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Cornell University

Education Abroad

Office of Global Learning

Travel, Health, and Safety

Cornell Supports International Travel

When you study abroad, your health, safety, and security are our top priorities.

Education Abroad works closely with Global Cornell's International Health, Safety, and Security team, campus partners across Cornell’s colleges, and local contacts at study abroad program sites. Together we assess program safety, manage foreseeable risks, and plan for and respond to emergencies.

Whether you plan to study abroad for a few weeks, a semester, or a year, the Cornell resources on this page will help you plan for a secure and rewarding international experience.

Student in jungle

Prepare to Reduce Risks

At home or abroad, personal health and safety are never guaranteed. While you can’t eliminate every potential hazard from your study abroad experience, you can take steps before and during your time abroad to prepare yourself and reduce risks.

  1. Register Travel
  2. Visit Checklist
  3. Health Insurance
  4. Take Orientation
  5. Follow Rules
  6. Find Help

1 Register your international travel.

Register your international travel in Cornell’s International Travel Registry as soon as you have your travel plans in place. Registration is required for study abroad—and all Cornell-related international travel—and is crucial for your safety, security, and compliance with federal regulations. There is a step-by-step guide on the Global Cornell site to help you with the registration process.

International Travel Registry

2 Visit Global Cornell's travel planning checklist.

This travel checklist from Global Cornell's travel safety experts gives you all the information you need to get your study abroad experience off to a safe and healthy start. Begin working through the planning process and resources on the checklist as soon as you commit to a study abroad program.

3 Check on health insurance.

When you travel abroad on a Cornell-affiliated program, you are covered by two different types of health-related insurance, each with a distinct purpose. One is your regular health insurance, either Cornell Student Health Plan (SHP) or a private/family plan, which may apply to routine, ongoing, or planned medical care while you are overseas. The other is Cornell's no-cost travel insurance, which is designed specifically for urgent or emergency situations abroad. Understanding how these two types of coverage work—and when each one applies—will help you plan ahead and avoid gaps in care or unexpected costs. Also, consider taking advantage of travel services from Cornell Health.

Can I use my student health plan while abroad?

This section is about your regular health insurance coverage and what you need to confirm before you leave.

Your regular health insurance—either Cornell SHP or an approved private/family plan—may be used for certain types of care while you’re abroad, such as routine, ongoing, or planned treatment. However, not all U.S.-based plans offer the same level of coverage outside the United States. If you have a private or family insurance plan, your coverage already meets university requirements (verified through Cornell’s annual insurance waiver process). Before departure, contact your insurance provider to confirm:

  • Whether your coverage applies internationally
  • Whether benefit levels change while you’re abroad
  • Whether you need a rider or supplemental policy

If you have a preexisting or ongoing medical condition, plan ahead to ensure you can access necessary care at your destination. Be sure you understand any preauthorization, prepayment, or out-of-pocket cost requirements related to your regular insurance coverage.

What if I get sick or injured while abroad?

This section is about urgent or emergency care and what to do if something unexpected happens during your time abroad.

All Cornell travelers are covered by travel medical insurance that provides 100% coverage for urgent or emergent illness or injury while abroad. This coverage is separate from your regular health insurance and is intended specifically for emergencies—not routine or ongoing care.

If you need medical assistance abroad, contact International SOS immediately.  They will help you locate appropriate care, coordinate treatment, and work directly with the travel medical insurance provider.

It’s important to understand that travel medical insurance does not mean you can choose to return to the United States for care. You should also be prepared for differences in medical systems abroad. Access, facilities, costs, and standards of care may vary from what you are used to in the United States.

4 Complete predeparture orientation.

Complete Cornell's required predeparture orientation to learn more about how to responsibly manage your own health, safety, and security while you're abroad. You'll receive more information about these virtual modules when you're accepted into a program.

5 Follow your program’s rules.

We hope your international travel goes off without a hitch! Once you've arrived, it's your responsibility to follow your program’s rules. This includes abiding by the health and safety policies of your program and host country, which may include restrictions on travel and mobility due to emergency conditions. Be aware that the rules can change at any time, and Cornell may institute additional requirements or restrictions.

6 Need help? Reach out.

In an emergency, call your local "911" or International SOS at +1-215-942-8478 and reference Cornell's membership number: 11BSCA827281. ISOS also has a mobile app!

Global Cornell's travel safety experts are ready to help you find valuable resources and answer questions when your situation is not an emergency. Reach them by email.

Travel, Health, and Safety Resources

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