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If you're going overseas for your placement then there is some additional information you'll need before you go.

You are responsible for your own insurance when working abroad. UK residents who will be working in EU countries or Switzerland should apply for a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All students must take out a full-year travel insurance policy with medical cover (ensuring that it is valid for work abroad) since cover under the EHIC card is limited.

Non-EU students, and students going to non-EU countries, must ensure that they take out a full-year travel insurance policy with medical cover. You can either purchase a University of Bath University Overseas Student Travel Cover or you can purchase your own separate comprehensive insurance policy. Please note that if you are participating in the Erasmus programme, you are required to purchase the University of Bath Travel Cover, as other policies cannot be accepted.

The University of Bath Travel Cover can be found here

You need to ensure you are covered for the following things whilst you're abroad:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency repatriation
• Loss of personal possessions/money
• Personal liability
• Personal accident benefits

If you do not use the Travel Cover provided by the University then you should also check to see if any of the following exclusions exist and whether they will affect you:

• Exclusion of cover if you are working - obviously not appropriate for placement
• Life style exclusions (such as excluding claims whilst under the influence of alcohol/drugs)
• Activity exclusions ("dangerous activities" can include some sports such as skiing and other activities like motorcycling)
• Pregnancy exclusions (some policies won't let you travel within three months of the due date or may not cover the baby if it is born early)

Housing Abroad

For more information about accommodation when you're abroad, have a look at our Housing tab. Also check out our placement student map to see who else is nearby on placement on the Finding Others page.

Embracing a New Culture

While you are living abroad you may experience certain emotional reactions to your new environment. You should be aware of the possibility that your initial excitement might be followed by a feeling of being overwhelmed by all the new experiences.

Culture Shock Cultural differences which may affect you include climate, food, language, dress and social behaviour. The feelings of confusion which you may experience are a perfectly normal reaction to arriving in an unfamiliar culture, and are commonly referred to as “culture shock”. Culture shock can manifest itself in many different ways. You may feel lonely and homesick, you may find it difficult to concentrate, having implications for your work or academic study. Some people find that culture shock manifests itself in more physical ways, such as headaches and stomach aches. If you find that you experience any of these symptoms when you are settling in to your new environment, remember that they may well be attributable to culture shock, that this is a perfectly normal reaction, and that there are ways in which you can ease the symptoms.

Here is some helpful advice if you think you are suffering from culture shock:

• Remain in regular contact with family and friends from home
• Keep familiar things around you, such as photographs
• If it is a certain type of food which you are missing, try to find out if there is anywhere you can buy it
• Try to develop friendships with local people so that you can learn more about one another’s culture
• Persevere if you are experiencing difficulty with your language skills. It may feel very tiring constantly having to listen to and speak in a different language. Ask people to repeat what they have said.

Personal Behaviour and Breaking the law The onus is on you not to cause unnecessary offence and distress to the people of the communities in which you live and work. On arrival in the country it is most important to find out as soon as possible about local customs and etiquette.

In some countries, it is best not to express strong views on politics or religion. You should be wary of entering into political discussions. Be particularly careful of commenting on local politics and on no account become actively involved. You will most likely be welcome to practice your own faith as long as you also respect the official religion and do not attempt to proselytise.

You should obviously take all reasonable precautions to ensure that you do not break the laws of the country where you are working. If you do so inadvertently and find yourself in trouble over it, you should inform the Placement Manager as soon as possible, giving an honest account of the circumstances. The University cannot accept responsibility for payment of fines or take any action which evades the legal process. We would draw your attention to the laws most countries have concerning black market currency dealing and drug use and trafficking. Students should also be aware that in many countries homosexuality remains illegal with severe consequences for people whose lifestyle attracts the attention of the authorities or local community.

Travel If you have a driving licence, take it with you. Get yourself an International Driving Permit. There may be restrictions on hiring a car if you are under 25 years old. Keep your licence and insurance with you at all times to avoid on the spot fines. If travelling by air, make sure that you keep valuables and an extra set of clothes in your hand luggage.

Resident's permit On arrival, check with your employer how to go about getting a resident’s permit as many countries outside the UK require you to have one. There is often a small amount of bureaucracy attached, but nothing that a good phrasebook and a bit of patience can’t solve!

Holidays Do not assume that UK holidays apply. In the USA, for example, Good Friday is not a holiday, and neither is Easter. Check with your potential supervisor about holidays and about national holidays.

Overseas Placement Checklist

Before you leave, make sure you've gone through our checklist of things you'll need whilst you're abroad. If you aren't sure if you have or need some of the following, then please contact the placements team for your faculty or the mobility office.

• Passport and Visa
• Tickets and travel documents
• A copy of your Birth Certificate
• Spare passport sized photos
• Driving Licence, International Driving Permit
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Travel Insurance documents
• Copies of passport and travel insurance documents
• A small amount of local money
• Proof of student status, International Student Card (ISIC)
• A source of emergency funding
• Contract or confirmation of employment
• Correspondence from/to your employer and employer contact details
• Accommodation address details
• Copy of your transcripts, CV, etc.
• Important phone numbers

Applicant travel bursaries

Find out if you're eligible for a bursary to help fund your travel to an undergraduate applicant visit day or interview..

• About the travel bursary

If you've applied to study here and meet the criteria outlined below, we will be able to refund your travel costs to an undergraduate Applicant Visit Day or interview up to a maximum of £100.

In certain situations, however, we may be able to contribute more than £100: please refer to our Terms and Conditions or contact [email protected] if you have any questions regarding this.

We are unable to refund travel to general University Open Days .

• Find out if you’re eligible

To be eligible you must:

• be a UK Home applicant studying at a UK school or college
• have a household income of £30,000 or below*

We are unable to provide financial support if you're already receiving funds for your visit from your school or college.

*We do not require copies of pay slips, bank statements, P60 forms as evidence of household income. However, if you subsequently become a student at the University of Bath, your household income data will be shared with the University, for bursary purposes, as part of your student loans application.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Undergraduate Admissions

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Optional Extensions

Why extend my cover, not in halls.

If you're living in University of Bath accommodation, there is some good news; there is a basic level of insurance for students, already in place for you, arranged with us. This students contents insurance will provide a range of cover for your possessions within your accommodation such as cover for your laptop, electrical goods, clothes and sports equipment. This student insurance has been arranged by the University of Bath with Cover4Students.

You will find a summary of the in the tabs. We recommend that you download and read the policy schedule and policy wording; ensuring that you understand the student contents insurance cover provided and that it is suitable for your needs.

You may find that you need more students' insurance cover than is provided already. Don't worry – there is a section below listing the range of optional top up covers that are available. For example, you may wish to insure items outside of your student accommodation such as a laptop, tablet or mobile.

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By confirming your cover you get access to our Benefits Hub where you can access discounts up to 75% off well-known brands.

Competition Terms and Conditions

1. Entrants must provide their email address when entering the competition 2. All entries must be received no later than 31 st. October, 2023. 3. Only one entry per person. 4. Only online entries to the competition page will be accepted.

ELIGIBILITY

5. The competition is open to students in full or part-time education in the UK or Ireland. 6. This competition is not open to employees or contractors of UK & Ireland Insurance Services (Online) Limited and their families.

