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IU policies governing international activities

Whether you’re a faculty member or student, there are a number of policies that safeguard your international activities. If you have questions after reading the information here, feel free to contact us .

Policies for faculty activity

Agreements with overseas institutions and cross-border activities.

Guidelines for faculty members proposing any type of cross-border activity or affiliation with a university or other entity in another country that should be conducted under an agreement.

Overseas Study Program Development

Guidelines for faculty and staff members proposing a program through which an IU student or pre-college student would study abroad.

Student International Travel Safety

Guidelines for faculty involved in organizing student travel as part of a university-sponsored instructional program or individually using funding from IU.

Use of Agents in International Student Recruitment

Guidelines for university units involved in the recruitment and enrollment of international students.

University-Sponsored, Employment-Based Permanent Residence

Guidelines for faculty involved in hiring a foreign national for any position.

Policies governing student travel

Our policies covering student international travel allow the university to monitor and support students’ health and safety as they travel abroad for the following purposes:

• IU and non-IU study abroad programs
• IU credit-bearing courses abroad
• IU non-credit educational activities, including service, sports events, musical performances, and research
• IU-funded or IU-organized attendance at a conference or other event
• IU-funded or IU-organized individual travel for research, teaching, and other university purposes
• Travel organized by IU student organizations
• Other reasons considered to be travel for university purposes

This policy covers the development and approval of IU study abroad programs, including individual courses abroad.

This policy covers travel by students in study abroad and other university-sponsored programs as well as individual travel.

IU Global resources and social media channels

Updated: Travel during the pandemic 101

By Amanda Roach

October 18, 2021

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This story was updated on Dec. 14, 2021, to reflect the most current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Travel guidelines and recommendations have changed and been updated throughout the pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know for planning travel as the holidays approach:

For any travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend being fully vaccinated before traveling.

Domestic travel guidelines

• Those who are fully vaccinated do not need to get tested or quarantine before or after travel, unless it’s required by your destination or method of travel. The CDC advises monitoring for symptoms following travel and, if symptoms appear, getting a symptomatic test to determine your COVID-19 status.
• If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, get tested one to three days before traveling to ensure you do not have COVID-19. The CDC recommends getting tested three to five days after you return from your trip and self-quarantining for seven days. Even if your test is negative, you should complete all seven days of quarantine and avoid being around those at high risk for severe illness for 14 days. If you choose not to get tested, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel. If symptoms appear, get a symptomatic test to determine your COVID-19 status.
• If you are participating in IU-sponsored domestic travel , the travel policy has returned to the pre-pandemic policy. Fiscal officers, or their delegate, must approve travel through the pre-approval process in Chrome River.

International travel guidelines

Testing requirement

• All passengers traveling by air to the U.S., regardless of vaccination or citizenship status, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than one day before traveling.
• If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 and have completed your isolation, you may travel with documentation of your recovery. This includes a positive COVID-19 test result no more than 90 days old and a letter from a physician or public health official saying you are cleared to travel.

Vaccine requirement

• Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or immigrant must show proof of being fully vaccinated (two weeks after your last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) before traveling by air to the U.S.
• This applies to anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or traveling to the U.S. on an immigrant visa.

Travelers prohibited from entering the U.S.

• There are currently restrictions in place for those traveling from some countries to the U.S. due to the omicron variant.
• U.S. citizens and lawful residents of the U.S., certain family members and other individuals who meet specific exceptions may still enter the country as outlined in the Presidential Proclamation .

After arriving in the U.S.

• If you are fully vaccinated : Get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after travel, self-monitor for symptoms and isolate if you develop symptoms.
• If you are not fully vaccinated : Self-quarantine at home for seven days after travel and get a COVID-19 test on day three to five. If you develop symptoms, isolate and get tested.

IU-sponsored international travel

• Faculty or staff participating in IU-sponsored international travel should start by completing the IU Employee International Travel Information and Acknowledgement form .
• Undergraduate student travel must be approved by the Office of Overseas Study, and graduate student travel is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs.
• Masks are required for all travelers on public transportation and inside transportation hubs like airports.
• Some communities may have additional masking requirements or guidelines to be aware of and follow as you travel.
• You may also consider wearing a mask in areas that have high community spread of COVID-19, in crowded outdoor settings or if you’ll be interacting in close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated.

Amanda Roach is a senior communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.

