At Northeastern University, the health and safety of our students is our highest priority. The N.U.in Program provides robust support through a combination of resources from both Northeastern University and our partner institutions abroad. This ensures that students receive comprehensive care and assistance throughout their time in The N.U.in Program.
This page provides an overview of the key health and safety measures in place for students during their N.U.in experience. Additional details and guidance for students and families will be shared during the N.U.in Pre-Departure Orientation over the summer.
Insurance While Abroad
Health Insurance: You must maintain personal health insurance that is valid in your home country and abroad. You may be covered under a domestic health insurance plan with international coverage, or a supplemental international health insurance carrier. You are strongly encouraged to check with your current insurance carrier to see what kind of coverage is offered abroad.
As part of the N.U.in Ireland program, students receive MediCover insurance through University College Dublin. We strongly recommend that students maintain their own insurance coverage as MediCover as only covers the unforeseen circumstances surrounding accidents/illnesses that may occur while they are in Ireland. Please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered by MediCover plans.
University-Provided Urgent and Emergency Coverage: Northeastern University maintains coverage to respond to costs associated with accidents and emergency/urgent illnesses. This is not health insurance. For more details on this policy, please visit the international travel insurance website.
Travel Insurance: You are encouraged to research whether you would like additional insurance that covers loss of money due to trip interruption or cancellation, as well as loss of baggage and personal effects either while traveling or living in the student residence.
Prescription Medication and Ongoing Medical Care Needs While Abroad
Well before your departure, discuss with your physician any prescription or medical care needs while studying abroad. If you are currently under the care of a specialist, please note that specialist physicians may have limited availability or may require local referrals while abroad. It is recommended that you have a plan in place prior to departure to ensure continuity of care.
Packing Prescription Medication: Please note that not all medications may be available in Ireland; if possible, make arrangements to bring an entire semester’s worth of medication. Prescription medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage in the original containers with documentation from your doctor. If you are traveling with more than 90 days worth of medication or medications that may be considered controlled substances, we recommend checking with the embassy of the country you will be traveling to in order to ensure you have the proper documentation for your medication.
Shipping Prescription Medication: We do not recommend shipping prescription medication. If you require a medication refill while abroad, please coordinate with a medical professional well in advance to discuss your options.
Medical Disclosure
N.U.in students can disclose medical information in the General Program Enrollment Form on their Northeastern University Application Status Check Checklist. Please indicate any medical conditions or allergies that you would like site staff to be aware of. If you require accommodations, please follow the process outlined below. We recommend that students have access to digital copies of their immunizations, recent health reports and any condition specific information including medication. Should a student need medical care while abroad, having this documentation available provides assistance in understanding and developing a treatment plan.
Disability Accommodations
If you require accommodations during your time in N.U.in Ireland, you must apply directly through both University College Dublin and Disability Access Services at Northeastern University. Information on applying for accommodations through University College Dublin will be made available in the N.U.in pre-departure process over the summer. Students should also speak to their professors individually to alert them of any approved accommodations.
If you have any specific questions about the accommodations process overall, please reach out to the Disability Access Services.
University Health & Counseling Services (UHCS) Immunizations Requirement
All students enrolled in The N.U.in Program must submit proof of immunity to various diseases. The vaccinations required are set by the state and local health departments. Students are required to upload their immunization information prior to the deadline. The University Health & Counseling Services website provides detailed information on required and strongly recommended vaccinations and testing.
Northeastern University partners with Sentry MD, a confidential health record compliance service, to provide a streamlined document review and tracking solution. This process is designed to make it easy for you to manage your health requirements. All incoming students must submit the required vaccination documentation to Sentry MD.
For questions about the immunization requirements or submitting documentation, contact Sentry MD (Please allow 48 business hours for a response): [email protected]
For general questions about immunizations, contact University Health and Counseling Services: +1.617.373.2772 | [email protected]
Medical Facilities
The UCD Student Health Service provides on-campus medical care to registered students of the University College Dublin, and is used for general practice services while participants are abroad.
