Travel Clinic

If you are a US citizen, register with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You will receive important information from the Embassy about safety in your intended destination. STEP also helps friends and family members reach you in case of emergency.

All students who are participating in long-term programs are required to have international healthcare coverage for the duration of their study abroad program. This is not optional. Students are enrolled through their program provider (Arcadia or SAI) or through Belmont arranged insurance. If you are traveling with a group not affiliated with Belmont, check with your current plan to see what is available internationally. If further coverage is needed, the following companies have plans for purchase:

• TravelCare
• TravelInsurace

Travel links/apps that are helpful for country specific updates and tips:

• International SOS (fee required)
• Belmont Travel Abroad
• Crisis Awareness and Preparedness
• CDC Travelers' Health
• Timeshifter (helps with jet lag)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Traveler Information
• American Red Cross (first aid references)
• US Foreign Embassy

For vaccine pricing and availability in our clinic, please see the list under "immunizations" on our medical services page

Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap): once every 5-10 years

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): two lifetime doses

Hepatitis A: recommended for most foreign travel and is a two shot series

Hepatitis B: recommended for travel and is a three-shot series

Influenza: recommended yearly vaccination

Varicella (chickenpox): recommended and is a two shot series or history of the disease

Polio: additional booster might be required for travel

Typhoid: recommended for certain areas of travel

Yellow fever: recommended for certain areas of travel (not available at Belmont at this time)

COVID-19: recommended for all travel and might be required for some destinations

Insect repellent you apply to skin: DEET

DEET is available in many strengths. For travel, it is recommended that you use 20-35% DEET products. Apply per the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid eyes and mouth. Make sure to wash DEET off after coming indoors. Remember that if you are using sunscreen, apply it first and let it absorb fully before applying DEET.

How to apply DEET properly here.

Insect repellent you apply to clothing: Permethrin

You can purchase clothing that is pretreated with permethrin, or you can spray it onto clothing to stop mosquitos and ticks. You should carefully follow these guidelines when treating your clothes. Permethrin can be used on tents, backpacks/bags, bedding, or netting for extra protection. Note that if you buy pretreated clothing or spray permethrin on your own items, you will need to wash insect-repellent clothing separately from all your other laundry.

How to properly apply permethrin here.

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common occurrence and is seen in 40%-60% of people. It normally occurs in hot and humid areas. It is cause by bacteria, viruses and parasites. You can get sick from drinking untreated water or by eating foods that have been rinsed in this water. Tips to reduce your risk:

• Drink only bottled water, use water purification tablets, or boil water for 3 or more minutes before consuming
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth and keep mouth closed while showering
• Avoid locally made ice and wipe the tops of cans/bottles before consuming
• Avoid food prepared by street vendors
• Consume fruits and vegetables that can be peeled
• Avoid buffets and/or room temperature sauces and eat meals that foods that are cooked and served hot
• Make sure eating utensils are clean and dry
• Wash hand often

Traveler’s diarrhea can have a sudden onset and occur more than once during your trip. Signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Cramping
• Watery, loose stools

For any level of signs of diarrhea, treatment can include:

• Oral electrolyte salts – sip slowly and increase volume of fluid based on amount of fluid lost
• Loperamide (Imodium) – take two 2mg tablets after the first loose stool. Can take another tablet after subsequent stools, but do not take more than four tablets in 24 hours. Do not use if bloody diarrhea or fever is present.

For severe diarrhea (defined as more than 3 loose stools in 8 hours), prescribed medication is required. Seek medical attention if diarrhea does not respond to antibiotics, blood is present, or fever is more than 102 degrees F.

• Azithromycin 500mg: take one tablet by mouth daily for 1-3 days until diarrhea has resolved. Loperamide may be taken at the same time.
• Ciprofloxacin 750mg: take one tablet by mouth at onset of diarrhea. Loperamide may be taken at the same time.

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) can occur when climbing or walking at higher altitudes without giving your body time to adjust. Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. Moderate symptoms include tightness in your chest, difficulty walking, and trouble completing regular activities. Severe symptoms such as confusion, inability to walk, and shortness of breath even when resting. This is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Talk to your provider during your travel consult to see if you need medications to help with altitude sickness based on your itinerary.

TimelyCare’s TALKNOW service is accessible 24/7 to all Belmont students while traveling abroad.

To use TALKNOW internationally, the app must be downloaded prior to leaving the US. Customer Support can be reached by phone at (833) 484-6359 if you have any difficulty accessing the app once abroad or prior to leaving.

TALKNOW provides immediate access to a mental health professional who can answer any questions and concerns you may have. The average wait time to be connected is only 3 minutes. All conversations are free and confidential.