Insurance
International/Travel Medical Insurance for Traveling Outside the U.S.
- If you are as student traveling on an educational, research, internship, or volunteer experience as part of your University of Minnesota education or if you are staff/faculty traveling on University of Minnesota business you may be required to purchase the University mandated coverage.
- If you are traveling on a program through the Education Abroad Office on your campus you are likely already receiving required travel medical insurance. Check with your Education Abroad Office on your campus for more information:
- Twin Cities
- Crookston
- Duluth
- Morris
- Rochester (Student Services office)
The University of Minnesota does not endorse nor recommend any insurance company for personal travel and non-University related travel. However, some U.S. medical insurance plans include international medical coverage benefits though it is important you understand the limits of the coverage as it is often not the same as the coverage in the U.S.
Benefits of a travel medical insurance plan for the time you will be out of the country may include doctor visits, emergency room care, prescriptions, emergency dental coverage, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death or dismemberment benefits. It is common for travel medical insurance to also include items such as baggage loss and passport replacement.
The University recommends adequate coverage while overseas. Please see the travel medical insurance handout (coming soon!) for assistance in getting your own insurance.
Other Insurance to Consider
Travel Insurance
Though terms are often used interchangeably, travel insurance generally applies to things such as baggage loss or damage, trip cancelation, and loss or damage of passports. Such insurance is not required by the University of Minnesota and must be purchased on an individual basis. Travel insurance is often offered by airlines but can also be purchased through insurance providers. Check with your credit card company as some automatically provide travel insurance benefits for trips booked using their card—check terms and conditions.
Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance usually provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in the event of trip cancellation or interruption. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to consider supplemental insurance options to cover losses if programs or activities are canceled. Supplemental insurance is also helpful if you need to cancel your participation in a program or return early due to unforeseen personal emergencies.
Baggage insurance usually provides reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage to baggage or personal effects. Some baggage insurance policies also provide reimbursement of expenses incurred due to lost baggage such as the purchase of clothes or other items.
Theft insurance usually provides coverage for the replacement costs of items stolen while abroad, such as a passport or camera.
Liability Insurance
Travelers should consider purchasing liability insurance prior to departure, which will cover them for any damage to property and lost or stolen items while overseas as well as damage to other's property for which you are liable. Your homeowner's insurance or rental insurance may also provide coverage or will be able to assist you in obtaining such coverage.