yale international travel

Travel Policy

Yale university international travel policy for yale college students​.

International travel is best undertaken by well-informed travelers. All Yale College students are responsible for their own safety when traveling internationally, whether or not their activities abroad are funded by Yale awards or accorded credit by Yale. The University strongly encourages all members of the University community who are contemplating travel abroad for educational or other purposes to review thoroughly and to familiarize themselves with the political, health, crime, and other safety-related conditions prevailing in any country and specific locations within it. In addition to web-based information that is provided by various governments and the by the US State Department , the University encourages Yale students to consult the comprehensive website offered by International SOS , a private travel emergency assistance provider engaged by Yale to support students, faculty, and staff who are traveling internationally.

The Yale University International Travel Policy for Yale College Students determines to which countries travel is restricted. It is every student’s responsibility to be aware of this policy and to stay informed of any changes in the status of their planned destination.

The following provisions apply to all Yale College students who wish to undertake international travel that is: funded by Yale, or awarded credit by Yale, or in connection with a trip abroad by a recognized student organization, as individuals or in groups.

Refer to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or Embassy website for detailed entry requirements. In some cases, even if this Travel Policy allows for travel to a particular location, the country itself may limit entry based on the traveler’s citizenship and where the traveler has been, including transit countries.

A. Yale will not fund, award credit for, or otherwise sponsor or support any international undergraduate academic or extracurricular project outside of the United States when one or more of the following conditions exists:

• The U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Advisory Level 4 “Do Not Travel” for the country. If a Travel Advisory Level 4 is issued for a specific region of a country, then this restriction applies only to that region. Travel to other regions of the country is not restricted.   NOTE: Students are responsible for carefully following all State Department Travel Advisories at all levels. For example, an advisory might issue a “Do Not Travel” advisory to specific cities in a country or highlight the dangers of undertaking particular activities in that country. Students are expected to monitor such advisories and to take appropriate precautions, avoiding any specified areas or activities.  
• International SOS has issued a Travel Global Risk Rating of “Extreme” or “High” for the country or a specific region of the country.   NOTE:  Students are responsible for carefully following all International SOS Risk Ratings regardless of whether or not these ratings fall short of restricting student travel to the country. For example, a rating may be “Extreme” or “High” in specific cities in a country. Students are expected to monitor such advisories and to take appropriate precautions, avoiding any specified areas or activities. Please be sure to search for your destination country  and review the Destination Overview, Active Alerts and Standing Travel Advice in detail.  
• The student is not compliant with the university’s  COVID-19 Vaccination Policy .   NOTE: Students are responsible for carefully following all entry requirements for their destination. 

  B. Yale reserves the right to decline to fund, award credit for, or otherwise sponsor or support any international undergraduate academic or extracurricular project in particular regions if it so decides. No exceptions to such restrictions will be made.

Travel restrictions will apply through the date of departure, and sponsoring offices or departments may enforce a travel restriction decision made in advance of the departure date. If such a restriction comes into effect after the student’s departure, the University reserves the right to end its sponsorship at that time, and to require the student to end the trip and leave the country. Such determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

  C. Before departure, students must provide the University a statement in a form provided by the University, acknowledging their understanding of the risks of such travel, affirming that they have reviewed and understand relevant safety-related materials, and assuming the risks related to their international travel.

If you were not provided with such a form by your sponsoring office or department, you can access the Waiver/Assumption of Risk and Travel Preparation Worksheet here .  

Updated April 4, 2024

Conducting Academic Work in Cuba

Students wishing to travel to Cuba should visit the Yale University Office of the Vice President and General Counsel website to review the requirements.

Questions about the Travel Policy?

For any questions related to your travel or the Yale College Travel Policy, please contact us.

International Toolkit

Register your travel.

Before you depart, register your travel plans with Yale.  If we know where you’ll be when going abroad, we can reach you in the event of a serious emergency.

Division of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel

You are here, international sos global travel assistance.

ISOS provides international and domestic emergency medical, security and travel assistance services anywhere in the world. 

