It is fairly inexpensive to buy private international health insurance for teenagers. It costs something like $10 a week, depending on the country. Not much money for the peace of mind.
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I hate to be so morbid, but when our ds studied abroad while in college his university required that he have proof of insurance for, ārepatriation of remains.ā My dh was working for a large, international company and our insurance covered ds internationally for emergencies as well as any medical evacuation. BUT, it did not cover for repatriation of remains. We had to get a separate policy for that. I would make sure her program/university doesnāt require this as well.
Our ds had a high school friend who had a college friend who died while on a trip to South America. I donāt know the particulars, but it was extremely expensive to have her body returned to the states.
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It is good you are planning ahead. Depending on the prescription and the country, getting an override for the full semester supply should be easy. You might want to check on how widely amex is accepted in Italy unless she has a back up card.
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AmEx is not a very popular card in Europe. They like Visa/Master card better. It is good to have both.
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Having two kids that went abroad and my daugther backpacking through out South East Asia herself (but met people in youth hostels from all over the world to travel with)ā¦ Take a deep breathā¦ Lolā¦
Of course as parents we are a bit nervous at times like when my daughter got the stomach flu in some mountains in Vietnam on a moped with a driverā¦ The people there were wonderful and she just had to let it pass.
She isnāt going to a place that their laws are drastically different but honoring local customs and common sense is key to any country. Wear clothes that are appropriate especially if going into houses of worship. If going to a party and there are drugs of any kind maybe not the best place to be. Go in groups. Donāt travel late at night alone. Donāt drink from a glass that wasnāt in your possession. The people there are wonderful. Depending where, most will speak some English. She can also contact the head of the program that is sponsoring for help if needed. There is usually a local contact.
Common senseā¦
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This is something she can do as well:
https://gq.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/smart-traveler-enrollment-program/
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This was probably 10 years ago but a friend fell and broke her ankle while in Italy. The hospital system there was quite different than the US. She finally ended up at a private hospital to get the care she needed (cash), Doctor there was great but the materials used for surgery were substandard (probably 10-15 years behind the current technology in the states) and ended up having to have the surgery redone in the states after returning.
Chances are absolutely nothing will happen to your D except for a great time but if you need travel insurance make sure it covers what you want it to.
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Such exceptionally helpful information! Thank you all!
When I (finally) found and dug into my Dās program documentation - the health insurance does provide for repatriation of remains. I just hate to even type that out but it was in there.
Never heard about Smart Traveler Enrollment Program - will definitely do it for D!!!
Haha - I am trying to take deep breaths, thanks! All this info is really helping w/my stress.
I tried to think why I wasnāt worried/too sad about D moving into her US college this fall- clearly, I had used up all my stress/mental real estate thinking ahead to the unknowns re: her overseas move LOL.
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Iād say as long as you have a mature, level-headed kid, I donāt think you need to worry about much.
That said, it canāt hurt to have a talk to your kid about the fact that some laws can be different and that you need to use common sense.
Also, one thing: I know the OPās kid is in Italy, but in some countries when it comes to drinking DO NOT try to keep up with the locals.
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Good point! Drinking age is 18 in Italy and I think itās much more of a cultural thing. I donāt drink at all so thatās not been a family tradition at our houseā¦
or coffeeā¦ your Dās classmates are going to be used to several hundred milligrams of caffeine by lunchtimeā¦ one espresso could have her buzzed for hours if sheās used to Folgers!
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Good to remember! Sheās had her fair share of caffeine (teas etc.) while in college - but likely not espresso level!
You might consider a Medivac policy. If a person needs to return to the US with a serious injury, it can cost $50k+ and often more.
Your kid may come back to be more worldly and sophisticated. 
Or with an Italian boyfriend/girlfriend.
Iām researching the Medivac policy! Thanks!
Italy has always been my dream vacation (have never been) so I am thrilled that D is getting to experience the culture over months instead of days!
Maybe you can go visit her? Iām assuming my kid will study abroad in a couple years and Iām totally using that as an excuse for a vacation! Sheās already on notice
My daughter did this as well as her program required it even though the program wasnāt through her school
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Yes! We plan to visit. Using all the info I gained here for my daughter (insurance, Smart Traveler Enrollment, etc.) for when we go! Havenāt bought the tickets yet but need to get on that! Just trying to figure if we should go on her semester break (Feb) or go later when the weatherās apparently a bit nicerā¦
Revisiting this thread again to check Iāve got everything covered as daughter leaves in a few weeks ( 
).
Sheās now planning to travel to Switzerland and Greece after the program ends, with a friend from home. The girls are headed to AAA to get some tips, but if anyone had thoughts, would appreciate!
My only contribution thus far has been - when in Greece, try to go to Santorini (even though itās supposedly touristy and uber expensive). Those white-washed houses with blue roofs overlooking the sea are like a dream (to me, lol).
She is interested in going to a more affordable island but Iām encouraging her to make an exception for this beautiful place. Not sure if thatās the right advice, thoughā¦!
Santorini looks like the postcards. It really is beautiful.
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