WINNER SELECTION & NOTIFICATION

7. All valid email addresses will be entered into a draw. 8. The winner will be randomly selected on or around the 01 st. November 2023. 9. UK & Ireland's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 10. The winner will be contacted within 15 days of the competition draw date, using the email address they entered. 11. The winner is required to respond to the notification of winning, within 30 days of receipt, in order to claim the prize. Failure to do so will result in the prize being forfeited and another winner will be selected.

12. The winner will receive £500/€500. This amount is based on the estimated cost of one terms rent. The prize must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. 13. The prize will be paid by cheque, the cheque being made out to the winner only. 14. If the cheque is not cashed within 6 months of its date, the cheque will be cancelled. In this event, the competition will be deemed to be null and void and no further cheque will be written. 15. There will be no prize alternatives.

ENTRANT CONDUCT

16.Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition. 17.Entrants must supply full details as requested, and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prize.

COMPETITION INFORMATION

18. UK & Ireland Insurance Services (Online) Limited is promoting this competition. 19. UK & Ireland Insurance Services (Online) Limited reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.

PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION STATEMENT

The information collected from you will only be used for the purpose of processing your application, managing your account and to update you about similar products and services offered by UK & Ireland Insurance Services (Online) Limited.

Information we collect about you will not be disclosed to any third party without your prior consent or the requestors’ demonstrated legal authority to receive it.

You have the right to access your information at any time to check whether it is accurate and up to date. (We charge £10 for information requests). If you wish to access any information we hold about you contact us in writing at the following address: Data Protection Officer, UK & Ireland Insurance Services (Online) Limited, The Stables, Old Co-Op Yard, Warwick Street, Manchester, M25 3HB.

Students staying with one of our accommodation providers get contents insurance automatically included. To check your cover request your policy schedule and policy wording with Cover4Insurance below.

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Once registered you will be:

• Emailed your policy documents.
• Entered into a free prize draw with a chance of winning £500 † winner to be announced in early November 2023.
• Provided exclusive access to our Benefits Hub where you can access a huge variety of savings and discounts across many reputable retailers.
• You will be sent a 10% discount code for our Student Possessions Insurance when this policy expires.
• † Competition Terms & Conditions

1. Entrants must provide their email address when entering the competition 2. All entries must be received no later than 31 st October 2023. 3. Only one entry per person. 4. Only online entries to the competition page will be accepted.

7. All valid email addresses will be entered into a draw. 8. The winner will be randomly selected on or around the 01 st November 2023. 9. UK & Ireland's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 10. The winner will be contacted within 15 days of the competition draw date, using the email address they entered. 11. The winner is required to respond to the notification of winning, within 30 days of receipt, in order to claim the prize. Failure to do so will result in the prize being forfeited and another winner will be selected.

How Much Am I Insured For?

Your possessions are insured inside of your accommodation for up to £10,000 in total. In addition, a further £2,500 cover is provided for computer equipment within your accommodation (including laptops and tablets).

For family properties and registered disabled students, possessions cover is increased to £12,000. The cover limit of £2,500 for computer equipment is also extended to £4,500 for registered disabled students.

What Is Covered:

• Personal possessions within the insured address — up to £10,000.
• Personal possessions within the insured address if you are registered disabled — up to £12,000.
• Personal possessions within the insured address if you live with a partner and/or children — up to £12,000.
• Replacement locks & keys — up to £350. This cover does not include lost keys; visit Keyprotect if you require insurance for lost keys.
• Food spoilage: failure of fridge /freezer — up to £75.
• Damage to clothing: failure of laundry equipment — up to £300.
• Desktop computer equipment | room only — up to £2,500.
• Desktop computer equipment | room only if you are registered as disabled — up to £4,000.
• iPads laptops & portable computer equipment | room only — up to £2,500.
• iPads laptops & portable computer equipment | room only if you are registered as disabled — up to £4,000.
• Vacation cover — up to £10,000.
• Personal accident — up to £50,000.
• Credit cards — up to £500.
• Personal money — up to £100.
• College | university property on loan — up to £1,250.
• Landlord’s property | tenant’s liability — up to £5,000.
• Accidental death, injury or illness of a financially supporting parent or guardian — up to £5,000.
• Legal liability — up to £1,000,000.
• Emergency accommodation costs — up to £250.
• Emergency clothing allowance — up to £200.
• Mobile phone | room only – following forcible and violent entry — up to £1,000.
• Personal possessions from communal areas — up to £1,000.
• Musical instruments | room only — up to £1,250.
• Contact lenses — up to £150.

Important: You may need to extend the basic policy cover to protect your valuable items such as your mobile phone, iPod, bicycle etc. if you are taking them out and about (travelling to and from university).

We strongly recommend that you read the full terms contained in the policy wording document to see a full list of the terms and conditions that govern your policy with us. These can be downloaded from the Policy Documents / Claims tab.

What Is Not Insured:

• Food spoilage: the first £10 of any loss.
• Pedal cycles valued over £1,000 † 10% of the pedal cycle value.
• Photographic equipment valued over £1,250 ‡ 10% of the photographic equipment value.
• All other sections: the first £25 of any loss.
• Lost or stolen keys (visit Student Keyprotect if you require insurance for the loss of keys).
• Theft from vehicles (except where attended during transit at the beginning and end of each term).
• Pedal cycles (unless the basic cover is extended).
• Cover outside of your accommodation (unless the basic cover is extended).

Maximum Amounts Payable:

The following categories of items are subject to a maximum amount payable during the period of insurance.

• Personal possessions single item limit — up to £1,250.
• Clothing single item limit — up to £700.
• Computer equipment — up to £2,500.
• Audio equipment — up to £1,250.
• TV, games consoles, video and DVD players — up to £1,250.
• Photgraphic equipment, video cameras & camcorders — up to £1,250.
• Sports equipment — up to £1,250.
• Jewellery, watches & other valuables — up to £1,250.
• Music, video, DVD, software & other data carrying media — up to £1,250.
• Rented household goods — up to £1,250.

Your Duty of Care

You must, at all times, take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents, loss and damage.

How to Claim

To start the claims process, please complete the correct Claims Form provided below. Before submitting your claim, please read your policy schedule to make sure you are covered and have a valid claim.

Fill out the online claims form here: Make a claim .

Phone: 0161 974 1101

Cover4students Claims Team, Stream Claims Services, Copthall House, King Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 1EL.

If you have a valid claim obtain a claim form from cover4students.com. Complete and return it along with:

• Receipts, bills, valuations or repair estimates as appropriate for all claims for loss or damage.
• Full details of accident or injury and early prognosis for personal accident claims.

All claims for theft or loss must be reported to the police.

Our range of top ups allow you to insure the items that are most important to you.

By offering a range of top ups you have the flexibility to chooses the covers that are most important to you, whether that is to add cover for a mobile phone or musical instruments or you just want cover for items outside your accommodation we have an option to suit you. The additional cover options available are listed below:

Please note that your policy will expire when you move out of your student accommodation or when your Master Policy expires, whichever is sooner. Any extensions you make will also expire with the Master Policy.

