Travel Health and Safety

The health and safety of University of Michigan community members traveling abroad is a top priority for both the University and our team. A wide range of resources and tools are available to support your health, safety, and security during international travel. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with your destination before departure so you can navigate your experience confidently and successfully once you arrive.

University requirements and considerations for international travel may differ for faculty, staff, and students (based on program) in addition to the travel destination. Please review the established guidelines early in the planning process. 

Pre-Departure Requirements for International Travel

PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS

Students receiving funding from Public Health Practice & Global Engagement for international experiences will receive a funding award letter outlining the specific steps required prior to the disbursement of the funds and departure for the applicable travel. Deadlines and processes for submitting requirements will be outlined in this letter. These requirements have been established in consultation with the Office of the Provost, Global Engagement, to promote your health and safety abroad.

PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR FACULTY & STAFF

Faculty and staff are also required to complete pre-departure steps prior to U-M Related Travel (UMRT).

PERSONAL LEISURE TRAVEL requirements (Optional for support)

The University Community may access U-M resources and support for personal travel abroad that is not considered U-M Related Travel, but must complete several steps before departure to be eligible.

Other Resources and Emergency Contacts

An emergency situation is one that has impacted, or is likely to impact, the health and safety of the traveler. Examples may include major crime, serious accident, major physical or mental health situation (including family emergencies, such as death or hospitalization), being a victim of sexual assault/misconduct, detention or arrest, lost person, kidnapping, civil unrest, or natural disaster.

A non-emergency situation does not immediately impact the health and safety of the traveler, yet may still require assistance. Non-emergencies may include lost passport, wallet, luggage, etc.; visa assistance; canceled or delayed flight; or minor illness or injury, etc.

Public Health Practice & Global Engagement in consultation with the U-M Provost's Global Engagement Team created an Internal Emergency Response and Communication Protocol for the School of Public Health. (Accessible by the U-M Community). This document can be used as guidance by faculty mentoring students who may have an emergency while abroad.   

For non-emergency situations, travelers should the following:

  • Public Health Practice & Global Engagement by email at sphgloalhealth@umich.edu or call (734) 763-6220 during business hours.
    • You may also wish to contact your department, advisor, and on-site contacts depending on the support required.
    • The U-M Global Engagement Team may be contacted for non-emergency international travel safety inquires at global.safety@umich.edu

When in doubt, treat health, safety, and security situations as emergencies and follow protocols.

GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) Emergency Line: Call the number on your insurance card for 24/7 assistance (+1-610-254-8771, collect calls accepted) 

U-M Division of Public Safety & Security: +1 (734) 763-1131

  • Let the DPSS emergency responder know that you are a U-M traveler abroad.
  • DPSS will transfer you to a U-M emergency responder.

Download the General Emergency Protocols for U-M Travelers or print a hard copy to bring with you

Additional Protocols:

We frequently receive questions from travelers while abroad about how to use GeoBlue benefits. Save time and stress by familiarizing yourself with the insurance plan before you depart:

  1. Purchase your GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) Travel Abroad Health Insurance Plan
  2. Download the GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) App from your App Store, and log in with the information provided in your purchase confirmation email
  3. Access your Member Hub on the GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) website or app for tools and resources, including:
    1. Destination Dashboard: Offering detailed information at both the country and city level on healthcare services and environmental risks in your destination
    2. Provider Finder: tools for locating doctors, dentists, hospitals, and emergency rooms in your destination/s, and setting up future healthcare appointments.
    3. Research medication equivalents in your host destination/s or medical terms or phrases in the local language/s.
  4. Whenever possible, you should contact GeoBlue in advance of seeking medical care:
    1. Understand how to arrange for direct pay
    2. Or, submit a claim after services are received. Be sure to ask the doctor, hospital, or pharmacy for a copy of the bill and a receipt for your payment
  5. Have questions about medications or care available in your area, or about what prescription medications may or may not be legal to travel with? Consult the GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) Pre-Departure Program, even before your coverage begins:
    1. Use PDQ Group Code: UMICH_RM

Additional Resources 

U-M University Health Services has a Travel Health Services clinic available to enrolled students, faculty and staff. They can review your current immunizations and health needs and provide recommendations for vaccinations or other activities recommended to stay safe and healthy while traveling. Consultations are free for enrolled students, however, there are costs associated with any medications or vaccinations and you should check with your insurance about out-of-pocket costs. 

Learn more on their website: UHS Travel Health Services

  • Note: The Travel Health Services clinic can get busy towards the end of the semester, so schedule your appointment early and gather your health and immunization information first!

Other local travel health providers include:

  • The CVS Minute Clinic and Walgreens Pharmacy provide some immunizations, however, they don't have some such as yellow fever, and they cannot prescribe medications such as antimalarials.
  • Passport Health, 248-851-5633, 2008 Hogback Drive Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
  • Your local health department may provide advice or certain immunizations

During each stage of travel abroad, taking care of your mental health is important. We recommend you spend some time reflecting and making a plan for your well-being before, during and after travel including: identifying key stressors and plans for managing them, your unique mental health needs, and common travel experiences and myths that might impact your state of mind. There are some helpful resources and activities on the Managing Mental Health Abroad page (check the top right corner for a helpful document). 

Should you have any mental health concerns while abroad, there are resources available to help. 

GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance has a variety of mental health resources, including:

U-M resources are available through CAPS, and some may be accessed while abroad including: 

You are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance if you aren’t sure where to begin with seeking support.