Health Insurance Abroad
All students participating in study abroad programs must be covered by Buffalo State's international health insurance. In collaboration with United Health, SUNY provides a comprehensive health insurance plan that will provide consistent health insurance coverage and emergency assistance for Buffalo State students studying abroad.
The plan's coverage gives students access to reliable global medical services while traveling internationally, which will minimize the risk of health related problems abroad. Additionally, this coverage provides assistance to students in cases where medical evacuation services are deemed necessary.
International Health Insurance Resources:
You can access your account online through the United Healthcare website or by downloading the mobile app.
"I believe I came home a more confident individual, being able to deal with uncomfortable situations as they come. I came back more flexible, by being able to adapt to different classes at school. I became a better problem solver."
Safety & Security Information
Country Specific Information
The U.S. Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess the risks of travel in specific locations you may be planning to study or travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you. Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details listed. Each country's page will also include the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Country Specific InformationEmergency Contact Information
Get Help In-Country. Know the local equivalent of 911 so that you can get immediate help in case of emergency. The Department of State lists country specific emergency phone numbers. You can find these by searching for the country you will be visiting and looking under the "Safety and Security" tab for that country.
Contact your insurance provider if the emergency is medical in nature. All Buffalo State students who study abroad are required to be enrolled in SUNY's international health insurance plan administered by United Healthcare. Students should create an account with UHC before leaving the U.S. The UHC contact phone number for each student will be listed on the ID card found in their online portal. General UHC customer service can be reached at 1-888-714-6544.
Contact the Office of International Education. During our regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM, you can reach us at 716-878-5331.
Contact University Police. If you experience an emergency abroad outside of the Office of International Education's regular business hours, please call the University Police 24 hour line at 716-878-6333.
Smart Traveler Program
Once your student has selected a program and is ready to go overseas, s/he should enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information about local safety conditions and to help connect your student with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the event of an emergency. As a parent, you can also sign up in STEP to receive travel and safety updates from the country where your child is studying.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Diversity & Identity Abroad
As you explore your study abroad options, it is important to consider aspects of your identity. Taking the time to learn about social and cultural norms will help you navigate how aspects of your identity may be perceived and treated in your host country. Experiencing new worldviews and perspectives can foster productive intercultural dialogues but they may also present challenges. The resources below can help you begin to prepare for your time abroad.
You may find it helpful to answer these questions before arriving in your host country:
- What is intersectionality and how might different aspects of your identity intersect/play out during your time abroad?
- How will local legislation affect how you might express your identity in your host country? (i.e., any laws affecting the LGTBQ+ community in countries like Morocco)
- What is the perception of U.S. citizens in your host country?
- What is the historical relationship between your host country and the United States?
- How is race/ethnicity viewed differently in your host country than at home in the U.S.?
- Are there any contemporary issues relating to immigration in your host country? If so, how are these viewed by the local population? Might those issues regarding how you or other students on your program identify? How?