Health and Safety

Personal Safety

Remember that you may be giving off clear signals that you are a stranger to the U.S.. Your clothes, your accent, and your attitude will often make you look like an obvious visitor. In every large city worldwide, there are individuals who take advantage of others, either through theft, fraud, or swindle. There is little chance that you will encounter any kind of difficulty with this small minority, but do take precautions. If you are alert and use good judgment, you will have few problems.

All large cities have some homeless people who may approach you for money. It is your decision whether or not to give money. You are entitled to refuse, but please do so politely.

During the day, most cities are quite safe, but at night, there are certain areas to avoid. Ask your employers or co-workers which neighborhoods are dangerous. Travel and explore your new surroundings with a friend, if possible.

Protecting Your Property

Always keep your property close to you, especially in places like airports, bus terminals, and train stations. Make sure that you keep all valuables – camera, wallet, passport, documents, and money with you at all times. Never carry large amounts of cash. When possible, only carry copies of your J1 visa, DS-2019, I-94 and passport. NOT the originals.

Take great care of your luggage and do not let it out of your sight. Make sure your baggage is put on to your bus. Upon arrival in the city, watch your bags at all times. Remember: Do not pack your valuables in your luggage – keep them with you.

Health

If you take prescription medication and will be bringing it with you to the U.S., you must bring a note from your doctor in English explaining the situation. Otherwise, it could be confiscated at the border.

Insurance

There is no national health insurance in the U.S., which is why you were required to have insurance coverage prior to departure for the U.S. It is important for you to review your insurance information for details on coverage and claims procedures.

If you are covered by insurance from your agent in your home country, you should contact your agent or your insurance company if you have any questions about your insurance.

A small number of students are covered by insurance from ERDT. More details on ERDT’s insurance can be found here.

It is important that you have your insurance company’s name and phone number with you at all times, in case of an emergency.

Participants will also be covered by their employer’s Workers’ Compensation program. This program covers any work-related injuries and is paid for out of small deductions from the student’s paycheck. All employers of ERDT Work and Travel students are required to have Workers’ Compensation. If you believe your employer does not have Workers’ Compensation, call ERDT.

Medical Claims & Bills

You may be required to pay your medical bills first and then claim the money from your insurance company. Keep careful records and receipts of all medical services that you receive and make sure to make copies of all your bills. If you do not have a copy of an insurance claim form, contact the insurance company to get one. If you have a major accident or illness and cannot pay your medical bills, contact the insurance company as soon as possible.

If you are going to see a doctor for a non-emergency medical problem, check your health insurance policy to make sure that type of treatment is covered. For example, most international health insurance policies limit coverage for pre-existing medical problems.

Hospitals, Clinics, and Emergency Rooms

Medical fees will depend on the doctor, the type of facility, and its location. In certain areas of the country, especially large cities, medical care will be significantly more expensive.

Hospital Emergency Room doctors are very expensive. Only visit them in urgent circumstances. Ask friends or colleagues at work or call your local hospital for recommendations about local doctors. Walk-in clinics are available all over the U.S.. They offer an alternative to seeing a private physician or going to a hospital emergency room and are less costly.

Dentists

Dentists usually have private practices and are expensive. Many large hospitals, particularly associated with universities, have dental clinics are open to the general public and are less expensive. Your insurance policy provides very little coverage for emergency dental care. Read your policy carefully before you have any emergency treatment done to your teeth as you will probably need to pay for these costs yourself.