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Stay in the Know - Travel Guidance Across the University

Friday, February 17, 2023

Travel Management Services (TMS) provides policies and procedures for domestic travel, but there are several other departments at IU that share international guidance and monitor specific aspects of the travel process. Read on to learn what other departments have to offer!

If you have questions about international travel policies, reach out to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) . For questions about the general travel process, contact Travel Management Services .

Human Resources (HR)

HR’s Travel Coverage page provides resources that support the safety and wellbeing of IU travelers. This page contains tons of information that empowers you to prepare for the unexpected while traveling.

For instance, your IU-provided Basic Group Life Insurance includes 24/7 access to Assist America , a program designed to help you prepare for trips and respond to emergencies while you are traveling. This resource is available to insured IU travelers on business or leisure trips. The Travel Coverage webpage also explains how to obtain healthcare while traveling abroad .

Office of International Affairs (OIA) & Office of Overseas Study (OOS)

The OIA provides up-to-date international travel policies for employees, nonemployees, and students and a policy for Student International Travel Safety .

Students who study abroad can also learn about medical insurance and trip coverage through the OIA. For example, the Office of Overseas Study has vetted an optional accident and sickness plan that covers students while they are abroad. Information about this program can be found at the link above or on the “Costs Before You Go” section of OOS’ Budgeting webpage . A checklist of health and safety considerations is available as well.

Office of Insurance, Loss Control, and Claims (INLOCC)

INLOCC provides guidance on the purchase of trip cancellation insurance and travel assistance. Additionally, they monitor the validity of driver’s licenses by performing a required Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Check of IU drivers. Any travelers who intend to drive a personal or rented vehicle on IU business must submit an application for their MVR check before their trip. INLOCC will also notify these drivers when their license expires.

Additional links and resources

INDIANA UNIVERSITY Financial Training & Communications

Cyber Infrastructure Building (CIB) 2709 E 10th St Bloomington, IN 47408 Email: [email protected]

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University Human Resources

Student Travel Coverage

The coverage described on this page applies to students enrolled in the IU Professional or International student healthcare plan .

Before traveling, it’s important to learn about the travel services available to you and how your health insurance works if you experience medical needs or emergencies while away from home.

As an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you have access to care across the country through the BlueCard PPO Program. This includes access to 93% of doctors and 96% of hospitals in the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., you can use the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Program. It gives you access to preferred doctors and hospitals in nearly 190 countries and territories around the world.

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Emergency Travel Assistance

Your health and AD&D plan includes coverage under Academic Emergency Services (AES), a program designed to help you prepare for trips and respond to emergencies while you are traveling more than 100 miles from home or outside your country. Please note that this is not travel insurance and it is not health insurance .

Services through AES include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, pre-travel and safety assistance, and an accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Review the AES Summary & Wallet Card for additional program benefits and details.

To prepare for your trip, visit the AES website at aes.myahpcare.com . To access services 24/7 call 855-873-3555 (within the U.S.) or +1-610-263-4660 (outside the U.S.). Reference Group ID: GHS9999AHPCO .

Services Available

Services available through your AES plan include:

• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation and emergency family assistance services
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Medical, travel, safety, and legal assistance
• Pre-travel information portal
• Physician referrals outside of the U.S.
• Medical monitoring during an emergency evacuation to ensure adequate care
• Prescription assistance
• Locating lost or stolen items (i.e. passport, luggage)
• Emergency travel arrangements
• Security/Political Evacuation Coverage
• Natural Disaster Evacuation Coverage

Contact AES 24/7

If you need medical or travel assistance, regardless of the nature or severity of your situation, please contact AES 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

• Call toll-free: 1(855) 873-3555 – within the U.S.
• Call collect: 1(610) 263-4660 – outside the U.S.
• Group ID: GHS9999AHPCO
• Membership type: Global Medical and Travel Assistance Services

Download the AES Summary & Wallet Card to keep this information on-hand while traveling.

Healthcare While Traveling

The information below is for students and family members enrolled in the IU Professional or International Student healthcare plan . Review each section to learn steps to take before traveling, how to access emergency or non-emergency care while traveling, and how to pay for those services. Be sure to always have an up-to-date copy of your health plan ID card(s) with you while traveling.

Outside the U.S.

Medical care.

Students and family members enrolled in the IU Professional or International student healthcare plans have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Core® network of physicians and hospitals overseas, and out-of-network benefits. 