Before you travel

• Contact ISOS to request a pre-departure briefing specific to your itinerary.  Complete the ISOS travel briefing form and email it to Philadelphia@internationalsos.com .  ISOS will respond with your briefing within 72 business hours.
• Know how to contact ISOS if you need them while you’re away:  add the ISOS assistance app to your smart phone and download your ISOS ID card .

During your trip

• Contact ISOS for medical and travel security assistance: use the ISOS assistance app for one-click dialing, or refer to your ISOS ID card for in-country and dedicated Yale phone numbers.  You may ask the operator to reverse the charges.
• Coverage applies to business and personal travel 100 miles or more away from your permanent residence.
• Multilingual assistance is available 24/7/365.

Click on the headings below for more information about International SOS travel assistance.  A list of resources is available in the menu to the right.

Yale students and current University employees are automatically enrolled in International SOS and provided access to the International SOS online member center   (Any Yale students, faculty or staff who experience difficulty in accessing the member center should send an email to iocc@yale.edu .)   

Member center contents include:

Country Information

• Country information reports that include detailed travel, security and health guidance by country and major cities
• Health/disease & prevention reports
• Sign-up for country-based email alerts

Travel & Security Advice

• Articles on a range of travel topics from altitude sickness, to dust storms, to insect bites and more
• Travel safety tips for all travelers, as well as guidance specific to women and for LGBTQ travelers

Travel Security Online

• Global risk ratings including specific reasons for the ratings
• Global security headlines

Additional resources include a copy of Yale’s ISOS member card, member FAQs, a comprehensive listing of member benefits, and an online introduction to ISOS “eGuide:  Intro to membership.”

Yale University provides ISOS Travel Assistance at no cost to all current students, current University employees, immediate family members traveling with University employees, and Emeritus Faculty. 

New: Immediate family members and/or dependents traveling separately are also automatically covered.  Separate enrollment is no longer required.

Coverage for Graduating Students

International SOS coverage will continue through August 31st following graduation.

For students traveling after graduation due to the award of a Yale-sponsored grant or fellowship, coverage will continue at no cost for the duration of the award.

Coverage for Retirees

International SOS is not available for retired faculty or staff members, but it is available to Emeritus Faculty.

Medical and Travel Assistance Dedicated Scholastic Line + 1.215.942.8478

• Arrange evacuations and repatriations • Emergency and routine medical advice • Travel health information • Medical and dental referrals • Coordination of insured medical benefits • Access to International SOS clinics • Emergency message transmission • Emergency translation and interpreter services • Lost document advice and assistance • Arrange ground transportation and hotel for accompanying family members • Mental Health Support • Assistance App with LiveChat

Security Assistance

• Arrange evacuations • Legal referrals • 24 hour access to International SOS Security specialists • Real time security and safety information • Access to Security Crisis Center

Online Tools

• Online Scholastic membership website • Country guides • Email alerts

Other Services

• Out-patient case management • In-patient admission • Dispatch of prescription medication and medical equipment

Travel on University Business

Travelers on Yale-related business (including students traveling on study abroad programs or Yale-funded fellowships, doing research, attending conferences, or student organization travel) now have coverage for up to $250,000 in out-of-country medical expenses for treatment for injuries or illness that occur while traveling . This coverage includes 14 days of personal travel deviation. If a traveler extends his/her trip, either before or after the Yale business component of the trip, e.g., to tour the area or visit another country, this coverage will still apply up to a maximum of 14 days.  Please contact risk.management@yale.edu if you have questions regarding whether your travel is considered to be Yale-related business travel.

Note : This coverage does not apply to travel for 100% pleasure purposes (vacation, family business, etc), but evacuation and assistance services are still covered.

Note : This coverage does not apply to treatment rendered in the United States.

Note : This coverage does not apply if the traveler is traveling to his/her country of citizenship.

