Health & Safety
Health
Rest assured, the medical care and facilities in Germany, especially in Tübingen, are exemplary. Tübingen has a very prestigious medical school and, consequently, the whole array of general and highly specialized hospitals that go with it. The German health insurance system provides excellent medical and dental coverage, free choice of a physician, hospitalization, eye care, medication, and so on. Food is almost always safe to eat, and students can drink tap water throughout Germany. (Be advised, however, that students may initially have an “‘adjustment’ period” to drinking the tap water.)
That said, the most important preventative measure is for students to make sure they are healthy before the program begins. It’s a good idea for students to get a full medical and dental check up before leaving. Students should also bring any medications they might need, in the original, labeled bottles. Getting correct medications may be difficult-and even illegal-if students don’t have their prescription handy (it’s also helpful to know the generic name of the drug as well as the brand name). However, medical treatment and prescription drugs are of high quality in Germany. No immunizations or health certificates are necessary.
Insurance
Students in the Antioch in Germany Program will be issued an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), or card (two cards if they enroll in the full- year program). In addition to various discounts, the ISIC card provides limited travel insurance. This insurance covers medical expenses, travel delays, emergency medical transportation, and more. For more additional information about the ISIC card, visit our page on insurance.
From the time students begin the German Compact Program until their final semester at Tübingen University ends, they will be covered under German insurance. (It is required that students enrolled in at a German university have German insurance; AEA pays these fees.) We use AOK insurance, one of the largest providers in Germany. The AOK policy covers students even if they leave Germany to travel in Europe on a weekend or break. They Students will carry the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)). With this card, they should be able to get treatment in Europe without being billed. (Some deductibles may apply, especially for medication.) Read more info about AOK insurance
Safety
In the 2009 Global Peace Index, which ranks countries by safety, Germany ranked 16th; the USA United States ranked 83rd. For an overview on travel in Germany, visit the U.S. Department of State’s country profile of Germany
Typically, students feel as safe in Tübingen as they do in their hometowns, sometimes even safer. Tübingen is a university town, and most participants feel secure walking around and using public transportation, much as they would at home. However, we always advise students to use precaution, as the signs and signals of danger can vary by culture.
Additional information regarding the health and safety of the Antioch in Germany program will be sent to students following acceptance into the program. We are always happy to further discuss any health or safety concerns with students, parents, or study abroad advisors. If you have specific questions, please contact the Antioch in Germany Program Coordinator, Kelly Brannan Trail through email ktrail@antioch.edu or phone: 937-769-1016.
