Travel Planning Guide: Health

Immunizations

Travel to international destinations may require inoculations against certain diseases. Detailed health information may be obtained from your local healthcare provider or by contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Travelers should contact a healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel as some immunizations are given in series and require more time to provide adequate immunity or protection to the traveler.  Bring your immunization records with you on your trip.

Health Concerns

Travelers with known health concerns should consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you have allergies (e.g. medications, food or insect bites) or other medical problems.  Take enough medication for the duration of the trip, in the original container.  For health information and diseases relative to your specific travel destination, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Medical Insurance

Check with your medical insurance carrier in advance of your trip to see how out-of-town and out-of-country treatment should be handled.  Gather contact information for your insurance carriers and your primary care physician before you leave.  Information about Ohio State medical insurance can be found at Health Benefits.

Health benefits are available to university personnel enrolled in one of the university-sponsored medical plans and have access to Ohio State Travel Assistance services at no cost to enrollees travelling on university business.  For more information, see Ohio State Travel Assistance.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, seek medical attention immediately.  Always carry insurance cards and a record of specific medical issues with you.  Before departure, collect a list of all emergency contacts that includes work/cell/home numbers and email addresses.  Also, establish a communication schedule.

NOTE:  The Travel Planning Guide is a general resource and may not be inclusive of all considerations necessary for planning your business travel.  Consult your Service Center, Fiscal Office or other university-related travel resources to ensure all policies and basic requirements are considered.