It is important to know and be aware of local customs and problem areas before you depart. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due to return and don't travel alone. Be sure that your health insurance covers you while you are abroad and that it provides coverage for evacuation if you are seriously ill. Be certain your other insurance covers you while you are abroad.

Check the following websites and the American Embassy websites of the countries you plan to visit before you go and if there is a crisis while you are there register with the American Embassy or Consulate so they will be able to keep you informed and provide assistance if necessary.

Internet Resources

The Office of Insurance and Risk Management can obtain additional information
regarding countries and cities to be visited.

Other useful web sites include:

Hotspots

International Student and Teacher ID Card

International Driving Permit (AAA)

Tulane's Center for International Studies

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

American Council on Education (ACE)/The International Initiatives

Institute of International Education

International Student

Study Abroad

Center for Global Education/University of Southern California

If you rent a car you will need local insurance that can be bought from the rental agency since your U.S. automobile insurance will not cover you outside of the United States, its territories and possessions and Canada. Many foreign automobile insurance policies exclude liability coverage if the driver does not have a valid driver's license or if the driver is intoxicated and will often presume the driver was intoxicated if there is a single car accident. If you plan to purchase a car overseas insurance coverage can be obtained through the American International Group or its affiliates in most countries. An International Driving Permit is highly recommended if you plan to drive abroad. American concepts of "the presumption if innocence until proven guilty" and "double jeopardy" (not being tried more than once for the same crime) do not exist in many countries. The norm is you are guilty until proven innocent. In some countries any actions against a police officer, including cursing or rude gestures, are considered crimes against the State.

Even Mexico, one of our closest neighbors, has laws that differ greatly from our own. Insurance policies issued by companies in the United States for automobiles or airplanes are not recognized in Mexico. Mexico only recognizes insurance from a Mexican insurer. Automobile insurance with a Mexican insurer must be purchased at the U.S. border before entering Mexico. Failure to have insurance with a Mexican insurer and proof of ownership and registration in the event of an accident will result in the driver being jailed and the automobile impounded. You can be tried criminally as well as civilly as a result of an automobile accident. Possession of more than a few days supply of some controlled prescription drugs without a prescription and a doctor's explanation of why you need them can cause problems. Possession of any firearms or ammunition in Mexico without prior permission of the authorities or possession of illegal drugs can result in stiff jail sentences. For additional information see : http://travel.state.gov/mexico.cfm

For further information, call the Office of Insurance and Risk Management at 504/865-5653. or e?mail us at schrowa3@Tulane.edu.