Health and Safety

Prior to each term, the Resident Director in Santiago will arrange a pre-departure meeting with the next term’s cohort of study abroad students. In addition to other logistical information, region-specific topics of health, safety, and security will be discussed. This information is reiterated upon arrival in Santiago and students are given emergency phone numbers for program staff.

Health Insurance

Program participants are required to have international health insurance. Before arriving in Chile, students are advised to consult with their home university about their health insurance policy. Students should speak with their health insurance provider to find out which providers to use in Santiago, and how they can manage payment for the medical services. If the insurance company has an agreement with a local health care provider, it is possible that students will be able to simply present their health insurance card and not pay for an appointment. However, in the vast majority of cases, students must pay all costs up front and later request a reimbursement from their insurance company. Because of this, students must request an invoice at the end of each appointment.

In Case of Illness

In the case of illness or medical emergency, students should notify the Resident Director who will arrange an appointment.

Below is a list of clinics and hospitals with doctors and dentists that speak English.

Safety and Security

Chile is considered to be the safest country in Latin America, and among the top 20% of the most safe countries in the world (according to the Global Peace Index).

During the orientation week, the Resident Director will review security measures and each student will receive a wallet card with emergency contact information of all program administrators, local hospital information, and the U.S. Embassy in Chile.