Health & Safety

Health Concerns

Before visiting Beijing, you may need to get immunizations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for while traveling in and around Beijing, or elsewhere in China. Consult with your doctor to determine what you will need for the length of your stay.  

Factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you may be visiting, and planned activities will determine what type of medicine you will need. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information.

If you are on prescription medication, you are advised to bring an adequate supply with you to last for the length of your stay abroad. If you wear contact lenses, bring an extra pair of contacts plus a spare pair of glasses to wear.

Medical Insurance Requirement

Medical health insurance coverage that is applicable outside of the United States (China in particular) is required for participation in the GMCA program. You will be required to purchase Emerson College's student health plan offered by Aetna Student Health if your current insurance does not provide adequate coverage.

Please check with your insurance agent regarding any policy questions or concerns you may have about health benefits while participating in the GMCA Beijing program. If you believe your current insurance policy does not provide sufficient medical coverage while out of your state/geographical service area, please research a health insurance plan that does. For your current alternate health plan to be comparable to the Aetna student health plan:

• The plan must provide to the student reasonably comprehensive coverage of health services, including preventive and primary care, emergency services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services throughout the school year.

• The services covered under the alternate health plan must be reasonably accessible for all health services to the student in the area where the student attends school.
• A health plan through a closed network of providers and accessible only for emergency services is NOT comparable coverage. Students and parents should be aware of this very important fact.

Having a good health insurance plan is vitally important, so make certain that you and your family research this thoroughly.

View information about the Aetna Student Health Plan.

For those students who use the College’s health insurance plan, as part of the plan you are entitled to travel assistance services provided by On Call International. On Call International has extensive college student service experience, including medical evacuation and repatriation coverage and 24-hour medical assistance for members.

Health & Safety Tips While in Beijing

Air Pollution

• Prepare for upper respiratory problems, headaches, and earaches. The pollution is most noticeable early in the morning as a heavy, grey fog. It sometimes lifts by mid-day, but never fully goes away.
• The air is sometimes dusty. You can taste it and feel it on your hands and in your eyes.
• If you have asthma or other respiratory ailments, it may take several days for your breathing to fully adjust to the poor air quality.
• If you need an inhaler, pack a supply for your time in Beijing and perhaps buy some face masks to wear over your mouth.
• Note too that there is lots of smoking and spitting on the streets.

Traffic

• Beijing seems to always be in "rush hour traffic." When crossing the street, walk with the crowd and cross the street as quickly as possible.
• If you want to ride a bike, wear a helmet!
• Motorbikes, cars, and bicycles are everywhere!! It means that you will be sharing roads and sidewalks with thousands of bikes. Be aware of merging motorbikes, cars, bicycles, and pedicabs coming from in front of and behind you when walking around town.
• Learn the differences between fake cabs (also known as black cabs) and authentic, government licensed cabs (they have a B on the license plate, have a taxi sign on top of the car, have the driver's credentials in front of the passenger seat, and have meters).

Food and Drink

• When you buy food or drink, check the expiration date before purchasing.
• Beware of eating street food.
• The quality of the tap water is not dependable. Drink bottled water.
• Expect to bargain in any private shop or street stall. The state-run department stores have fixed prices.

Theft and Pickpockets

• Pickpockets: Pay special attention to your belongings when traveling in crowded buses, trains, or subways.
• Don't ever leave your handbags, luggage, laptop, backpack, or any personal item unattended in any arena.
• Be careful when buying items from street vendors. If possible, use the exact amount of money needed, or use small bills to pay. You want to avoid vendors giving you fake Yuan/RMB for change.
• If approached by beggars, try not to give them money. Once you do, you will be swarmed by dozens more and you may leave yourself open to theft.

Toilet Facilities

• Toilets in China are normally the "squatting" type.
• You will need to carry toilet paper or tissues and hand sanitizer with you wherever you go.