Travel Medicine

Columbia Health offers international travel health visits which includes assessments for:

  • Recommendations for immunizations
  • Vaccinations

Travel assessments are available by appointment only.

Eligibility

Students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee can schedule travel assessments at no added cost.

How to schedule a travel health visit

Schedule a "Travel" appointment via the Patient Portal.

You may email [email protected] if you have any additional questions after reviewing this page

We recommend that the initial visit be set up well in advance of the departure date, as some vaccinations may require six weeks to several months and multiple visits to complete the series. Please make an appointment as soon as you know your travel plans.

For updated travel alerts and precautionary measures related to COVID-19, Zika virus, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, MERS, or Ebola, be sure to visit the Centers for Disease Control travel information website.

    Faculty and staff traveling outside of the U.S. should contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center to find out about benefits coverage.

    Prior to your visit

    • Complete the online questionnaire or respond to the email questionnaire sent to you after you make an appointment.
    • Collect as much information regarding immunization history and have it available. Original documents are not necessary.

    Prescriptions

    Students traveling overseas for an extended period should plan in advance for prescription medication needs, as most insurance plans only allow for a 30-day supply of prescription medications. Students insured under the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan should contact Aetna Student Health to request approval for a medication supply (often called “vacation override”) adequate to meet their travel needs. Students who carry other insurance plans should contact their carrier for more information.

    Vaccinations

    We recommend that the initial visit be set up well in advance of the departure date, as some vaccinations may require six weeks to several months and multiple visits to complete the series. Please make an appointment as soon as you know your travel plans.

    Jump down to the Costs section for information about potential costs.

    Cancelling or rescheduling an appointment

    • Travel visits are in high demand. As a courtesy to other travelers, students should contact us immediately if they cannot make the scheduled visit or follow-up appointments.
    • If students do not cancel a scheduled visit at least 48 hours in advance, they will not be able to schedule another appointment within the same semester. Please keep in mind that students will be responsible for all associated costs.

    Health Insurance

    Many travelers may need to purchase additional insurance from companies specifically designed to meet these needs. Students should ask their insurance providers if medical evacuation is included.

    Students enrolled in the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan have travel insurance benefits provided by On Call International.

    While you’re away

    When you are away from Columbia and unable to come to Medical Services for an evaluation, you should call or send a secure web message directly to your primary care provider. That way, we are aware of your problem and can prepare a referral for you if necessary.

    If it is a life-threatening situation, you can be seen in the emergency room or an urgent care center without a referral.

    Cost

    Doctor visit

    On-campus with Medical Services: No cost if you have paid the full-time Health and Related Services Fee.

    Off-campus: If you receive your travel assessment off-campus, expect to pay a medical visit co-pay and a referral may be required.

    • Students on the Columbia Plan: Your Medical Services provided will refer you to an in-network provider.
    • Students on other insurance: Please check if any of the above providers take your insurance. If you would prefer a different provider, please make an appointment with a convenient, in-network provider to lower costs. 

    During times of increased demand, you may be provided with references to community resource sites.

    Vaccines

    Students on the Columbia Plan: Travel vaccines (Yellow fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Typhoid, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B) are covered by the Plan. 

    • If you receive the above travel vaccines on campus, you will not be charged. You may be charged for other vaccines.
    • If you receive travel vaccines from an external provider, you may be charged by the provider. Please submit a reimbursement claim on the Aetna website for possible reimbursement.

    Have a question about a specific vaccine? Please contact Aetna directly at 1-800-859-8471 or online.

    Students on other insurance: Please contact your insurance plan provider for information about coverage.

    • If you receive travel vaccines on campus, you will be charged for the vaccines. Current travel vaccine prices are available on our Service Fees page.
    • If you receive travel vaccines from an external provider, you may be charged by the provider. 

    Thank you and safe travels.

    Last reviewed: 12/10/2024