Passport, Visa, and Insurance

About Passports & Visas

Students are responsible for acquiring a valid U.S. passport and visa where applicable. If you do not already have a passport, start the process right away! It can take several months to acquire one.

In addition to a passport, U.S. citizens will need to obtain a visa to visit Brazil or Turkey.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you should check with your consulate to determine if a tourist visa is needed to visit another country. Do this as soon as possible, as these things can take time.

If you were born in Columbia, Ecuador, or Peru, you must obtain a visa to go to countries in the European union (France, Germany, Italy, Western Europe for Watercities). A valid passport and green card are insufficient.

Health & Travel Insurance

Students must have health insurance coverage while traveling abroad.

If you are not covered by CCA’s student Kaiser plan:

Do not assume that your current policy applies outside the United States; check with your insurer. All students should know what procedures they need to follow in case of a medical emergency while abroad.

If you are covered through CCA's student Kaiser plan:

Coverage remains in effect for the entire term you have purchased. If you travel outside the Kaiser Permanente coverage area, coverage for emergency or urgent conditions remains in effect. Kaiser Permanente is well known throughout most of the United States, including some European countries, so medical expenses incurred outside Kaiser Permanente are usually billed directly.
In rare occasions students may be asked to pay for medical treatment at the time of service, in which case Kaiser Permanente would reimburse the student. Be sure to keep all medical expense receipts.
In the event a medical bill exceeds the student’s ability to pay upfront, call the 800 number listed on the back of the member ID card and Kaiser Permanente will work with the doctor/hospital facilitate payment.

In Europe, Brazil, and many other countries, a Kaiser International representative may visit the hospital where a student is receiving treatment to ensure the level of care is appropriate. Should Kaiser Permanente have concerns regarding the quality of care being administered, a recommendation may ensue to return the student to the United States at Kaiser Permanente’s expense.

Travel assistance provides support services in case of an emergency while traveling. On Call International’s Global Response Center provides emergency-only coverage for students who study abroad. This coverage is included for students who have the Kaiser Permanente CCA Health Insurance Plan. Please call 1.877.318.6901 (toll-free within the US and Canada) or +1.603.328.1909 (collect from outside the US and Canada) to reach On Call International’s Global Response Center. The Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with trained multilingual coordinators and doctors to advise and assist you quickly and professionally in an emergency.

Travel Insurance

Students must also obtain travel insurance. Inexpensive travel insurance, starting at around $30, can be obtained online:

• International Student
• International Student Organization
• Rust International Associates