Health Insurance FAQ
Do the program fees include insurance? What does the insurance cover?
Yes, program’s fees include insurance coverage. The insurance policy covers each student from the moment he/she joins the group at the GLA destination airport or arrives on our campus, whichever comes first, and continues until the end of the program. The insurance policy includes secondary medical, travel, and accident insurance.
Full policy details will be sent to GLA students as part of their acceptance packet. If you would like more information about the insurance policy before applying, please email us.
Are students at risk for any diseases, while on the program? Should they get vaccinations before they go?
GLA team members have implemented all necessary precautions to avoid diseases, including providing clean water and hygienic surroundings. Although our Home Bases are located in regions that are relatively safe from diseases, we do recommend getting the latest region specific vaccines. Please see the below question/answer for more details specific to COVID-19 vaccinations.
In fact, some destinations require certain vaccinations to enter the country. For further information about health risks and in order to make well-informed decisions about immunizations, we recommend visiting the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website or speak with your local travel doctor.
US Citizens may call the CDC hotline for international travelers at (+1)-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or view CDC’s internet home page http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.
Does GLA require a COVID-19 Vaccine to travel?
Yes, at this time GLA requires all travelers to our in-person programs to be fully vaccinated as the communities we work in have asked us to do so and most are also officially including this requirement in their reopening plans.
Students must receive the full series of all recommended doses of their vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated.
Students are required to submit a copy of their COVID-19 Vaccine card as part of their pre-departure requirements by the established deadline. The deadline will be communicated to the family upon enrollment; any late documents could result in late fees or removal from the program.
Due to program logistics, restrictions and mandates in our program locations and local venue requirements we are currently unable to accept students with medical or religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination.
GLA will accept vaccinations approved by the World Health Organization.
What if a student has a medical problem during the program?
Our staff will immediately arrange a doctor’s visit, take the student to the nearest hospital, help fill his/her prescription, assist him/her in accessing qualified medical care, and do whatever is necessary to ensure that the student gets the medical attention he/she needs. The student will have to pay the medical expenses up front. The insurance provider will then reimburse any medical expenses, above the prescribed deductible amount, upon the student’s return home. We will supply each family with detailed information about our insurance policy and claim procedure. Families are encouraged to carefully review these materials and purchase additional insurance for the student, if they deem necessary.
What if a student takes medication regularly or has a pre-existing medical condition requiring special care?
Students are asked to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication with them to the GLA destination. They are also asked to bring a copy of the original prescription and must include their physician’s contact information on the GLA medical form. A medical form is included in each student’s confirmation packet, and it is important that these forms are filled out accurately so that the staff is best prepared to deal with any medical issues that arise during the program.
If a medical issue arises during the trip, will the GLA staff keep parents informed?
Yes. Parents will be notified immediately of any medical issues that arise during the trip. If a serious medical problem prevents a student from completing the program, GLA will work with the student’s parents to determine the best course of action in sending the student home.
Do staff members know First Aid and CPR?
All GLA programs have an adequate number of staff certified in First Aid and CPR.