In order to help you decide if you need to top up your cover, we have devised a few standard questions:

• Are your total possessions worth more than £10,000 (excluding computer equipment)? If yes, you can extend the cover up to £18,000 by selecting the personal possessions top up.
• For 'Specified Items' you will need to list the item (s) and value (s) up to a maximum of £3,000.
• For 'Unspecified Items' you can cover personal possessions up to £4,000 in total with a single item limit of £500.
• Is your computer equipment worth more than £2,500? If yes, you can extend the cover up to £5,000 by selecting the computer equipment top up.
• Mobile Phone
• Pedal Cycles
• Musical Instruments
• Photographic equipment
• Items listed under the "Specified Items | Cover Anywhere Within the UK" section
• Items insured under the "Unspecified Items | Cover Anywhere Within the UK" section
• Do you require cover for your pedal cycle? If yes, you will need to select the pedal cycle extension. This extension will cover your pedal cycle for theft or accidental damage anywhere within the UK up to £3,000.
• Do you require cover for your photographic equipment? If yes, you will need to select the photographic equipment extension. This extension will cover your photographic equipment for theft or accidental damage anywhere within the UK up to £5,000.
• Do you require cover for your mobile phone outside your accommodation? If yes, you will need to select mobile phone extension. This extension will cover your mobile phone for theft or accidental damage anywhere within the UK up to £1,000.
• Do you require cover for your Course Fees? We offer a Tuition Fees and Rental Protection cover which will cover the cost of your tuition fees or rent if you're medically unable to continue studying your course through sickness or injury up to £20,000.

It is important that you understand that when you extend your cover you are taking out an individual insurance policy in addition to being covered under your University’s/Accommodation Provider’s Block Halls insurance policy.

Extend Your Students Contents Insurance Policy

If you are a student at the University of Bath but won't be living in accommodation managed by them this year, you won't be covered by this scheme.

However, we're offering a 10% off our Student Possessions Insurance for University of Bath students who are living in private accommodation. Just click on the link below where the 10% discount will be applied:

10% OFF STUDENT INSURANCE

If you're a former University of Bath student or have graduated and would still like cover for your personal possessions and contents, we can also offer 10% off our tenant insurance. Just click the link below for a quote, the discount will be applied automatically:

10% OFF TENANTS INSURANCE

Extending your contents insurance policy

Your contents insurance gives you basic cover for belongings in your room. if you want more protection you must extend the policy..

• Extending your insurance

The basic level of cover is for items in your room. It also covers your belongings while you're travelling to your accommodation to move in, and when you move out at the end of the academic year.

You can extend your cover to include items like mobile phones and bicycles through the Cover4Insurance website, or you can call them on 0161 772 3382

You'll also be able to extend the insurance policy to cover your belongings when you are outside your accommodation.

Extending your cover will mean you have to pay more for your policy.

• When to extend your cover

You should extend your cover if any of the following apply to you:

• the total value of your possessions exceeds £7,500
• you take your possessions outside your accommodation
• your computer equipment is worth more than £2,500
• you would like accidental damage cover
• you would like to cover your bicycle
• you want cover for your tuition fees

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Cover4Insurance

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By car, with parking on-site., from central bath to the university., london heathrow to bath spa., london gatwick to bath spa., bristol airport to bath spa., london stansted to bath spa., disclaimer:.

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Personal Travel Insurance

Travel risk and insurance.

Love the benefits offered through UC Travel Insurance for Employees and Students? Now you can purchase them for your own personal international travel through the UC Personal Travel Insurance Program*!

The UC Personal Travel Program* offers three travel plan options designed to integrate insurance benefits with valuable travel assistance services to help provide the extra protection you need while traveling far from home. Find out more about the options and enroll in UC Personal Travel Insurance here :

Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or educational purposes, many travelers could benefit from the peace of mind that comes with purchasing travel insurance to help provide the security they need. This travel accident protection program responds to medical emergencies for travelers outside of their home country or country of permanent residence by providing accident and sickness benefits and valuable travel assistance services. See the UC Personal Travel Plan Options (pdf)* .

Coverage is only effective while traveling outside of the country from which you hold a passport. Sometimes travel outside of your home country can involve increased risks, especially if you need to travel to areas of political unrest and conflict. ACE USA Accident and Health offers an integrated travel insurance and service plan that helps to provide the extra protection needed while traveling in high-risk territories. Click the link to enroll and purchase your personal travel insurance .

Register your specific itinerary to receive customized intelligence reports covering entry/exit, security, health, transportation, culture, language, environment, financial, communication and legal concerns for over 230 countries and more than 580 cities. You will receive real-time alerts before, during, and after your trip about changing conditions that might affect your itinerary or long-term stay. This constant support allows travelers to stay safe and to circumvent potential difficulties with minimal disruption. Register your personal trip .

* The UC Personal Travel Insurance Program is being offered as an option for employees, students, retirees, alumni and their traveling companions to purchase for their own for personal travel.  This program is not affiliated with any University-provided employee benefit and the University makes no recommendation concerning it. As with any commercial travel insurance you purchase, the traveler is responsible for paying the premium, arranging for any travel assistance services, and resolving any claim or coverage issues directly with the insurance carrier.

Related resources

• Personal Travel Insurance Plan Overview
• Personal Travel Insurance Plan Brochure

Travel Insurance

The university provides travel insurance for university employees, students and volunteers travelling within the uk or worldwide on university business, university travel insurance - introduction.

Provision of University travel insurance is in accordance with the University policy on travel (latest policy 01/08/2022).

Activation of the insurance cover requires an approved application (submitted via TIRS unless otherwise indicated) and is subject to compliance with University policies and the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Please see the Cover Information and Exclusion page for up-to-date policy cover information.  

Travel trips must also be arranged in line with current government advice. Please see the Safety Office website for their guidelines regarding Overseas Travel and Fieldwork.-  https://safety.web.ox.ac.uk/travel-and-fieldwork

Security Subcommittee Statement:

University staff and students undertake many thousands of overseas trips per year on University business, many to high risk areas of the world. The University has a statutory duty of care to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of its staff and students whilst they are undertaking activities on behalf of the University. The information held in TIRS will enable the University to locate and contact travellers quickly and effectively in response to a crisis event (e.g. terrorist attack, hurricane, volcano, etc.) and provide the immediate support that staff and students working or studying overseas might require.

The University’s Security Subcommittee therefore strongly supports the use of TIRS for registering overseas travel for University business in all cases (even where University insurance is not being applied for) and urges departments to remind staff and students of the importance of registering their details.

Travel Insurance Presentation 2023

Insurance Presentation File Link

Travel Insurance Contact

01865 616078

[email protected]

Oxford Mutual Ltd Finance Division, University of Oxford 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2ET

Finance Services

Travel and personal accident, who can/cannot apply for university business travel and how to apply.

Students on a trip organised by the Centre for Study Abroad (was Global Opportunities)

You must comply with all steps on the Bristol Abroad / Summer Abroad Blackboard, including completing a risk assessment. You can find the Bristol Abroad / Summer Abroad Blackboards under "my organisations" here .

Students travelling for a university related activity (Research, Conference, Study and fieldwork) excluding trips organised by the Centre for Study Abroad

Please ensure that before you apply for travel insurance, you have sought approval from the  Global Travel Approval System .

Students - All students:

The University provides  free  business travel insurance for students travelling overseas on approved University trips.

Apply here:  Student business travel insurance - Worldwide  

The University provides  free  business travel insurance for staff travelling overseas on approved University trips

Visiting academics from another University, Emeritus Professors or volunteers assisting on a (field) trip can be covered providing they are travelling on University of Bristol approved business as representatives of the University. They must follow all the University procedures including the Global Travel Approval process and, where appropriate, complete a risk assessment.