Before Traveling Download the BCBS Global Core mobile app . You can use the app to search for providers, translate medical terms and phrases, file international claims, and more.

Non-Emergency Care When you’re traveling abroad and need non-emergency medical care, call the BCBS Global Core Service Center 24/7 at +1-804-673-1177 before getting care. They can help you set up a doctor’s visit or hospital stay.

Emergency Care

• If you need emergency medical care, call the local equivalent of ‘911’ or go to the nearest hospital.
• If you are unsure if it is safe to do so, or if the nearest hospital cannot provide sufficient care, call Academic Emergency Services (AES) at +1-610-263-4660. They are available 24/7 and can direct you to appropriate medical resources, including referrals to vetted providers and hospitals, and provide transportation or evacuation to a facility if needed. 
• If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem Member Services at +1-844-412-0752 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

Paying for Services When you call the BCBS Global Core Service Center prior to receiving care, they will work with the doctor and Anthem to approve and accept a Guarantee of Payment (GOP). If you get care from a doctor or hospital that has not accepted a GOP:

• Present your medical ID card to the facility to see if they can file a claim for you. All international claims are covered at the in-network rate; however, many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies.
• You will likely need to pay the cost up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a completed International Claim Form to Anthem for reimbursement.
• Receipts in other currencies and languages will be translated by Anthem as part of the reimbursement process, and reimbursement will be based on the exchange rate on the date of the medical service.

Medications

Before Traveling Due to FDA regulations, Anthem Prescription Management is unable to ship prescription medication internationally. If you are planning extended travel outside the U.S., contact your pharmacist to make sure any existing prescriptions will allow the full amount of medication needed for your trip.

If you need authorization to obtain extra refills of your prescriptions before traveling, contact Anthem at (844) 412-0752 to request a vacation override at least one week ahead of your travel date.

While Traveling All international claims are covered at the in-network rate, however many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies. You will need to pay for your prescription up front, then submit a claim form and receipt directly to the Anthem Prescription Manager. The claim form can be accessed from www.bcbsglobalcore.com .

Replacement of Medications, Medical Devices, and Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses AES may be able to arrange to refill a lost or forgotten prescription, or to ship replacement eyeglasses, corrective lenses, or medical devices to you. You are responsible for any costs associated with this service. Contact AES at +1-610-263-4660 (outside the U.S.). Reference Group ID: GHS9999AHPCO .

Dental Care

As an Anthem dental member, you and your eligible, covered dependents have access to the International Emergency Dental Program .* With this program, you can receive emergency dental care from credentialed dentists while traveling or working nearly anywhere in the world.

*The International Emergency Dental Program is managed by an independent company offering dental-management services to Anthem. To learn more about the program, please visit the International Emergency Dental Web site at www.decare.com/internationalDentalProgram.do .

Vision Care

Students enrolled in the IU Professional or International Student healthcare plans have access to emergency vision services under their IU medical plan while traveling internationally. However, the plans do not coverage vision care outside of the U.S.

Within the U.S. (outside Indiana)

Students and family members enrolled the IU Professional or International Student healthcare plan have access to Anthem’s National PPO (BlueCard PPO) network of providers and facilities across the U.S., and out-of-network benefits.

Before Traveling Download the Sydney Health mobile app . Through Sydney you can view your medical plan ID card, find a provider, visit with a doctor virtually through LiveHealth Online, contact Anthem Member Services, and more.

Non-Emergency Care You can search for a provider in Anthem’s BlueCard PPO national network using the ‘Find a Doctor’ tool at Anthem.com or through the Sydney Health mobile app. You can also call Anthem Member Services at 844-412-0752.

Emergency Care If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem Member Services at 844-412-0752 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

Paying for Services Simply present your medical ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you. If you choose to visit a non-network facility, you will need to pay for any services received up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a completed Medical Claim Form to Anthem for reimbursement.

Paying for Prescriptions Simply present your medical ID card to the network pharmacy and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The pharmacy will electronically file the claim for you.

If you choose to visit a non-network pharmacy, you will be required to pay up front for your prescriptions, then submit a copy of the receipt and a completed claim form to the Anthem Prescription Manager for reimbursement.

Replacement of Medications, Medical Devices, and Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses If you are traveling more than 100 miles from home, AES may be able to arrange to refill a lost or forgotten prescription, or to ship replacement eyeglasses, corrective lenses, or medical devices to you. You are responsible for any costs associated with this service. Contact AES at +1-610-263-4660 (outside the U.S.). Reference Group ID: GHS9999AHPCO .

