Health, Safety, and Security

When planning for an international research or clinical experience, ensuring your health, safety, and security is an integral part of your travel preparation. Navigating a new environment can come with its own set of challenges, from understanding local healthcare systems and emergency protocols to being prepared for potential safety risks and travel uncertainties. This page offers a comprehensive collection of resources designed to help you stay informed and prepared before, during, and after your time abroad. By reviewing the following health, safety, and security resources and considerations, you can focus on maximizing your global health experience.

US Department of State Travel Advisories

You can access your destination's safety and security information on the Country Information page. This page includes the Travel Advisory and any Alerts. Be sure to read the whole page. It has more details about critical aspects of your destination that could affect your travel. Country Information pages cover entry and exit requirements, local laws, health, transportation, and other useful topics.

Crisis24 Horizon

The Crisis24 Horizon App provides global travel advice regarding security, transportation, health-related issues, cultural affairs, and more. Global travel tips concerning security, health, culture, transportation, legal, financial, and language are readily available.

UC Travel Insurance

Students, trainees, and residents traveling for UCSF-related travel are covered by UC Travel Insurance worldwide 24/7. This includes 14 days of personal travel before or after your academic travel. This coverage is provided at no cost to travelers. UC Travel Insurance may not include coverage for some types of travel and certain situations. Please read the Student Travel Benefits Summary carefully.

Obtaining PEPkits

A current UCSF pilot study is helping trainees who have difficulty getting PEPkits from their U.S. medical providers to take overseas. Students who may be exposed to blood or body fluids during their work abroad can get access to a $50 gift certificate for the usual co-pay toward a PEPkit (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis medications) and get quick, expert advice abroad after an exposure. To enroll, you will participate in a brief introductory Zoom meeting: talk with the study coordinator to confirm contact information, discuss the study, have any questions answered, review the consent form, and provide consent. Read about this pilot study. For questions, contact [email protected].