Note for students taking a leave of absence from Yale College:

ISOS Out-of-Country Medical Care Coverage is available only for students who are traveling on Yale-related business (including students traveling on Yale fellowships or other Yale programs) while on a leave of absence. Students on a leave of absence who are not traveling on Yale-related business do not have ISOS Out-of-Country Medical Care Coverage or coverage through the Yale Health plan.  Please contact  Yale Health Member Services  for more information and visit the International Toolkit for more insurance options.

Travelers Seeking Medical Coverage

If you are not traveling on Yale-related business, but you would like out-of-country medical care coverage, ISOS offers an additional option.

The enrollment process is performed directly with ISOS through the ISOS individual membership program and a 20% discount is available when using the Yale discount code 11B824535.

Travelers can choose to purchase (1) evacuation and assistance only; (2) evacuation and assistance and medical benefits; or (3) evacuation and assistance, medical benefits, and trip protection, however, please note that there is no need to purchase option (1) as you are already automatically covered for evacuation and assistance under the University’s master program.  

All travelers are also encouraged to review individual or government insurance plans available to you, particularly for ongoing treatment of pre-existing conditions, as the ISOS Out-of-Country Medical Care Coverage does not replace a comprehensive medical insurance plan.

Note :  The Yale Health plan only provides coverage outside of New Haven for urgent or emergency care needs. Student travelers who will be away from Yale for one semester or longer will not maintain coverage through the Yale Health plan, as students are not billed Yale fees for term(s) away from the Yale campus. Contact Yale Health Member Services for more information.

How to file a claim

Yale travelers who did not open a case with International SOS may file a claim for reimbursement of medically necessary expenses directly with AIG.  Notice of claim should be provided no later than 60 days from treatment or as soon as reasonably possible.  Please download a copy of the claim form and complete the requested information.  Include copies of supporting documentation and submit the completed and signed claim form to AIG Claims:  ahclaims@aig.com . 

Supporting documentation includes itemized bills and copies of receipts for all medical expenses or prescription medications.  Documentation should also include claimant’s name, condition treated (diagnosis), description of services, date of services, and the charge made for each service.  If additional information is required to process your claim, the assigned claims examiner will contact you by phone or written correspondence.  Written correspondence will be mailed to the address provided on the claim form.  Additional details, including AIG contact information, are available on this overview document .

Please contact the Office of Risk Management if you have questions about Out-of-Country Medical Care coverage.

International SOS coverage automatically extends to the spouse (including same sex partners eligible for other University benefits) and legal dependents of University students and current employees whether they are traveling together or separately.

Note:  See limitations described in the Out-of-country medical coverage section above.

“Small Group” coverage is available for non–Yale affiliates, such as non-Yale chaperones, volunteers, or guides, who intend to travel with a University sponsored group.

A request for enrollment should be sent by the department, and the department will be charged for the coverage.

If you would like to enroll a non-Yale affiliate who is traveling with your Yale group, please complete this worksheet and return it to risk.management@yale.edu . Please choose evacuation/assistance only, or evacuation/assistance plus out of country medical expense coverage. Rates are shown on the worksheet.

Travelers requiring documentation to verify coverage to meet visa requirements may download the applicable AIG visa letter as follows:

Letter for international travelers on Yale business (including study abroad, research, and University business).

Letter for international travelers on personal/leisure trips :  you will need to contact your medical insurance provider (such as Yale Health) for verification of your medical coverage.

Note:  The traveler is responsible for using the correct letter, for the accuracy of the information they use to complete the visa letter, and for using the letter appropriately. 

Note:  This letter may not be used in connection with travel to or involving Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea region (Ukraine/Russia).  Contact the Office of Risk Management for assistance with visa letter needs for these destinations.

Traveling after 8/31/2024?

Our program with ISOS will renew on 8/31/2024. If you need to provide proof of coverage for travel that extends beyond that date, please use this letter . We should have updated information posted sometime in early summer 2024.

Yale University International Travel Policy for Yale College Students

Yale University Policy 3301 Travel on University Business

Yale Law School International Travel Policy

Do I need to enroll?

No, coverage is automatic.

How do I request assistance while I am traveling?

Call 1-215-942-8478 or use the LiveChat feature of the ISOS assistance app from your smart phone.

