Medical Arrangements
	General You will need to have a complete physical examination as well as an eye and dental check-up as part of your application. Proper forms are contained therein. Students should bring all relevant medical records and prescriptions with them. Being up-to-date on medical and dental care could avoid unforeseen difficulties arising here in Rome. No immunizations are required for travel to Italy. (However, shots may be required to gain access to other countries, particularly ones in Africa and Asia. These can be arranged through the College infirmary if necessary.) Health Insurance Physician, dental, and hospital bills are not covered by the College. Students are advised to obtain reliable health insurance which is valid in Italy in case health expenses are incurred. Blue Cross/Blue Shield provides such coverage. Check with your insurance company about coverage in Italy, the claims process, and any other regulations. Students should ensure that they have their insurance identification card and claim forms with them. Those who do not have a policy in their own name should have claim forms signed by the holder of the policy to save time in case it is necessary to file a claim. We strongly suggest that you talk with your Vocation Director about any diocesan health insurance coverage for seminarians. Canadian citizens should check with their provincial Ministry of Health to determine the coverage provided while in Europe. In general, provincial health care plans will only cover a small portion of any expenses incurred abroad. Therefore, in addition to maintaining provincial health care coverage at home, Canadians will require extra health insurance for international travel. Students should check with their diocese to see if this is included in any extended health care plans. Please Note: Medical insurance is not an option. A health coverage plan that is effective in Italy is a necessary component of the visa application package. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses Students who wear glasses are encouraged to bring a second pair with them in case of damage or loss. Those who wear contacts should also bring a pair of glasses. In both cases, students should remember to bring a copy of their prescription. Rome’s air quality often presents a problem for lens-wearers. Regular lens cleaning solutions can be purchased in Rome but are very expensive. Those with sensitive eyes requiring special solutions are especially advised to bring their own supply, since special solutions are not easily available in Rome. Health Care and Medication The College infirmary is equipped to provide for some basic medical needs and is designed to provide short-term in-patient care (flu, cold, etc.) as well as emergency first aid. The Sisters of Mercy of Alma staff the infirmary, with office hours two afternoons per week. In the city there are several English-speaking physicians who can be easily contacted through the infirmary for a full range of medical care. Students should bring a two-month supply of any required special medication with them. Also, their physician should indicate the generic name, not the trade name, of the prescription (if a generic prescription can be taken) so that substitutions can be made if necessary. Shipping prescription medications from the States may be impossible, expensive, or, in the very least, subject to long delays at customs. Prescriptions written by a doctor in the States and Australia cannot be filled by a pharmacy in Rome. Students will have to visit a doctor in Rome to get a new prescription should this become necessary. It might be helpful to bring a supply of a few non-prescription medicines (e.g., Tylenol, aspirin, cold medicine, sinus medicine, anti-acids, etc.), as they can be expensive and difficult to find in Rome, and colds and allergies can be severe. Any student taking these medications on a regular basis should also bring a supply with him. Multiple vitamins (which can also be purchased in Rome) are recommended, since the diet here differs somewhat from that of North America and Australia. If provision must be made for a special diet, a physician should indicate the dietary requirements so that arrangements may be made with our kitchen staff at the College (e.g., vegetarian plate).