There are also many local hospitals and clinics that you can go to in case of urgent health care needs. One of the nearby options is St. Vincent’s University Hospital.
For out of hours care, students also have access to EDOC. The telehealth service is open from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday and at any time during the weekend and puts students in direct contact with a licenced physician.
Please note that site staff are available 24/7 to assist students when navigating a medical issue or dealing with an emergency. Students will receive a more detailed list of local support in their student guide prior to arrival.
Mental Health Resources
The N.U.in Program strives to support students all students as they adjust to college, living abroad and entering adulthood. Students have access to different mental health resources through local and virtual offerings.
There are also private pathways for students to obtain therapy and counseling services in Dublin that students can take advantage of. Students will receive a more detailed list of local support in their student guide prior to arrival.
For access to private care options, students can contact the Global Safety & Support Network (UK: +44.20.3467.1773, Int: +1.857.214.5332) prior to arriving at your program or while on-site.
Find@Northeastern – University Health and Counseling Services
Northeastern offers a suite of mental health resources through FIND@Northeastern. This includes 24/7 urgent mental health support from anywhere in the world through a partnership with Uwill. Students living outside of the US can call +1.781.457.7777 to receive support from a mental health counselor.
Many students choose to maintain a mental health treatment plan with providers from their home country to receive on-going support from providers they are familiar with during this major transition to college and life abroad.
The N.U.in Program offers various pathways for mental health support, starting with site staff who are the first point of contact. Students can access a suite of mental health resources through Find@Northeastern. Northeastern’s mental health guides offer students and families information on navigating university resources, how to support one another, and how to communicate with instructors. We recognize that for many, this is your first time away from home—a time of new experiences, exciting opportunities, and challenges. We encourage students to be self-advocates and reach out for support.
Safety Resources While Abroad
All Northeastern University students, faculty, and staff requiring medical, security, and travel assistance abroad can obtain assistance through the Northeastern Global Safety & Support Network. Please contact the 24/7 international assistance hotline +1.857.214.5332 or +44.20.3467.1773 (international collect calls are accepted) to access support services provided by our partner, Crisis24, a GardaWorld company. They will also notify the Global Safety Office of your call to provide an added layer of support.
Northeastern Travel Registry: Please be sure to register your travel by visiting the Crisis24 Horizon portal and log in with your Northeastern email and credentials. You can also find this portal by searching for “My Travel Plans” in the Student Hub. Once registered, download the mobile app by the same name to stay updated on important travel safety related information.
The N.U.in program will register group flight and accommodation data on student’s behalf. Students should enter any independent travel during the semester and make sure your contact information remains updated. More information can be found on Northeastern University’s Global Safety website.
Traveling Outside the Host Country: Students are able to travel independently during their time with The N.U.in Program, provided the planned country of travel is not considered a “high-risk destination.” Other considerations and program deviation policies include:
- It is recommended that travelers review local health and safety protocols before making plans to travel outside the program’s host country. Travelers are responsible for any financial ramifications and impact on their academic standing with the host institution. Students will not be excused for missing class due to personal-travel-related disruptions.
- Before booking travel, travelers must review the list of high-risk countries listed on the Global Safety website. Students with a need to travel to a high-risk country, such as a family commitment, must obtain prior approval before making plans to travel to these high-risk destinations.
- All students must complete a Personal Travel Form at least one week before departing on any personal travel during the program dates. A link to this form will be provided during the on-site orientation.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): U.S. citizens can register their travel plans with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. We strongly encourage you to register, as this is a free service that will allow the U.S. State Department to better assist citizens abroad in the event of an emergency.
For more information about health and safety, review the following resources for your destination country and any personal travel destinations.
Parent Resources
While Northeastern offers numerous services to help keep your student safe during their travels, safety is everyone’s responsibility and we could not do it without parent & family support. We understand that international travel, especially for extended periods of time, can be both an exciting and stressful experience for families. We encourage you to review Northeastern’s Global Safety Office website for additional guidance and tips on supporting students participating in global experiences at Northeastern.