Who is covered?

Yale members and their immediate family have travel assistance coverage for all types of travel.

Yale members and their immediate family have out-of-country medical care coverage when traveling on Yale business.

What services are included in the program?

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

Emergency political and security transportation

Natural disaster evacuation

Medical assistance and mental health support services

Travel assistance services

Personal security services

Out-of-Country medical care coverage

I need a verification of coverage letter for my visa.  What do I use?

Download and complete the appropriate ISOS Verification of Coverage Letter and present it with your visa application (or upon request):

Please observe the following requirements when using the letter:

- The traveler is responsible for the accuracy of the information they use to complete the visa letter and for using the letter appropriately.

- The letter may not be used in connection with travel to or involving Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, or the Crimea region (Ukraine/Russia).  Contact the Office of Risk Management for assistance with visa letter needs for these destinations.

Preparing for Travel Abroad – Plan Ahead

Important notes, read before you schedule an appointment:

Travel health services are not a covered benefit. You will be charged for travel consultations and travel immunizations at Yale Health and all other locations. Travel health services are offered locally at CVS Minute Clinics or Concentra in New Haven .

Helpful tips:

• 6-8 weeks before your trip schedule an appointment for a travel health consultation, many travel vaccines are given in a series over time
• Evaluate any special health needs and personal risks associated with your travel
• Understand how your health insurance will respond while you are abroad ( Member Coverage Booklet and Student Handbook )
• Decide whether you need supplemental health insurance while abroad
• Learn about the International SOS Global Travel Assistance . Keep your Global Travel Assistance card in your wallet or passport in the event of an emergency.
• Review the Yale University International Travel Toolkit
• Register your travel

NOTE: The following vaccines are always fee-for-service and not covered by Yale Health, no matter where you receive them:

• Japanese encephalitis
• Polio (IPV)
• Rabies (pre-exposure)
• Yellow fever

You may be advised to get some routine vaccines (e.g., tetanus, flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella) for your travel. If you are a Yale Health member and get routine vaccines at Yale Health Immunizations they will be covered. Yale Health will not cover nor reimburse for any vaccines given outside of the Yale Health Center.

Yale Students

Yale students and their dependents have may receive some travel health services with Yale Health’s Travel Health Services for Students .

Office of International Students & Scholars

Getting to yale.

Area Airports

New Haven can be reached by several airports. Learn more about them and where they are located on this page.

Traveling to New Haven from the Airport

Taking an Airport Shuttle is a cost-effective way to get from the airport to Yale University. Find out which companies service each airport here.

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Your Health Abroad

You are here.

TOC: Managing Your Health Abroad

Out-of-Country Medical Coverage

As part of the International SOS Travel Assistance plan, study abroad students have coverage for up to $250,000 in out-of-country medical expenses for treatment for accidents or sicknesses that occur while traveling. This coverage includes 14 days of personal travel deviation. If you extend your trip beyond your program dates (either before or after), this coverage will still apply up to a maximum of 14 days.

ISOS is not a comprehensive health insurance plan and cannot cover routine costs.

Note:This coverage does not apply to travel for 100% pleasure purposes (e.g., vacation), but evacuation and assistance services are still covered at all times. This coverage also does not apply to treatment rendered in the United States.

Some Year or Term Abroad and Non-Yale Summer Abroad programs will also enroll you in a supplemental insurance plan. If you are seeking additional health insurance coverage, visit the Yale International Toolkit .

The Yale Health Plan

If you are studying abroad during the fall, spring, or full year, you will not have coverage through the Yale Health plan during the term(s) you will be abroad. Your coverage will not be effective again until the first day you are required to be on campus during the academic year. If you study abroad in the spring and will be returning to New Haven for the summer, you will have a gap in your insurance coverage. Please contact Yale Health Member Services for more information.

If you are studying abroad during the summer, please note that the Yale Health plan only provides coverage for urgent or emergency care outside of New Haven. Urgent/emergency services are for non-routine or non-preventive conditions needed in order to prevent the serious deterioration of a member’s health following an unforeseen illness, injury, or condition.

