Health and Health Care

Medical Insurance

You will be enrolled into the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE).  The ASPE program will allow you to seek medical care while you are on the SUSI program.  If you become sick or injured during your time on the SUSI program the program staff will help you visit the clinic or hospital and will help you navigate the health care and insurance system.  We want you to be happy and healthy during your time here, so please tell a staff member as soon as you begin to feel sick.

Covered medical expenses are subject to limitation, and pre-existing conditions are not covered. There is at least $25 co-pay for each office visit while in the United States. The program organizations, their representatives, and host families are not responsible for any medical bills not covered by insurance incurred by a student regardless of who signs a hospital admission form.

Your Health

Staying healthy is crucial to your SUSI experience.  The number one thing that will help you stay healthy is sleep!  You may need more sleep than you did at home, because you will get tired from concentrating on so many new things and operating in a foreign culture all day. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

What you eat is also important in making sure that you feel well throughout your stay in the U.S. There will be many times when you will have the option to choose your own food.  We know that it may be tempting to choose your favorite foods all the time, but work hard to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.  Some foods in the U.S. will be unfamiliar or just taste bad to you, but don’t use this as an excuse to eat only packaged and unhealthy foods.  Trying new things and being responsible is a big part of the program and that goes for food too.

Tell the program staff when you feel ill and they will help you decide whether or not to see a doctor.  You can purchase “over the counter” medication to take if you are not feeling well at any grocery store.

Please keep in mind that you are expected to attend ALL classes and program activities; unless you are showing symptoms of illness or feel too sick to get out of bed, your attendance is necessary to complete the program successfully - even on days when you feel tired!

Covid-19

As we all know at this point, the current situation with Covid-19 is unpredictable, and it’s difficult to know exactly what the situation will be during your time in Seattle. In general, Seattle has an extremely high vaccination rate, and masking in public spaces is common (and when mask mandates are in place, people abide by them very cooperatively), so our Covid rates during the pandemic have stayed relatively low compared with many places in the U.S. We will always inform you of the current requirements regarding where and when you are required to mask based on the needs of the program and local regulations.

We will test all program participants and staff weekly throughout the program using a combination of rapid and PCR tests. If someone tests positive, that person will need to isolate for the recommended period of time, and we will ensure that they are able to participate in the program remotely as much as possible. If a participant or staff member experiences symptoms, they will need to test and remain away from the group until a negative test is confirmed.

Please be patient and understanding when it comes to our need to keep everyone in the program safe and healthy. Lack of compliance with Covid-related precautions and restrictions will result in removal from the SUSI program.

Medication

If you take any medication regularly, pack enough of the medicine for the entire period of the Program. If you take prescription medication, bring a copy of your prescription with you to the U.S., as well as a full explanation of the dosage and use of any medicine you take (in English, if possible). U.S. customs officials may want to see this when you enter the U.S. You will also need a copy of the prescription in case you need to buy more of the medication while in the U.S. Please make sure that all medications are clearly marked, do not transfer medication to another container. Put any medication and prescriptions you take in your carry-on bag—do not pack medicine that you might need in your checked baggage. Prescription liquid medication is allowed through security regardless of the size.

Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses

If you wear glasses, bring a copy of your prescription with you as well as an extra pair of glasses if you have them. If you wear disposable contact lenses, bring enough for the entire trip PLUS one extra pair.