• Apply here:  Staff business travel insurance – Worldwide  
• Please ensure that before you apply for travel insurance, you have sought approval from the Global Travel Approval System which can be found at the global travel SharePoint site .

W ill the University travel insurance cover my spouse/partner or children?  

No ,  the University business travel insurance  cannot   be extended to cover them. You must purchase your own insurance.

I am a member of staff/PHD student returning to my home country to carry out University business/research, is cover available to me?  

Limited cover is available to you:

• Emergency Medical cover is not available. 
• Cancellation/curtailment and rearrangement cover is only available if you are to travel within your home country for the purpose of University business and your trip involves an overnight stay, rail journey or a flight.  Commuting is not covered.

Main conditions of cover for all staff and students travelling on University business

You must meet the following conditions before applying for cover: 

• You know of no reason (including non-medical) why the trip is likely to be cut short or cancelled. 
• You will not be travelling against medical advice.
• You will not be travelling to have medical treatment or to have treatment for a medical condition.
• You are not over 80 years of age. 
• You have never been refused cover for travel insurance. 
• You have received approval from the UOB. This includes where the FCDO advise against all but essential travel / all non-essential travel:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Where the FCDO advise against all travel (not all but essential travel) or your trip is particularly hazardous, your trip will require approval from the senior management team. Speak to your Head of School to ensure the correct approval is in place.
• You are not travelling to a Country where sanctions have been imposed.  You will require permissions in this circumstance. See sanctions information.
• Your journey will not be for more than 12 months.  If it is to be longer than this, please contact the insurance office for advice. 

Travelling without University approval can result in disciplinary action. ‌

Emergencies

Find more information on our Summary of cover and policy wording webpage. 

Safezone App

Our insurers and the University can also be notified via the  SafeZone app  or by following the instructions on the SafeZone Information page  here .

General guidance

You can find guidance on personal holiday , pre-existing medical condition/ pregnancy , how to amend your business travel insurance , visa letters , how to report a travel insurance claim , our summary of cover and policy wording , student placements and field trips .

For travel resources, including country reports that provide guidance around safety and travel issues, please visit: Travel Assistance  (access is only available to those who have a UOB email address).

It is important you check any personal travel insurance carefully as often it only covers trips that start and finish in the same place. Please declare this fact to your insurer to ensure your insurance cover is not invalidated.

This is included in the University travel insurance but it is not compulsory to request the University travel insurance. The Global Travel Approval system does not apply to UK travel.

All travellers who are eligible must apply for a Global Health Insurance Card. It provides general health care while abroad in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

You can apply for one  here . GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance.

Travel to Russia

Any Student or Academic delivering lectures or the like in Russia can be deemed as TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE which is forbidden. A humanities lecture or textbook is not likely to be a problem, but a complex science one (for example a lecture or text book on the maths and physics of aerodynamics and rocket propulsion or military equipment) would be an issue. It is therefore possible that lectures or textbooks could be considered technical assistance.  We should avoid any lecturing unless confident it would not be construed as ‘technical assistance’.

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2023-24 Travel Abroad Health Insurance

Traveling abroad? This inexpensive health insurance plan can provide peace of mind for travelers from all three U-M campuses.

Quick links

Important requirement.

• Students on educational activities (e.g. travel abroad)
• Personal/leisure travel
• Faculty and staff on university business
• Effective dates (for Student and Leisure Plans only)
• How to extend coverage beyond the original purchase (for Student and Leisure Plans only)

Using your benefits

Political and natural disaster evacuation coverage, there's an app for that, for more information.

Students, faculty, and staff from all U-M campuses who travel abroad for University-related purposes must have U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance and register in the U-M Travel Registry . (University-related purposes may include but are not limited to study, research, internships, service, conferences, presentations, teaching, performances, or athletic competitions).

U-M contracts with GeoBlue, a leader in international travel health insurance, to provide this coverage.

How to purchase/sign in

Three plans are available, and your plan will depend on the purpose of your travel. For questions, you may email  [email protected] . Benefits are listed in this section as well as in  Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation  below. 

Please choose your purpose for travel:

About the plan:

• If you will travel as part of a U-M sponsored group,  ask your program administrator if he/she will purchase for you.  If so, you do not need to purchase.
• Cost: $1.62 per person/day plus a $5 administrative fee per person per trip
• Plan may be extended to cover leisure activities before and after your university-related trip.
• Plan may be purchased for spouses / domestic partners and dependents traveling with the covered student.
• Study Abroad Member Guide
• Study Abroad COVID-19 What to Know Before You Travel
• Study Abroad Certificate of Coverage
• GeoBlue Global TeleMD (telehealth medical care through GeoBlue)
• GeoBlue Global Wellness Assist (telehealth mental health services through GeoBlue)
• Email  [email protected]
• GeoBlue Mobile App allows travelers to connect to quality care across the globe; download it from your app store after purchasing the plan
• Study Abroad Pre-Departure Program
• Study Abroad Pre-Departure FAQs
• If you have a medical condition, learn more about planning ahead to travel safely with your condition.

To purchase/sign in (if your department is not purchasing this insurance for you) :

• Choose your purpose for travel, as described above. For questions, you may email  [email protected] .
• Register your trip with the  U-M Travel Registry . 
• Enroll and purchase here (if/when prompted to log in, use your U-M email address).
• You must purchase this plan  prior to departure.
• Cost: $1.62 per person/day plus a $5 administrative fee per person per trip
• Plan may be purchased by students and current faculty and staff under age 80.
• Plan may be purchased for spouses / domestic partners and dependents traveling with the covered individual.
• Personal/Leisure Member Guide
• Personal/Leisure Certificate of Coverage
• This plan covers  up to 364 days.  If you need longer coverage, contact the  Managed Care/Student Insurance Office.
• Cost: No cost, the plan automatically covers you; you do not need to purchase.
• What you need to do:
• Register your trip with the  U-M Travel Registry .
• Sign in on the GeoBlue website  and enter Group Access Code QHE99999UMBT​ . This will allow you to access information about medical care at your destinations and more. Please note: If you have previously signed in to GeoBlue using the Group Access Code, you may need to log in at the top right corner of the page at “Login as a member."
• Your spouse / domestic partner and dependents traveling with you
• Leisure activities prior to and after your University-related trip
• Business Travel Member Guide
• Business Travel Certificate of Coverage

Effective dates (for study abroad and personal/leisure plans only)

Coverage will begin on the date requested on the online enrollment form. Coverage is effective 24 hours a day, worldwide.

Coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

• Date the participant ceases to meet eligibility requirements
• End date requested in the online or paper enrollment form
• First date for which premium and fees have not been paid

How to extend coverage beyond the original purchase

For students on study abroad or personal/leisure travel: To extend coverage, you must:  1) Update your trip through U-M Travel Registry  and  2) Enroll and purchase the insurance via the link to the GeoBlue website in your confirmation email and M-Compass Registration Checklist page. Payment is due at the time of enrollment.

For faculty and staff on personal/leisure travel: To extend coverage, you must:  1. Update your trip through U-M Travel Registry .  2. Enroll and purchase the insurance via the link to the GeoBlue website on the last page. Payment is due at the time of enrollment.