Physical and Mental Health

When studying abroad, it is important to recognize that your health may be affected in unexpected ways. Due to changes in your environment—including time zone, climate, food, and water—even well-managed conditions can be more challenging abroad. Studying abroad, like any transition, can bring about an onset, return, or increase in symptoms. 

We strongly recommend that you have a medical examination before you embark on your study abroad experience, especially if you receive treatment for a pre-existing condition. Talk with your primary care physician about specific steps to maintain your healthcare plan and to assess if any special accommodations might be needed abroad. 

We also encourage you to speak with your study abroad program in advance. Disclosing a physical and/or mental health condition to your program staff will allow them to have a plan to assist you in managing your health. It is especially useful to let your program know if you:

• Need specific accommodations abroad (physical or academic)
• Are currently taking prescription medication
• Are being treated for a current mental health or physical condition
• Have severe allergies

Bear in mind that approaches to, and systems of, health care may be different than what you are accustomed to at home. Bring with you abroad any pertinent health documentation such as immunization records, prescriptions, or eye glass or contact prescriptions.

Prescription Medication

Make yourself aware of customs regulations regarding medicines brought into your host country. Some medications that are routinely prescribed in the U.S. may be much more heavily regulated in other countries. Any medication you bring into your host country should be kept in its original, well-marked container and be accompanied by a physician's note describing your condition and the necessity of the medication. Your physician should also include the generic name of the drug, as specific brand names may not be available elsewhere in the world. In the event that you cannot bring a supply of medication that will last the entire duration of your program, plan in advance how you can obtain the medication in your host country. Bear in mind that medications cannot be sent by mail.

For more information, talk to your physician, Yale Student Health, International SOS, and your study abroad program. You may also check information about medication on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Immunizations

Yale Travel Health or your primary care physician can advise you about any immunizations, inoculations, or other medical support that you might need before and while you are abroad. Whether you use Yale Travel Health or your home physician, please be aware that some inoculations need to be spaced out in order to be effective, so early planning is essential. Be sure to schedule appointments as soon as possible once you have chosen your study abroad destination. During this appointment, consider not only your study abroad location, but any other countries where you might travel.

Yale Travel Health provides comprehensive pre-travel care including consultation, education, vaccination, travel medications, and, if necessary, referral for medical evaluation. There is a fee for the consultation and for select travel vaccines that are not covered by the Yale Health Plan. Yale Travel Health also offers regional travel information sessions at no charge.

Link: Yale Travel Health Services for Students

Emergency Management

International travel.

The University strongly encourages all members of the University community who are contemplating travel abroad for educational or other purposes to plan well in advance and to take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Before you go:

• Register your travel so that in the event of a major emergency the University is able to contact you:  https://world-toolkit.yale.edu/yale-travel-registry-instructions
• Download your International SOS  member card  and visit the  member portal
• Become familiar with what you should do in an emergency:   https://world-toolkit.yale.edu/what-do-emergency
• Visit Yale’s  International Toolkit  for additional travel safety and security resources

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INFORMATION FOR

• Residents & Fellows
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All Yale University travelers have access to the Yale-supported International Toolkit, which includes resources, requirements, and information about travelling outside of the United States.

The Toolkit aids Yale University faculty, students, post-docs and staff conducting international activities, whether abroad or on campus. The toolkit has two main functions:

• Give the Yale community a central point of access to resources at Yale and elsewhere that support our international activities.
• Provide information and tools to enhance safety, reduce risks, and assist the Yale community with the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to international activities.

For Yale faculty, staff, and postdocs: Yale University's International Toolkit

The International Toolkit also includes a checklist for guidance prior to travel. The checklist can be accessed at Yale's International Toolkit website .

Travel Support

International SOS is a Yale-supported service that provides all Yale University business travelers and expatriates with quality health care and medical and security assistance services worldwide 24 hours a day.

