwritten by HM Life Insurance Company, Pittsburgh, PA.  The plan is effective throughout the duration of the participant's program. There is no deductible per injury or illness, and the maximum medical expenses of the policy for accident or sickness is $500,000. Additional information about the HTH Worldwide plan will be emailed to students upon acceptance to an Alliance program.

Note: Academic Year 2008-09 and Spring 2009 students are covered by a health and accident insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Details about that policy and claim forms are available at http://culturalinsurance.com/arcadia0041.

Student Information

Personalized information and support for participants about health care and prescription medication is available through "Well Prepared" at www.hthstudents.com. HTH Worldwide will send an e-mail to accepted Alliance students automatically. The e-mail will contain information about coverage, the individual ID number and certificate number with HTH. Students can then print an ID card and activate a "Well Prepared" profile.

Parent Information

HTH Worldwide also has a website which includes information for parents. Parents can go to www.hthparents.com and create a sign-in with their son's or daughter's e-mail address. Parent(s) have access to provider information and health and safety services. In order for a parent to have access to any personalized information on "Well Prepared," they must request access online from their son or daughter.

Travel/Personal Property Insurance

We strongly encourage you to obtain insurance against theft and/or damage to your personal effects for the period of time you will be abroad. The Alliance for Global Education does not provide insurance for your possessions

Questions?

Please contact Arlene Snyder, Director of Health, Safety and Security, with any questions about insurance coverage, at 1-866-927-2234. Your Resident Director will also provide information during orientation about where to seek medical attention in Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi'an.

Prescriptions

If you plan to take any prescription drugs while in China, we recommend that you take a supply to last you the entire term. Also pack a prescription from your doctor for any medications you take to China. This is just an extra precaution in case your luggage is searched and you need to verify why you are bringing the medication with you. You should consult your doctor prior to departure about the need for any monitoring while you are in China. If you plan to purchase a medication in China, you will need to present a copy of your prescription and see a Chinese physician to obtain a new one. Prescriptions may be sent through the mail, but the mail is not always reliable and there may be delays in customs, so it is best to bring all of the medication you think you will need for the term.

Bringing enough prescription medication is particularly important as prescription medication and even over-the-counter drugs are often restricted from entering China via mail service by PRC customs officials.  The student health insurance program (CISI) offers a Team Assist Plan (TAP), which can help with prescription drug replacement/shipment.  Refer to the policy brochure in the section above for further details.

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you should bring a copy of your prescription. It is easy and inexpensive to have glasses made in China. Contact lenses and solutions are also available in China, though not all brands you are familiar with will be available.

Immunizations

We recommend that you consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx and also talk with your doctor to determine which vaccines you need before going to China. You should also make sure that all of your regular immunizations are up to date. The CDC also operates an international traveler's hotline that provides up-to-date vaccination requirements for any region or country you select. The number is 1-(877) FYI-TRIP (394-8747).

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