Whenever possible, you should contact GeoBlue in advance. 

In a non-emergency,  GeoBlue will assist you in making appointments as long as you contact them first, and whenever possible, GeoBlue will pay the medical provider directly.

In an emergency,  seek appropriate medical care first, then call GeoBlue for immediate assistance.

If you require medical evacuation,  you  must  contact GeoBlue in advance or your evacuation will not be eligible for reimbursement.

To contact GeoBlue, call:

• Inside the U.S., call 800-257-4823
• Outside the U.S., call +1-610-254-8771 (collect) or 1-888-243-2358

GeoBlue maintains a 24/7 call center to assist members with a wide variety of services including:

• Locating medical care
• Medical evacuation planning and coordination
• Medical monitoring and referral
• Coordination of hospital payment guarantees
• Arranging direct pay

When you show your Medical Insurance ID card, doctors and hospitals usually send GeoBlue a bill for services that are received abroad.

Sometimes a doctor or a health care facility may ask you to pay the bill, or you may need to file a claim for prescription medication. In these cases ask the doctor, hospital, or pharmacy for a copy of the bill and a receipt for your payment. You will need these documents to allow GeoBlue to reimburse you.

To request reimbursement, you must submit a claim form. Please request a claim form by contacting the UHS Managed Care/Student Insurance Office . 

Political and natural disaster (P/ND) evacuation assistance is available in many but not all countries for U-M faculty, staff, students, and their eligible accompanying dependents. To receive this support, travelers must be eligible for the U-M GeoBlue international health insurance plan, must Register their Travel , and meet other special conditions outlined below. This support is not always available for personal/leisure travelers as outlined below.

While this support is provided in most locations throughout the world, it is not available in some locations, and in some others, pre-approval from the security firm is required. See  Warning / Restriction Locations ; the pre-approval process is initiated by Registering Travel at least 3 weeks prior to departure.  Pre-approval will only be sought for travel that is for urgent and compelling reasons, and pre-approval will require the traveler to complete a safety plan and sign a waiver of liability. Pre-approval will not be sought for personal/leisure travel, so personal/leisure travel to these exception destinations is without evacuation support from the U-M.

This evacuation assistance is provided by Crisis24 and must be coordinated through U-M and GeoBlue. Benefits include:

• $100,000 per covered person when the U.S. or foreign government issues an evacuation order for political or security reasons, or if an area is declared uninhabitable in the event of a natural disaster
• Provides coverage to a safe haven, with limited accommodation benefits
• Coverage for travel from safe haven back to the U.S.

After you enroll, download the GeoBlue app from your app store, then log in with the information in the confirmation email you receive. 

With the app, you can:

• Search providers for medical, dental, or mental health care and map them using GPS technology.*
• Arrange Direct Pay for future appointments to secure cashless access to care.
• Access issued guarantees of payment to view and share with doctors and hospitals.
• File a claim by entering information or sending a photo of a completed form.**
• Find a medication’s availability, generic name, and local brand name.
• Translate medical terms and phrases for many symptoms and situations; use the audio feature to play the translation.
• Display an ID Card on a smartphone and email/fax a copy directly to the provider’s office.
• View country or city profiles on crime, terrorism, and natural disasters.

GeoBlue for U-M educational activities, business travel, and personal/leisure travel:

• Visit their website through the  U-M Travel Registry
• Inside the U.S., call GeoBlue at 1-800-257-4823
• Outside the U.S., call GeoBlue at +1-610-254-8771 (collect) or 1-800-257-4823
• For business travelers outside the U.S., call GeoBlue at +1-610-254-5830 (collect) 
• Email [email protected]

UHS Travel Health Services

Global Michigan,  a portal for all things international

UHS Managed Care/Student Insurance Office :

• For questions or assistance with the plan
• Telephone 734-764-5182
• Toll-free 866-368-0002

Looking for last year's plan details? See the  2022-23 Travel Abroad  page.

Recommended pages

• Lecture timetables
• Campus maps
• Student digital services
• Staff Digital Services
• Student support
• Online registration
• Core systems
• Car parking
• Room bookings
• Staff development

Travelling and working away from the workplace

The University has a comprehensive Business Travel Policy for staff and students travelling on University business.  Trips need to be registered online.  

Travel Alert: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Following recent events in Israel and Gaza, UMAL, our travel cover providers have issued a specific alert regarding cover for potential claims arising out of trips that are either cancelled, curtailed or rearranged.  Please refer to UMAL's alert here along with checking the FCDO website before making any travel arrangements to these areas.  Please contact Insurance Services team if you have any questions or concerns. 

If any travel is planned to the following territories, please refer to the Insurance Team prior to agreeing or making any travel arrangements: 

Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar/Burma, North Korea, Russia (including Crimea), Syria, Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen  

Please contact the Insurance Team at: Catalog Categories - Finance Service Portal (bham.ac.uk) and provide as many details regarding the proposed trip as possible please. This is to enable a referral to be made to insurers as to whether they will provide insurance cover. Wherever possible, please allow 10 clear working days for such referrals.

Travel cover key points:

Attached below is a copy of the Travel Cover Summary document and full policy wording.  The following key points are drawn from the summary document produced by UMAL, our cover providers -

• This is not private medical insurance. You are not covered for routine, non-emergency treatment, any elective treatment or anything that can reasonably wait until your return home. 

 Please be aware that any medical expenses in excess of £300 MUST be pre-approved by International Medical Group (IMG) before they are incurred – failure to do so may result in UMAL declining the claim

• For minor ailments, you should seek advice from a local pharmacist in the first instance. If the condition does not resolve, or if it worsens, you can contact International Medical Group (IMG) for advice on the best course of action. There contact details are: Tel:  +44 (0)203 859 1492 E-mail:  [email protected] Reference:  UMAL/034  
• Medical Expenses for treatment of Covid-19 are covered. 
• Domestic business travel is covered in the event of an overnight stay away from home or if a pre-booked internal flight has been arranged, please see FAQ's for further information.
• Costs for Covid-19 tests are not covered, and there is no cover under the Disruption section for anything arising out of Covid-19. 
• Any evidence required in support of a claim must be provided by you at your own expense. 
• If travelling to a country that is subject to international sanctions you should check with your Head of School as to any special procedures that apply to ensure sanctions are not breached.  UMAL will not provide any cover or pay any claim that would expose them to any international sanctions. 
• Claims must be notified to us as soon as possible but in any event within thirty days of the circumstances arising.

Travel cover summary

Full Policy wording

University Health and Safety Policy  (UHSP/0/01) requires Head of Budget Centres to make arrangements for ensuring that risks to staff and students are properly identified and controlled. This requirement extends to staff and student whilst carrying out University activities when abroad on University business or University related activities. [ more information ]

Also running along side the main Travel policy, there is a Travel Legal Expenses Policy provided by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Ltd. Details can be obtained from the Insurance office . 

 Travellers with medical conditions should bear in mind that there is an exclusion relating to travelling against medical advice.  If in doubt you are advised to seek medical advice or contact the Insurance office .

Book your Travel Cover Online

Data Protection  

For both students and staff, the insurance team comply with the University-wide data protection principles, further details of which can be found at the following link: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/privacy/index.aspx

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Travel insurance

Important information.