International SOS can also provide a pre-travel departure briefing on relevant safety and security concerns for your destination. Prior to travel, Yale faculty are encouraged to reach out to International SOS to arrange a briefing for your country of origin (and transit, if applicable). Complete the ISOS travel briefing form and email it to [email protected] . ISOS will respond with your briefing within 72 business hours.

More information on International SOS can be found at Yale's International SOS Global Travel Assistance page.

YIGH Global Health Ethics Program

Kaveh Khoshnood, associate professor of epidemiology (YSPH), and Tracy Rabin, associate professor of medicine (YSM) co-lead the Global Health Ethics Program (GHEP) through YIGH. The GHEP is a great resource for the many different ethics considerations that accompanies global health research and practice. Ahead of planned research or travel, faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize the GHEP . For inquiries on GHEP, contact Kaveh or Tracy .

Additional Resources

• American Public Health Association Code of Ethics
• WHO Global Health Ethics
• CDC Public Health Ethics

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Yale has announced a new testing policy for first-year and transfer applicants for fall 2025 admission.  Read the announcement  and review the policy . 

Applying to Yale as an International Student

Students applying from abroad follow the same procedure and have essentially the same application requirements as all other students.

For a list of these requirements and instructions visit Application Instructions & Components . Since some of these requirements may be unfamiliar to international students, additional information is provided here.

All applicants for first-year admission must submit one of the following:

• The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The QuestBridge National College Match Application

Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one—and only one—application per admissions cycle.

Additional requirements for all first-year applicants:

$80 application fee or fee waiver, recommendations from two teachers and one counselor, school report with transcript.

• Standardized test results (ACT, AP, IB, or SAT) ( See below)
• English proficiency test results - required for non-native English-speakers (See below)

Mid-Year Report & Final Report

See additional details about these required application components below. 

Please note that if your application materials include any documents that are not in English, you must provide an official English translation in addition to the original documents.

Additional Information

• Application Deadlines
• Application Acknowledgment, Checklist, and Admissions Decisions  
• Single-Choice Early Action
• Supplementary Materials
• Sending Application Materials
• Interviews for International Applicants
• Financial Aid for International Applicants

Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website.

Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived.  Learn more on the fee waiver page.  The fee waiver scale is based on family size and income in US dollars but is applicable to all international students.

Request recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is preferable, but not required, that recommendations come from teachers who have taught you during your final or next-to-final year of secondary school.

Also request a recommendation from your school’s college counselor. If your counselor does not know you well, the recommendation may still provide helpful contextual information about your school and its academic programs. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator such as a house master, principal, or academic advisor. 

Your counselor or other school official should submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses. If a question on the School Report form is not applicable to your secondary school, leave it blank. 

Recommendations and transcripts should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. If necessary, teachers and counselors may also submit their recommendations and transcripts via mail  or digital upload . Recommendations may be sent before or after you submit your application; materials that arrive before your application will be kept on file. The admissions office will make reasonable allowances for late school documents in situations where it is not possible for teachers and counselors to meet the application deadlines.

School Report forms and transcripts must be submitted directly from an applicant’s school. Educational support program counselors (such as EducationUSA advisors and others) may provide supplemental recommendations, and they and may be able to advise school officials on compiling documents, but only school officials should submit required application materials. 

Standardized test results: ACT, AP, IB, or SAT

More information on Yale’s test policies is available on the standardized testing page . Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

English proficiency exams

Yale requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below.

TOEFL   Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

IELTS   International English Language Testing System

The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

Cambridge English Qualifications

Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

DET   Duolingo English Test

Applicants may submit the Duolingo English Test (DET), which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

InitialView   InitialView

InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

Students who do not receive new secondary school grades by February 1, including students who have already completed secondary school, are not required to submit a Mid-Year Report. This includes many international students. Applicants who receive new grades by February 1 should submit a Mid-Year Report.

Only admitted students are required to submit the Final Report, which provides final secondary school grades and examination marks. Admitted students submit the Final Report in the summer before fall matriculation.

If your secondary school provides predicted results for external exams such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and other international or national testing organizations, they should be submitted by your school alongside your transcript or Mid-Year Report.

• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best International Travel Insurance for June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

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.

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 medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance

• 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 Best International Travel Insurance Companies

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

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

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, Allianz'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

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

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

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

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.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

GeoBlue Travel Insurance offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

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

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

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 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

• Trip destination(s)
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age/birthday
• State of residence
• Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

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.

Why You Should Trust Us: 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. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

International Travel Insurance FAQs

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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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McInnis defended students’ freedom of speech, but cracked down on protesters when laws were broken

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President Maurie McInnis attends 25th annual Stars Of Stony Brook Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 29, 2024 in New York City.

As Maurie McInnis prepares to take the helm at Yale University, Jewish leaders on Long Island and at Stony Brook University, where the art historian has been president since 2020, praised her for avidly defending free speech while also protecting Jewish students amid the anti-Israel campus protests that have roiled the New York school.

At Yale, after a spring semester gripped by protests and encampments, the executive director of the school’s Slifka Center for Jewish Life, Uriel Cohen, expressed hope that when McInnis takes over the New Haven campus in July, replacing outgoing President Peter Salovey, the “campus climate [will return] to one in which mutual responsibility and respect are once again hallmarks of the Yale community,” he told Jewish Insider . 

During her tenure at Stony Brook, a SUNY public university in Suffolk County, McInnis “handled the encampments very well,” Mindy Perlmutter, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council Long Island told JI. 

When encampments sprung up in the spring — and included antisemitic activity such as inhibiting the ability of Hillel to host its annual Jewish American Heritage Month celebration — McInnis said that anti-Israel demonstrations that comply with school policy will be permitted to continue . Ultimately, she shut down the encampments on May 2 after 22 Stony Brook students, two faculty members and five others were arrested for violating various laws. 

Stony Brook Hillel’s executive director, Jessica Lemons, said that McInnis, who earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Yale in the 1990s and will be the university’s 24th president — and first woman in the post — “will leave behind big shoes.” 

“Since October, our campus has seen dozens of protests, anti-Israel events and tables, incidents of doxxing, harassment and intimidation of Jewish students, and much of what other campuses around the country are seeing,” Lemons said.

“It has never been our expectation that our university president would be able to eradicate antisemitism, but rather that she and her administration would do their best to support students on campus, abide by rules set forth by both the first amendment and Title VI, and create an excellent institution of higher learning. By our measure, I believe President McInnis has done that,” Lemons continued. 

Lemons noted that McInnis had to make “a number of tough decisions — some of which have made her unpopular with both sides of the issue — in an effort to serve as many students as possible and ensure the safety and sanctity of our campus.” 

In addition to shutting down encampments, those decisions include an Oct. 10 statement condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and a statement on Oct. 31 condemning the subsequent rise of antisemitism .

On May 13, the Stony Brook Faculty Senate narrowly defeated a motion to censure McInnis for her handling of the arrests, by a vote of 55-51. The Faculty Senate also voted to demand the university drop charges for those arrested during the protests, but McInnis defended her response. 

Rabbi Adam Stein, who leads Stony Brook Chabad, said that “the Jewish community found comfort that McInnis did not excuse [antisemitism], as opposed to on other campuses where it was excused and encouraged.” 

“She defended freedom of speech and freedom of assembly but when all that translated to lawlessness, she didn’t bargain with demonstrators and meet their demands, she just had them arrested,” Stein said. 

Imani Chung, a rising senior who is active in Stony Brook’s Israel on Campus Coalition chapter, echoed that McInnis “did well with the encampments in particular.” 

“She asked them to leave multiple times before the arrests,” Chung said, adding that she and her friends were spat on by the anti-Israel demonstrators. 

Under the leadership of McInnis, Stony Brook secured a $500 million donation from Jim Simons’ Simons Foundation (the second-largest gift to a public university in U.S. history), as well as a $700 million bid to lead the New York Climate Exchange campus on Governors Island. 

Lemons said, “I have been enormously satisfied with her and her team’s work to allocate safety resources, work collaboratively and discuss opportunities for anti-bias education.”  

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