Students enrolled in the IU Professional or International Student healthcare plan have access to a national network of dental care providers. Find a network provider outside of Indiana by visiting the online provider search tool at Anthem.com or by calling Anthem Member Services at (844) 412-0752.

Paying for Services Simply present your Anthem ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you.

If you choose to visit a non-network dentist, you will be required to pay up front for services, then submit a copy of the receipt and completed claim form for reimbursement.

Students enrolled in the IU Professional and International healthcare plans have access to a national network of vision care providers. Find a network provider outside of Indiana by visiting the online provider search tool at Anthem.com or calling Member Services at (844) 412-0752.

Paying for Services Simply present your ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible / coinsurance / copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you.

If you choose to visit a non-network provider, you will be required to pay up front for services, then submit a copy of the receipt and a completed claim form for reimbursement.

What if I need non-emergency medical care while I’m traveling outside the U.S.?

For non-emergency medical care while traveling, you have several options. You can:

• Call the 24/7 Nurseline at +1-800-337-4770 for guidance on non-emergency health questions or concerns.
• Visit with a physician virtually 24/7 . Anthem plan members have access to telehealth through LiveHealth Online .
• Visit a network provider or facility .
• Anthem plan members should call the BCBS Global Core Service Center 24/7 at 1+804-673-1177 before getting care. They can help you set up a doctor visit with a network provider.

What if I need emergency medical care while I’m traveling outside the U.S.?

• If you are unsure if it is safe to do so, or if the nearest hospital cannot provide sufficient care, call AES at +1610-263-4660. They can direct you to appropriate medical resources, including referrals to vetted providers and hospitals, and provide transportation or evacuation to a facility if needed. 
• If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call your insurance provider within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

What if I need non-emergency medical care while I’m traveling within the U.S.?

If you need non-emergency medical care while traveling, you have several options. You can:

• Call the 24/7 Nurseline at 800-337-4770 for guidance on non-emergency health questions or concerns.
• Visit with a physician virtually 24/7 Anthem plan members have access to telehealth visits with a provider through LiveHealth Online .
• Find an in-network provider or facility . Anthem plan members can search for a provider in the BlueCard PPO national network using the ‘Find a Doctor’ tool at Anthem.com or through the Sydney Health mobile app. You can also call Anthem Member Services at (844) 412-0752.

What if I need emergency medical care while I’m traveling within the U.S.?

If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call your insurance provider within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

How do I submit a claim for reimbursement for medical services I paid out of pocket?

Many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies, which means you will likely need to pay for services up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a claim form to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

• Services within the U.S. : Log in to your account at Anthem.com or complete the Anthem Medical Claim Form . Be sure to include copies of your receipts with your claim.
• Services outside the U.S.: Submit the Anthem International Claim Form with copies of your receipts. Receipts in other currencies and languages will be translated by Anthem as part of the reimbursement process, and reimbursement will be based on the exchange rate on the date of the medical service.     

What if there is a political or natural disaster while I’m traveling?

In the event of a potentially life-threatening natural disaster or a political or security event occurring while you’re traveling: 

• Academic Emergency Services (AES) will connect you with a security specialist to discuss on-the-ground security assistance and/or evacuation. 
• You are responsible for any costs associated with this service and advanced payment is required. 

Additionally, Academic Emergency Services (AES) offers up to one hour of phone counseling and follow-up referrals to qualified counselors as needed or requested in response to a traumatic situation. 

Contact Academic Emergency Services (AES) 24/7:

• Within the U.S.:  855-873-3555
• Outside the U.S.: +1-610-263-4660 
• Reference Group ID: GHS9999AHPCO

I need a letter outlining my medical coverage for a trip. How do I receive one?

Some organizations or travel groups require a letter outlining the medical coverage available to you while traveling. To request a travel letter, contact Anthem at least a few weeks before your departure date.

What should I do if my travel plans require a COVID-19 test?

Entry into some countries requires a negative COVID-19 test. Some destinations do not accept in-home tests or may not allow you to bring an in-home test into the destination for reentry purposes. Be sure to confirm government guidelines before traveling. If you are unable to find these guidelines, you can contact Academic Emergency Services at  855-873-3555  for assistance.

COVID-19 testing is available locally or through the university. However, some testing locations may not bill insurance.