It is University policy that all travel must align with the  University of Exeter Principles for Essential Travel  and the  University Travel Policy ‌. This ensures that safety and security concerns and that the University's carbon commitments are fully considered.  Relevant risk assessments and more information on University travel processes can be found  here . The principles for essential travel document also provides detail on the required approval pathway for different types of travel. If the risk assessment and approval process has not been completed, expense claims made for travel and subsistence may not be paid. Audits will be conducted on registered travel, so please be prepared to provide evidence of risk assessment and approval.

Travel Insurance details

The University’s travel insurer is AIG

The emergency telephone number is: +44 (0)1273 552 922

Policyholder: University of Exeter

Policy number: 0010628173

Cover includes unlimited medical emergency expenses (although does not provide cover for routine or non-emergency treatment), medical repatriation, loss of personal belongings, loss of University equipment, travel cancellation, alteration and delay. 

Before you travel

The websites below give some useful information ahead of departing the UK. Please also ensure that your trip aligns to the  University Travel Policy ‌.

Emergencies and claims

If you are abroad and are experiencing an emergency then you should initially contact the University’s travel insurer, AIG assistance helpline on  +44 (0)1273 552 922and quote policy 0010628173 (University of Exeter). 

In the event of delay, cancellation, curtailment etc, try to obtain documentation or a statement from the airline or other transport provider. In the event of a theft or loss, please obtain a crime number from the local Police.

During University working hours the Insurance, Audit & Risk office can also be contacted by email at [email protected]. Outside of office hours please contact Estate Patrol on + 44 (0)1392 723999 and advise them of your situation. We would also advise you to inform your Faculty of your situation.

Non-Emergency Travel claims

For these claims please select and complete the relevant claim form for your loss, damage or medical expenses below:‌

• Medical expenses claim form
• Travel cancellation claim form
• Personal accident claim form
• Personal property claim form ‌

To make your claim:

Complete the claim form and return it to the  Insurance, Audit & Risk team  with the supporting documents requested on your claim form, within 30 days.  Note that you will need to provide documentation to support your claim . A guidance document has been published to list the documents that you will need to present, according to claim type:  Documentation required in case of travel claim .

Once we have received the claim form and supporting documents, we will send them to the Travel Insurance providers for their consideration.

If the claim payment is to be paid to the Faculty, please do not complete the bank details on the claim form, advise us of the relevant cost code and the claim payment is to be sent to the Faculty. 

If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us by  email .

International travel

All trips must align with the  University of Exeter Principles for Essential Travel , and are approved as set out within the principles document.  In case you need to make a claim, you must keep hold of your travel documents . Guidance has been published on the documentats that will be required, depending on the type of claim: Documents required in case of travel claim  

R‌isk assessments and more information on the University travel processes can be found  here .

Need help following an incident?

Call the Insurers emergency 24 hour helpline contained within the Insurers details on our before you travel insurance webpage   

• Faculties  in case of incident please refer to the  overseas travel - dealing with an adverse incident overseas  document.
• Travellers  please refer to your travel insurance documents that were emailed to you when you registered your travel.

Registering your travel and receiving your travel insurance documents. 

It is University policy that all travel must align with the  University of Exeter Principles for Essential Travel   and the  University Travel Policy . This ensures that safety and security concerns and that the University's carbon commitments are fully considered. Relevant risk assessments can be found  here . The principles for essential travel document also provides detail on the required approval pathway for different types of travel. Note that if the risk assessment and approval process has not been completed, expense claims made for travel and subsistence may not be paid. Audits will be conducted on registered travel, so please be prepared to provide evidence of risk assessment and approval.

Insurance Registration:  Once your trip has been risk assessed and approved (note advance notice requirements for insurance confirmation for the scenarios set out below), you must complete the  online travel form . This step  must  be completed for insurance to be in place, and each person travelling must be registered individually.

In order to help you understand the risks in the country you are visiting, please refer to the AIG assistance website  www.mylifeline.co.uk  and follow these steps:

To register as a user on the AIG mylifeline page, please scroll to the bottom of the page and input the requested details – the policy number is 0010628173

• Once you have registered and logged in – follow the menu at the top of the screen
• To sign up for the travel alerts – click on alerts
• Input the country you are visiting from the drop-down menu
• Input your dates of travel
• Choose the type or types of alert you require
• Click subscribe

  IMPORTANT - advance notification to the  Insurance Team  of at least 14 days is required in the below circumstances , and registration/booking must not go ahead until confirmation of insurance is received:

• Trips to sanctioned countries (see section below), or where FCDO advice against some or all travel - considerations:  these trips need to be referred to the insurer, and cover is not guaranteed. If the University is unable to obtain insurance, and you are unable to obtain a robust personal policy, the trip should not go ahead. Where cover is available, it is unlikely to include evacuation assistance, as sanctions prevent payment to individuals and entities in the country. Please account for this scenario in your risk assessment.
• Trips greater than 365 days - considerations:  note that this is not considered a "trip", but as moving overseas for a period. therefore, cover will be limited, and you should purchase your own personal health cover and contents cover for your possessions.
• Fieldtrips requiring group travel insurance registration - considerations:  details of all travellers, the destination and trip dates must be provided to the Insurance team for registration in plenty of time for this to be completed.

Changes or cancellations to travel details

If you change your travel details or cancel your trip please email:  [email protected] . Please include the following in your email:

• The travellers name
• Form ID - this can be found on your confirmation email.
• Changes to your travel.

Current Sanctioned Countries

Belarus, crimea, cuba, the dombas, donestsk and luhansk region of ukraine, iran, north korea, north sudan, russia, syria, venezuela  .

Please provide us with fourteen days notice in respect of travel to the above countries as AIG will not provide insurance cover and we are required to arrange insurance cover separately.

No cover under the serious disruption section of the policy (including evacuation) will apply to travel to any of the following areas:

Governorates of: Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala, Babil.

Please contact us with 28 days notice to enable us to arrange cover, for which an additional cost may apply.

Visa application

Once you have completed the  International Travel Form :

• Wait for the international travel tracker form confirmation email
• Click 'Visa letter for [your name]'

When applying for your visa please ensure that you submit the policy schedule, along with your visa letter. The policy schedule can be downloaded from our webpage: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/cgr/departments/insuranceauditandrisk/insurancepolicies/travel/

Undergraduate travel insurance

• If you are a member of staff organising a field trip for undergraduates please complete the ‌ form. All staff members and post-graduates will need to complete the  international travel form .
• If you are an undergraduate going on a year abroad please view the University of Exeter Undergraduate Travel Insurance information on this webpage.

Bribery Act 2010

Please be aware : Small payments made to government officials or others to make something happen, or happen sooner, (commonly called facilitation payments) are likely to be bribes and unlawful under the Act even if these payments are made outside the UK.

Are you carrying chemicals, biological substances or lithium batteries?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has restrictions on the transportation of hazardous substances on flights. These restrictions include the carriage of chemicals, biological substances and lithium batteries (excluding mobile phone/laptop batteries). If you are traveling on University business, you are not permitted to carry these items. If you require to transport such items, please contact  [email protected]  for further information and guidance. 

There are thousands of travel insurance policies out there, so how do you choose? Some people pick the cheapest one, others stick to an insurance company they know well, and some just ask their family. Whichever method you use, what  matters is that you are confident your insurer will be there to help you if things go wrong while you are overseas.

