Safe Travel Information | Study Abroad

Travelling safely helps academic travellers focus on their studies, research, and community work without letting things like illness, crime, traffic accidents, and the like spoil the real purpose of the trip.

Safe Travel Resources

DepartSmart - The University of Guelph's online pre-departure orientation is required for any student travelling outside Canada (including the U.S.) on any activity related to their studies or organized by the University.
Guard.Me travel health insurance - is required for Guelph students going abroad except for international students returning to their home country. International students returning to their home country on a University of Guelph program or for research should ensure they have their own comprehensive health insurance in their home country.
The University's Safe International Travel Policy can tell you if there are any restrictions on where you wish to travel. Use the Global Affairs Canada travel advisories below to determine the risk status of your proposed destination
Global Affairs Canada travel advisories - Can tell you about the hazards of travel in your destination if it is considered high risk.
Sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) before you leave to ensure the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your host country knows you are there and can endeavour to assist you in a crisis

Safe Travel Resources for Faculty and Staff

When travelling as part of your University duties it's important to remember that safe travel practices are as applicable to faculty and staff as to students. You are not exempt from local laws, crime and political unrest just because you are affiliated with higher education. Every year, university personnel from Canada end up needing assistance abroad due to injury, illness, civil unrest or other difficulties. Being prepared for these risks before you go can help ensure that your trip is safe and successful.

Travel Health Insurance is an important component of your travel preparations, whether you're travelling for work or pleasure. Read the fine print, some companies will not cover you if you are engaged in high-risk activities, or travelling to destinations with a travel warning or advisory.

Before you leave:

Check your current travel health insurance coverage on SunLife Financial's website and print a copy of your Travel Card for emergencies.
Purchase supplementary travel health insurance, if necessary. Guard Me insurance has an arrangement to provide comprehensive health insurance including third-party liability and security evacuation. Go to the Guelph Guard.Me portal for more details or to purchase.
Contact OHIP to have your provincial coverage extended if you will be out of the country for more than 212 days.

The Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) is a free service offered by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada that keeps you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or an emergency at home. Whether you're planning a vacation or living abroad, sign up in a few minutes or less.

Note that this service is intended for Canadian citizens but a similar service may be available for faculty and staff who do not have citizenship. Check the website of the equivalent of the Foreign Affairs Department of your home country.

Check the Global Affairs website (formally Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development travel) to see if there is a travel advisory for your destination.

Mandatory Guard.Me Travel Health Insurance

Students participating in a University of Guelph related international experience are required to purchase Guard.Me travel health insurance. This includes students participating in a study abroad program (exchange, field school, etc.), or are travelling through an academic field trip, conference, research, co-op, etc.

Learn More Purchase Guard.Me Insurance