If flying out of country, many large international airports offer testing for this purpose. These tests often require cash payment or credit card (they typically will not bill insurance). Visit the airport’s website for more information on the testing services offered.

Page updated: June 2023 IU Human Resources Contact Us

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

As we incorporate clinical learning opportunities that allow medical students to complete their training in centers of medical education around the state, medical students will be provided housing and/or reimbursed for required travel in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Payment as described below will be provided for medical students who are required by the IU School of Medicine to travel to another campus (away from “home base” site) to complete mandatory learning or assessment activities (i.e. required clerkship rotations, OSCE, inter-session, orientation, etc.).
• Lodging may be provided through IU School of Medicine for those medical students who travel to locations beyond a fifty (50) mile radius of the student’s official “home base” site or residence, whichever is less.
• Lodging needs must be verifiable, based off of a student’s schedule for Medical Student Education requirements.
• Submit the  MSE Housing Request Form  for Indianapolis lodging requests for required educational responsibilities.
• For all regional campus housing requests, students should work directly with respective regional site coordinator.
• Shared housing is typically not available at this time, unless specifically requested by both students staying for a verifiable IU School of Medicine purpose.
• As appropriate, student lodging will be paid upfront by hosting site.

Mileage Reimbursement

• Mileage may be reimbursed for medical students who are required to travel to locations beyond a fifty (50) mile radius of the student’s official “home base” site or residence, whichever is less.
• Mileage reimbursement must be pre-approved prior to travel by “home base” site.
• Submit the Mileage Reimbursement Request Form for students whose “home base” is Indianapolis.
• For all regional campus mileage reimbursement, please direct questions to respective regional site coordinators.
• Mileage is reimbursed according to Indiana University travel policies and through credit to your bursar account.
• Ride sharing cannot be encouraged at this time, unless the Community Responsibility Acknowledgement guidance is adhered to.
• Mileage reimbursement requests must be received within 120 days of the travel start date or sooner. Anything requested after 120 days of the start date will not be reimbursed.
• Reimbursement is limited to one round trip per rotation regardless of rotation length.
• Coordinators who are facilitating paid parking will communicate parking options to student prior to travel dates.
• Per diem is not provided.

Process Examples

Example 1: Student is required by school to attend event (e.g. 3rd year required clerkship, inter-session) in Indianapolis.

• Student will complete lodging request no less than two business weeks before requested stay; by submitting the MSE Housing Request form .
• Indianapolis travel coordinator will review housing request, ask follow-up questions as-needed, set up housing, and communicate approval and travel details to student.
• Pre-approved travel will be reimbursed for student mileage per guidelines.

Example 2: Regional student is required by school to attend rotation at regional campus more than 50 miles away.

• Rotation coordinator will communicate student name, travel date(s), and purpose for travel to the regional campus travel coordinator. (Please notify the regional campus as soon as the need is identified!)
• Regional campus travel coordinator will review housing request, ask follow-up questions as-needed, set up housing and parking arrangements, and communicate approval and travel details to student and other coordinator.
• Indianapolis travel coordinator will reimburse student mileage as per guidelines.

Example 3: Student is assigned to a pediatrics rotation in Indianapolis and home base is a regional campus

Guideline: If you are assigned to a clerkship rotation away from your home campus, then the school will provide housing.

Example 4: Student selects an elective neurology rotation in Indianapolis and home base is a regional campus.

Guideline: If you choose to take an elective away from your home campus, the school does not provide housing.

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Student international travel safety.

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About This Policy

Graduate Student Travel Hannah Buxbaum VP for International Affairs ovpia@iu.edu Undergraduate Student Travel Jennifer Engel Assoc. VP for Overseas Study [email protected]

University units, administrators, and faculty member who are involved in organizing student travel; undergraduate or graduate/professional students who travel overseas on a university-sponsored instructional program or who travel individually using funding from IU.

