Travel Health and Safety

Pre-Departure Requirements for Students Receiving Funding from Public Health Practice & Global Engagement:

Our funding award letters outline 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 your letter. These requirements have been established in consultation with the Office of the Provost, Global Engagement, to promote your health and safety abroad.

Students awarded funding through Public Health Practice & Global Engagement may be asked to complete the following steps in March and April, prior to the disbursement of their funds in April or May. Timelines may vary depending on when your award is made:

  • Letter of Invitation: A letter from your international host site supervisor on their official letterhead. This letter should confirm your placement, tentative dates, anticipated role and project(s).
  • Optional: Complete the Safety Abroad online orientation to prepare to stay safe and healthy abroad. While not required, this training walks you through important travel strategies, including risk assessment, situational awareness, and handling emergency situations.
  • Purchase GeoBlue (BCBS Global Solutions) Travel Abroad Health Insurance Coverage: Coverage is required for all U-M related international travel, for the duration of the experience. This covers both health needs and safety evacuation in the event of an incident.
  • Register your Travel in MCompass: This confidential and secure database is maintained to assist U-M in locating and communicating with travelers in response to emergencies.
  • Review the Country Risk Ratings and Travel Eligibility Requirements for your destination:
    • U-M Country Risk Ratings are reliable and vetted sources of information about the risks and requirements associated with travel to your destination.
    • If a Travel Health Plan or Individual Safety Plan is listed as a requirement for your destination, please review and follow this process. Note: Plans are due at least 3 weeks before travel.
  • Attend a Pre-Departure Travel Health and Safety Workshop: Sessions cover U-M related travel requirements, safety and health considerations and procedures for emergencies, the GeoBlue travel abroad health insurance program, resilient travel, mental health and documenting your experience.

Key contact information for non-emergency travel health & safety questions: 

  • global.safety@umich.edu (contact the Global Engagement Team for non-emergency international travel safety inquiries)
  • sphglobalhealth@umich.edu (contact Public Health Practice & Global Engagment) for general inquiries, funding requirements, or if you are unsure where to begin)