Whether traveling abroad for study, research, or pleasure, students should make sure that they are covered by their current health plan or insurance while in another country. Many plans do not provide for coverage while traveling outside the United States or may have limitations. Be sure to carefully review the plan.

For students on the Student Health Plan (SHP), health coverage is worldwide, 12 months a year and covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Review the SHP Plan Document thoroughly to understand all procedures before departure.

STUDENT HEALTH PLAN (SHP)

Princeton students enrolled in the SHP should carry their identification card while traveling. This card lists the student’s ID number and plan information. It also provides the addresses and phone numbers for the SHP office at Princeton University and Aetna Student Health. SHP coverage is in effect year round and provides coverage worldwide.

If care is needed while traveling, health care providers can contact either office directly to verify coverage and policy provisions. Note: The SHP does not make direct payment to health care providers outside of the United States. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for payment or credit until Aetna Student Health processes the claim. To avoid needless delay in issuing a reimbursement, students should get claim forms before traveling.

Claim Procedures

Attach the original medical bills (keep copies for your records) to the claim form. All bills should include your name and ID number, date of service, itemization of services rendered, charge, and diagnosis. If the bill is from a provider outside of the United States, please give a currency conversion rate at the time of service and translate any required information. Bills and forms should be sent to:

Aetna Student Health
P.O. Box 981106
El Paso, TX 79998

Claim Forms

Prior to departure, pick up a few claim forms from the Student Health Plan office or from our website.

PRIVATE INSURANCE

If you are not covered by the SHP, you must check with your medical insurance or HMO policy to determine the extent of your coverage while abroad. Be sure to ask if your health plan will pay for emergency evacuation by an air ambulance.

If your insurance has territorial exclusions or if Medicare covers you, consider purchasing travel insurance that will pay for transportation to a U.S. hospital in case of illness or serious injury.