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Indiana University regularly monitors international information relevant to the safety of IU students since their safety and security is of the utmost importance. In evaluating the safety of travel abroad on university-sponsored programs, IU gives primary consideration to Travel Advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The following policy applies to IU students:

For University-sponsored or organized instructional programs , including faculty-led instruction and other sponsored course work, for undergraduate and graduate/professional students :

Indiana University will not offer or support study abroad programs in, or other travel in or through, countries given Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisories. The same prohibition applies to any region of all countries where the Travel Advisory specifies “do not travel” to that region.  No exemptions will be considered for Level 4 countries or “do not travel” regions. For countries or areas under a Level 3 Advisory, requests for exemptions based on "special circumstances" are evaluated on a program-by-program basis through a process established by the Safety and Responsibility Committee of the system-wide Overseas Study Advisory Council (OSAC). For more information see: https://overseas.iu.edu/policies/safety-responsibility/travel-warnings.html

Upon advice of University infectious disease specialists, and taking into account warnings from the CDC, travel to countries experiencing serious outbreaks of infectious disease may be prohibited.

For individual travel by undergraduate and graduate/professional students who plan to use funding from Indiana University to pursue research, study or other University-related business:

The University will not provide funding for a student to travel to a country under a U.S. Department of State Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory. The same prohibition applies to any region of all countries where Travel Advisory specifies “do not travel” to that region.

Undergraduate and graduate/professional students who travel to countries or areas under a Level 3 Advisory must sign a waiver that should be submitted to the department head to be kept in the student's file.

NOTE: Please see special requirements for students traveling to Cuba

Information on Travel Warnings

It is the responsibility of the sponsoring unit (e.g. Center, Department, Institute, or School) at Indiana University to comply with and enforce this policy. Current information on travel warnings for individual countries is available at:

US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/outbreaks.htm Indiana University units that regularly send graduate students abroad may also obtain automatic email distributions of U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories by registering at: https://step.state.gov/

Providing Contact Information while Overseas

While traveling abroad on university-sponsored or -funded programs, graduate/professional students are strongly advised to provide information about their travel itinerary and contact information in the destination country to their sponsoring unit at IU. This should include hotel and personal addresses, mobile and office telephone numbers, email information, and an alternative contact with an institution or individual in the country. Such information is necessary if emergencies arise either with family members in the United States or with events in the country of residence.

In addition, graduate/professional students are advised to register upon arrival in their country of destinations with the U.S. Embassy. This can now be done on-line at: https://step.state.gov/ . Registration is especially critical where the destination country is one in which a Level 3 Travel Advisory is in effect.  In the event that issues affecting the safety of U.S. citizens unexpectedly arise, the U.S. Embassy needs up-to-date contact information for visitors in order to disseminate safety information, evacuation orders, or other updated travel warnings.

This policy was established in August 2006.

Policy contacts and links updated 6-19-17.

Policy updated due to revision of U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory system January 2018.

In November 2020, policy was temporarily suspended per Department of State pandemic guidelines. It was reinstated in October 2022.

Previous Versions:

Effective Dates: 08/15/2006 - 02/14/2018

IU Overseas Study Emergency Notification Protocol Statement

• Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Form

Please note: This is an archived version of the policy. View the current version.

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The Visa Bulletin

Visa Statistics

Laws & Regulations

Accepting, Serving in, or Performing Duties of a Position with the Government of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sectioin 349(a)(4)

Loss of U.S. Nationality and Service in the Armed Forces of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 349(a)(3)

Visa Bulletin For May 2024

Number 89 Volume X Washington, D.C

View as Printer Friendly PDF

A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during May  for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at  www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo , individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin. 

1.  Procedures for determining dates. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by April 1st . If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category “unavailable”, and no further requests for numbers would be honored.

2.  The fiscal year 2024 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000.  The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000.  Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620.  The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.

3.  INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa issuances will exceed the per-country limit. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas:  CHINA-mainland born, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 

4.  Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: 

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First : ( F1 ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second : Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. ( F2A ) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. ( F2B ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third : ( F3 ) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth : ( F4 ) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

A.   FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)

For May, F2A numbers  EXEMPT from per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates  earlier  than 08NOV20. F2A numbers  SUBJECT to per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO , with priority dates beginning 08NOV20 and earlier than 01JUN21. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

5.  Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First :  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second :  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third :  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".

Fourth :  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth :  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants.

A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. For Fiscal Year 2024 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150.

B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

B .   DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years.  The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program.  Visa numbers made available to NACARA applicants in FY 2023 will result in reduction of the DV-2024 annual limit to approximately 54,850.  Section 5104 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 amended the NACARA’s provisions on the Diversity Visa program such that the number of visas made available under the NDAA will be deducted from the 55,000 DVs annually allocated.  These amendments will not impact the number of diversity visas available until FY 2025.  DVs are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

For May , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2024 program ends as of September 30, 2024. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2024 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2024 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2024. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2024 cannot be taken for granted. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.