We are sure you will find our travel insurance policy is one of the best. The policy provides comprehensive cover at an affordable price and it is hassle free to get covered.

Why choose our policy?

• Important notice  -  While Covid-19 continues to be an issue, there is no cover for financial losses due to the pandemic. Cancellable, refundable or transferable ticket options should be purchased to protect yourself from such losses.
• No health check, no medical questionnaire.
• Unlimited medical emergency cover.  Note  - this covers emergency inpatient and outpatient treatment as a result of illness or accident. It  does   not  cover routine medical practitioner's visits, medicines, routine vaccinations and tests. We strongly recommend that you take out a personal health insurance policy, particularly for longer trips, or if you have an underlying health condition.
• Baggage cover, including laptops.
• 24 hour advice helpline.
• Cover if you are forced to cancel your trip or return home early.
• Personal liability cover if you are sued.

Plus:  As we have arranged your travel insurance we are here to give you help and advice if you need to make a claim. No insurance jargon, no hassle.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on where you are going and for how long. Use our  online calculator  to find out how much it will cost to cover your trip. 

How to apply for travel insurance

Please use our  online travel insurance calculator . Once you have obtained the cost of cover please visit our  online store , where you can complete all your travel details and pay. You will receive confirmation of cover and receipt of payment by email. Plesae note that we are unable to arrange travel insurance for you if you have graduated or are completing your studies this summer. 

• An overview of the cover provided is available in the  Summary of cover  

Important - current restrictions apply

It's important to understand that although the FCDO guidance has changed for many countries, it remains that insurance cover cannot be obtained for financial losses or additional costs arising from cancellations or travel restrictions imposed specifically due to Covid-19. Flexible or cancellable/refundable options should be purchased to provide financial protection for you should this occur. Worryingly, some (non-University of Exeter) policies also exclude cover for medical costs due to COVID-19. Please check the wording of any personal travel insurance cover carefully. There is a risk of incurring significant financial costs, or becoming stuck in location without appropriate insurance. This means that any additional costs or losses would fall directly to you as the traveller.

It is essential that you do not book any travel or accommodation or make any financial commitment prior to confirmation that insurance is available.  If you are unsure of your Study Abroad or Work Abroad placement and you would like to discuss your situation with a member of University staff, please first contact a member of the  Outbound Team .

How to make a claim

In an emergency (illness, lost travel documents, political unrest) contact the insurers direct:  +44 (0)1273 552922 and quote policy number 0010628173 University of Exeter. The insurer is AIG.

For non-emergencies, please contact the University Insurance team on +44 (0) 1392 723087. 

We will send you a claim form which you need to complete and return to us with documents supporting your claim. We will help you through the process and liaise with the travel insurer.

In the event of delay, cancellation, curtailment, etc a statement giving the reason for the delay/cancellation from the airport authority, airline or other carrier will be required to support your claim.

In the event of theft or loss please obtain a crime number from the local police force or, if the loss/damage occurred in flight, contact the airport/airline as appropriate and obtain written confirmation of the incident.   Excess:  Personal Belonging, Business Equipment and Money sections where the value of a single item exceeds £2,500 the policyholder is liable for 75% of any amount in excess of £2,500. There are no other excesses applicable.

The full policy wording is available on request, please contact  Insurance, Audit & Risk . 

Frequently asked questions:

When should i take out travel insurance.

You should take out your cover as soon as you have booked your flights, accommodation etc. If you are then forced to cancel before you travel (for example due to illness), your insurance policy should cover any non-refundable costs.

How long will it take to receive my travel insurance documents?

We will send you the travel insurance documents as soon as we have received confirmation that you would like to go ahead with the travel insurance.

Are my activities restricted whilst travelling on a policy issued by the University?

There are very few restrictions on the policy. However, the policy does contain the following restrictions:-

• If you are diving, you must be accompanied by a qualified diver.
• The policy excludes piloting an aeroplane.
• The cover period cannot be extended once the insurance has started.
• The insurance has been designed to provide cover for travel abroad in connection with your degree programme. You are also covered for travel and activities undertaken in your leisure time – this is called incidental travel. The number of days undertaking incidental travel must not exceed the number of days you are abroad in connection with your degree programme. For example: You will be abroad for 190 days including 20 days incidental travel. This is acceptable. You will be abroad for 260 days. You wish to spend 125 days on your degree programme and 135 days travelling. This is not acceptable.

For further details please  contact us .

I have a medical condition, can I still get cover?

Unlike many insurance policies, we do not ask any questions about your health and you are covered for emergency treatment received for pre-existing medical conditions. 

We cannot cover you if you are travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner or travelling specifically to receive medical treatment abroad.

Useful documents

F‌ull details of the University of Exeter travel insurance cover is set out in the documents listed below: 

• Travel Policy Wording
• Travel Policy Schedule

‌‌

• Schools & departments

Travel insurance

Find out what insurance cover you need before travelling abroad.

All students who have their travel approved by the Study and Work Away (SWAY) Service will be covered, free of charge, by the University's travel insurance policy. 

University of Edinburgh travel insurance 

Once you have received final approval to travel from SWAY, you will be covered by the University travel insurance for the duration of your exchange or placement. 

You do not have to submit a separate application for the University's travel insurance – please do not complete the application form on the Insurance pages of the UoE website. 

Please note that this is a travel insurance policy, rather than a private health or medical insurance policy.   Although it covers some medical expenses/medical emergencies, day-to-day medical expenses such as GP visits, regular blood tests or medication for pre-existing conditions are not covered.  You may need to ensure additional health insurance cover for your personal circumstances.

Some host institutions and organisations may also require students to have additional health insurance/medical insurance cover in place.

All University of Edinburgh students going out on one of our overseas programmes receive the same insurance - this is a blanket coverage and does not change depending on student status e.g. international, RUK, Scottish Home.

If you have any questions about the UoE insurance policy or coverage, please contact the Insurance Office, with your name, student number and the dates of your exchange or placement. 

Email:  finance.helpline @ed.ac.uk

Phone:  +44 (0)131 651 5151  

Please read the following FAQs for more information about the University's insurance cover:

What cover is provided by the University's insurance?

You can find a more details on the travel insurance provided for students on the Insurance Office SharePoint site .

Once your risk assessment has been approved by SWAY, you will receive a more detailed summary of cover which you should read thoroughly before travelling to ensure it covers you fully for your personal situation and that you understand the conditions of cover.

What is not covered by the University's insurance?

You should be aware that the following things are not covered by the UoE insurance policy and would require you to take out your own personal insurance:

• Any time spent at your destination outside of the official dates of your exchange (although there is a 7 day grace period on each side)
• Personal travel before, during or after your official exchange destination (e.g. if you are on exchange in France and want to travel to Germany for the weekend, this wouldn't be covered) 

Please note this list is not exhaustive and you should contact the UoE Finance helpline should you have any specific queries.

How can I get confirmation of my cover?

Cover will be confirmed upon receipt of a fully completed and approved SWAY travel risk assessment, which is a mandatory requirement for your exchange or placement.  Once your risk assessment has been approved you will be sent a summary of the UoE insurance cover. 

