Health and Safety

Health Insurance Coverage

As Brown University is the administering institution for CASA Barcelona, all students studying abroad on the CASA Barcelona program are enrolled in an accident and sickness plan through Sanitas during their program dates. Students should use this plan for coverage while in Spain. There are many hospitals and medical centers throughout the country that can be used by Sanitas customers. Upon arrival, participating students will be provided with a Sanitas card as well as instructions on how to set up appointments and information regarding the participating centers in Barcelona and the rest of Spain.

In addition, participating students are also covered through Brown’s International SOS and study abroad/travel abroad accident and sickness insurance policy (Starr Insurance) at no additional cost. This policy covers travel, medical, emotional support, and security advice and services. You should use this coverage when traveling outside of Spain during your program dates. There is one exception, however, for mental health or counseling needs both while in Spain and traveling outside Spain, students should contact International SOS.

The Sanitas and International SOS plans are not designed to replace your regular health insurance. Prior to their departure for Barcelona, all students are required to demonstrate to their home university that they have obtained an individual comprehensive health plan that will provide coverage for accidents and illness, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, for their entire period abroad of the program. If you are currently covered by a plan through your home university, you may be provided with the option to continue this coverage while abroad. If not, you will need to present evidence of coverage to your home institution before you travel abroad.

Prescription Medications

If a student requires prescription medication, they should bring a supply with them to last the entire time that they will be abroad. Although many medications are available worldwide, they are not always identical in strength or composition to what students take at home. In addition, brand names of the same medication usually differ between the US and Europe. Bring medications in carry-on luggage, in the original containers, along with a letter from the doctor explaining the dosage, why the medication has been prescribed, and why the student is traveling with a large quantity.

Note: It is illegal to ship medications to Spain; any medications found will be confiscated and a heavy fine may be applied.

Immunizations

If any student plans to travel outside of Spain, particularly to the continent of Africa, it is important to have had the necessary immunizations before departing the U.S. Students can learn about associated health issues through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pharmacies

Students must go to a pharmacy for all medications, including aspirin, as they are not sold in drug stores or grocery stores. Pharmacists in Spain are trained to do over-the-counter diagnoses for minor ailments, so the pharmacy is a good first stop if a student is not feeling well.
Pharmacies are generally open Monday through Friday 9:00am-1:30pm and 5:00pm-8:30pm. “Farmacias de guardia” are designated pharmacies that open all night and on the weekends on a rotation basis. Students can find out which ones are open by checking the list in all pharmacy windows or by checking the farmacias.es website.

Medical Appointments:

Medical appointments can easily be made at Sanitas approved health clinics and specialists’ offices throughout Barcelona.
Students can consult the Sanitas app for the option that best suits their specific needs. Calling ahead to book an appointment is the best option and means a student will not pay for the consultation up-front. If a student opts to use his/her own private medical insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to understand how his/her insurance coverage works, pay when necessary for any treatment and to file all reimbursement requests.

Safety

Safety in Barcelona

Spain is generally as safe as the U.S., and in some cases safer. As is true of any large city, however, there are problems with petty thievery in Barcelona. You can avoid many problems by being cautious and remembering the important points about staying safe listed below. While crime, most certainly violent crime, is less prevalent in Barcelona than in similar-sized cities in the U.S., tourists are always a favorite target of criminals, so please be mindful of your surroundings and belongings at all times.

During the orientation sessions, CASA-Barcelona invites local police officers and the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona to provide participants with safety tips to follow for ensuring that their stay in Barcelona is a safe one.

U.S. State Department and Consulate General in Barcelona

Department of State Registration

Before traveling to Barcelona, students must register with the State Department through the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP).

The U.S. Department of State has a website dedicated exclusively to American students abroad. It is highly recommended that students check the information regarding issues related to health, safety and emergencies.

U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona

The website of the United States Consulate General in Barcelona contains many useful tips and information for U.S. citizens in Barcelona, from how to renew a passport to what to do in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Contacts

Upon arrival in Barcelona, each student will receive a card with the necessary telephone numbers in the case of an emergency. It is advisable to carry the card at all times.