C.   THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN JUNE

For June , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

D.   EMPLOYMENT FOURTH PREFERENCE (SR) RELIGIOUS WORKERS CATEGOY EXTENDED

H.R. 2882, signed on March 23, 2024, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until September 30, 2024.  No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight September 29, 2024.  Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until September 29, 2024, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat admitted) into the United States no later than midnight September 29, 2024. 

The SR category is subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability. 

E.   ANNUAL WAITING LIST REPORT OF IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS IN THE FAMILY-SPONSORED AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES REGISTERED AT THE NATIONAL VISA CENTER AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

The National Visa Center has provided the totals of applicants who are registered in the various numerically-limited immigrant categories for processing at overseas posts.  This information is available on the Consular Affairs www.travel.state.gov website.  The direct link to the item is:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/immigrant-visa-statistics.html

F.   U.S. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISAS (SIVs)

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, signed into law on December 22, 2023, may affect certain current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad applying for SIVs or adjustment of status, as described in section 101(a)(27)(D) of the INA.  This does not affect certain Iraqis and Afghans applying for SQ and SI SIVs.  Applicants should contact the consular section at which they filed their Form DS‑1884 for further information on the impact of that law on their case.

G.   FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV

Department of State Publication 9514

CA/VO: April 3, 2024

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost.

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Travel and Entertainment Policy

April 11, 2024

We are pleased to inform you of recent updates to the University's Travel and Entertainment (T&E) Policy  (pdf format). Effective March 1, 2024, changes to the policy incorporate feedback from our campus community and are designed to enhance user-friendliness and clarity. Key updates include:

• Updated T&E spending limit guidelines , now managed separately from the policy document.
• Updated receipt requirements to conform with IRS guidelines.
• Enhanced procedural guidance accessible on the T&E Policy and Reimbursement web page and referenced throughout the policy document.

For a comprehensive overview of all changes, please refer to the Key Changes  (pdf format) summary.

Should you have any questions regarding the revised policy, please don't hesitate to contact procurement customer service at [email protected] or 847.491.8120.

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Kyle Richards Said These ‘Soft and Cozy’ Bestselling Leggings Are a Travel ‘Essential’

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From all of the trips that have come with being on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to the ones required of being on set as an actress, Kyle Richards knows how to dress for travel like a pro. With all of the trips she’s taken, we have to assume she’s put hundreds of clothing items to the test to find out which ones work best while on the road. So to know she’s called a pair of $23 leggings a travel “essential” — we know they’ve got to be good.

In an Amazon livestream showcasing her “Vacay Getaway Essentials,” the 55-year-old shared that the Fullsoft High Waisted Leggings were some of her favorites. She noted that she pairs them with a white hoodie for a cozy-but-cute airport outfit.

“These are essential to wear when traveling, these soft pants,” she said. “They’re leggings, but they don’t feel like workout leggings. They’re so soft and cozy.”

Get the Fullsoft 3-Pack High Waisted Leggings for just $23 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 11, 2024, but are subject to change.

Related: Kyle Richards’ $10 Face Mask ‘Really, Really Works’ When You Don’t Drink Enough Water

One of the features of the leggings she likes the most is their tummy-control waistline. “They have this high waist here,” she said. “That’s always good to have, a little band here that holds my stomach in, so I like that.” But we also have to assume she loves their non-see-through, four-way stretch fabric too, made of a polyester-spandex blend.

Richards is far from the only one who’s fallen into the hype of these leggings. On top of being an Amazon bestseller, over 20,000 shoppers have come back to the site to give the product a five-star rating, usually accompanied by a rave review. Not to mention, over 1,000 packs of these leggings have been bought just this last month.

Fullsoft 3-Pack High Waisted Leggings

Backing up Richards’ claim, this shopper said they wore these leggings “for two long haul flights and for walking all over Japan.”

“They are super comfortable and flattering, and the waistband lays flat to wear under dresses or tunics (which I did),” they said. “I am short and curvy, and the stretch and softness is just perfect. [They’re] easy to hand wash and line dry quickly.”

Related: This Kyle Richards-Approved Hair Repair Treatment Is Only $30 at Amazon

Need a pair of leggings for your next trip? You’ll definitely want to check out this Richards-approved pack of three — especially because it’s only $23 on Amazon!

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