If you require official confirmation of insurance cover, either to use in your host institution application or for visa purposes, you can generate your own insurance certificate by following these steps:

•  Visit  http://www.mylifeline.co.uk  or download the AIG Travel Assistance app (on Apple and Android)
•  Register using your University of Edinburgh email address and policy number (which will be sent to you when your travel risk assessment is approved)
• On the website there is an option for Insurance Certificate under the Resources tab along the top; on the app there is a tile for Insurance Certificate
• Complete the requested details for your SWAY approved activity and submit – your certificate will be available immediately

Please note that an approved risk assessment, and therefore the University’s insurance, becomes void if you become ineligible to study or work away.  This could be as a result of not passing all exams, or by not securing in time all necessary travel documentation such as visas or residence permits.   

Additional health insurance requirements

Some host institutions and organisations require students to have additional health insurance/medical insurance cover in place. In some instances the partner university insurance plan will be mandatory and you will be required to take out their policy in addition to the University of Edinburgh travel insurance.  This may have a cost attached.

If you want to enquire into whether your host institution allows waivers to their plan then we advise you to contact them directly to enquire whether they may  accept the medical expenses cover provided by the University travel policy.  The Insurance Office can provide assistance with the comparison as well as confirming the cover you have.

If you are doing a work or research placement, you should clarify what insurance cover is offered by your employer. You may need to purchase your own policy in-country to cover for any loss, injury or damage caused by you or to you while under their supervision.

How do I make a claim?

If you have an  emergency claim  to make there is a 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance helpline:  +44(0)1273 456633 . 

If your claim is a  non-emergency claim  you should submit details of this via the AIG portal using the following steps:

• On the website click the ‘File a Claim’ tab along the top; on the app there is a tile for this
• Complete the requested details, upload supporting documentation and provide bank details for payment

Your claim will be dealt with directly by the insurers and any questions on appropriate supporting documentation should be directed to AIG.

What if I choose not to opt in to the free UoE insurance?

If you choose not to opt into the University’s insurance policy, it is essential that the insurance you choose meets the requirements of both the UoE and of your host institution.

 The University of Edinburgh requires that your insurance policy covers:

Your own personal circumstances (i.e. pre-existing conditions)

Repatriation to the UK (or your home country) in the case of serious illness or death

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate cover in place – the Study and Work Away Service teams are not insurance experts and so cannot check insurance policies for you.

The SWAY travel risk assessment is a mandatory requirement for your exchange or placement, even if you intend to take out your own insurance. 

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

UK students going to the EU to study or work abroad are also advised to obtain a Student Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ). The GHIC is a replacement of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  

The Student GHIC gives you the right to access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Not all state healthcare is free in the EU and you may have to pay for services that you’d get for free on the NHS. You'll normally pay the same as a patient from that country.  

You should refer to the second part of the section "Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland".  Please note that you should apply for the specific Student GHIC card which is different from the standard one. You will need to download the 'Confirmation of Status' letter from your Mobility Online workflow to accompany your application. 

Find out more and apply for a GHIC

Find out more in the  GOV.UK country healthcare guides

Travel Insurance

Emergency assistance contact information whilst travelling abroad.

If you are currently travelling overseas and need emergency assistance, please call the 24 Hour Medical/Travel Assistance Helpline: +44 (0)1489 868 888.  Please also read the Emergency Medical and Travel Assistance Guide for more details.

Travellers also have access to the Travel Oracle App, an initial registration is required and details are below: In order to register, please do so via www.zurich.co.uk/zurichtravelassistance .

Click on "click here" under the medical and security Assistance section. Once on that page you will be asked to register.

Type in the preferred user name, e-mail and password, traveller's first and last name and the dedicated policy number: ZUR1531523 (case sensitive).

This policy number will only be used for the Oracle app.

Internal Travel Booking and Administration team

The University has an internal Travel Booking and Administration team to assist staff and students. Contact the team for help with a range of enquiries, from booking process support, identifying suitable travel options or finding quotes for group travel, to managing and escalating queries. Please continue to use the online tool for all bookings and amendments in the first instance and visit the University Travel Procurement page for up-to-date information.

A Worldwide Business Travel insurance policy has been purchased by the University to provide automatic cover for any member of staff, postgraduate, undergraduate student or any person under a contract to the University, travelling outside the UK on behalf of the University and representing the University in the course of their business. Our travel insurance policy is renewed annually on the 29th September. If you are travelling from one policy period to another you don't need to do anything, your cover will automatically renew. Please note the policy only applies to international trips and not travel within the UK. It also does not provide cover for a spouse or children accompanying the insured person.

Please read the Summary of Travel Insurance document prior to travel. It contains useful information about your travel insurance. If you're being asked to purchase additional insurance by your host institution or University, you may wish to send the summary cover document to your host institution to check if the additional insurance is needed or not.

• Cover is usually automatic (but see bullet point below about planned travel to certain countries which you must notify the Insurance Office about prior to making any plans), i.e you do not have to provide details of individual journeys and you do not require a Certificate of Insurance to confirm cover is in place.
• Insurance for students on work placement, electives, study abroad and field courses is free
• Covid related medical expenses and unrecoverable travel expenses, such as cancellation or change of itinerary are covered.
• Trips in the United Kingdom are NOT covered
• The maximum duration of any single trip must not exceed 12 months without prior notification to the Insurance Office
• Incidental holidays are included provided the main purpose of the journey is for business or study and the holiday is in the same continent as the business/study element of the trip. The personal holiday should not exceed 14 days or the length of time taken for business/study. If you wish to take more than the 14 days please source your own private insurance.
• Sporting activities are covered including winter and water sports.
• Pre-existing medical conditions are covered provided travel is not contrary to medical advice. NOTE: foreseeable expenses eg repeat prescriptions and routine check-ups are not covered
• Please check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for travel advice. Where travel is against FCDO advice you must seek advice and approval from your Faculty Health & Safety Manager.
• Where FCDO advise against all but essential travel, at the time of booking, any decision to curtail or cancel a trip due to increased risk will not be covered.
• Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Ethiopia, Gaza, Haiti, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Iran, and any country or area where the FCDO advises against all travel ('red' areas).

If you need to make a claim, please go to the insurer's Claims portal:

https://travelandpa.zurich.co.uk/link/customer/universityofleeds

Guide to completing form on Claims Portal

24 Hour Medical/Travel Assistance Helpline: +44 (0)1489 868 888 Office Hours Non-Medical Helpline: +44 (0)800 0260 184 (option 2 then option 2)

New claims email: a&[email protected]

Existing claims email: A&[email protected]

The University's travel policy number is 7509094

Proof of insurance letter to support visa applications

For University staff and students travelling on University business who require a letter to confirm you have University of Leeds travel insurance for a visa application, please download the Word template letter below and complete the relevant sections accurately with your full name, your University ID number, your destination and dates for your trip. Once you have done so, you will need to send the letter together with a scanned copy or photo of your University staff/student ID card to the Insurance Office so that a signed copy can be issued to you (please note that it can take up to 7 working days to process your request). Please send the documents to: [email protected] with the subject line "Request for visa letter".

Best International Travel Insurance for May 2024

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If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the top international travel insurance

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

International travel insurance FAQs

Which company has the best international travel insurance.

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

Are there any limitations or exclusions international travelers should be aware of?

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

What insurance do you need for international travel?

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel?

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

How far in advance should international travelers purchase travel insurance?

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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