International Travel

Procurement Service Center Travel Office

Travel expenses paid by the university must be incurred for official university business and must comply with the PSC Procedural Statement: Travel as well as with any other applicable rules and regulations. For more information on the travel process and approval, please click here: PSC Travel website.

Campus, Departments and Units

The university and its campuses have various policies and procedures addressing international travel.

Each campus has an office with responsibility for coordination of academic travel and international education, which is an excellent resource for specific international travel questions and safety concerns. They provide international travel orientation and other health and safety information for both students and faculty. Faculty planning to lead trips abroad can contact these offices for support and guidance.

• Boulder: Office of International Education
• Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus: Global Education: Study Abroad
• Colorado Springs: Global Engagement Office: Education Abroad

International Risk Management Committee

Campus International Risk Management Committees assess the university’s international risk, recommend policies to enhance university international risk management and risk mitigation, develop international risk management services and protocols, and provide oversight and review of international risk. They develop and maintain the campus international crisis response plans and assist departments with emergency response and business continuity plans for international emergencies.

Campus committees may consist of representatives from study abroad/global education and/or Office of International Education, Office of International Affairs, and Risk Management. Representatives from various colleges and disciplines including communications/public relations, student affairs, University Counsel, faculty, finance, public safety and others may be invited to participate as needed.

University Employees and Authorized Volunteers

Faculty, staff, student employees and authorized volunteers of the university are expected to comply with university policies, rules and regulations when planning for and traveling abroad.

Regulatory compliance may include export controls, government sanctioned nations and individuals, animal and human subject research and technology transfer.

Faculty planning to lead trips abroad can contact campus study abroad offices for international information.

Students and Participants

In the interest of individual and group safety and overall positive learning experience, students who are traveling abroad as part of a study abroad, international education or other university-sponsored program should follow their campus-specific policies and educational programs that include orientation, sexual harassment policies, health insurance packages/information, travel warning websites, and return transition/debriefing. Students and participants traveling as part of a university-sponsored program should be aware that they are responsible for their own behavior and any resulting consequences.

University Risk Management

The University Risk Management (URM) website and campus URM representatives can provide information regarding international travel insurance and assistance programs provided by the university. URM representatives serve on campus international risk management committees and consult on risk assessments. URM provides the International Travel Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning Checklist to use as a risk identification and mitigation tool.

University-sponsored Programs

University-sponsored programs are programs organized, financed, operated, and/or maintained by the university with minimal or no third party (vendors, contractors, travel agencies, etc.) assistance. These programs follow all university and campus policies and work with campus offices and URM.

Third-Party Programs

The university may outsource certain international programs by contracting with third parties. Travelers follow all university and campus international policies, and the third-party requirements. Contact University Counsel and URM to review contracts for appropriate hold-harmless language, indemnification agreements, insurance and waivers.

Elective Travel (non-sponsored)

This travel is not endorsed or under the auspices of the university. The university does not offer academic credit, coordinate travel or fund these activities. Travelers are encouraged to review general travel information that is available from campus international programs or URM regarding safety and health information.

International Medical and Evacuation Insurance

CU provides employees (faculty/staff/residents/fellows, not students—unless employed by the university and traveling as part of their employment) with international medical and evacuation insurance that covers medical emergencies, security emergencies, or natural disasters through GeoBlue .

• travel outside of US and its territories
• travel for less than 180 consecutive days
• travelers up to age 85
• travel to Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela or Yemen requires campus approval. For travel to any of these countries please contact your campus international contact with the countries to be visited, the dates to and from, and the purpose and activity during the travel.

CU Faculty/staff employed by the university and traveling as part of their employment can contact URM or PSC-Travel for information to access the insurer’s website. The information includes group access code, access to ID card and emergency contact information.

CU Faculty/staff traveling on a study abroad program must coordinate their coverage by contacting their campus global education or study abroad office managing the program.

Students must contact their campus global education or study abroad office for guidance on purchase of international medical and evacuation insurance. 

For non-employees URM recommends purchasing travel medical and evacuation insurance for your trip. Your personal health insurance may not cover foreign medical treatment, co-payments, co-insurance, or out-of-network charges. Faculty/staff family members on approved travel can purchase coverage through the university provider.

Workers' Compensation

The university workers’ compensation program applies to employee’s work related injuries and illnesses while in the course and scope of their employment on official university business.

For immediate medical response and guidance contact your university international medical and evacuation insurer as referenced above. 

Report work related injuries or illness as soon as possible filing a claim. Visit our worker’s compensation page for more information.

Property Insurance

University property is insured through the URM program. A $2,500 deductible may apply to theft losses. Your personal property is not insured by the university. Please review security measures that apply to your travel destination.

Foreign Auto and Liability Insurance

• Liability: university employees are covered while acting within the course and scope of their employment. Exclusions include medical malpractice. Contact Professional Risk Management at 303-724-7475 for additional information on medical malpractice insurance.
• Auto: international car rental does not trigger liability or physical damage coverage through the State of Colorado Auto Rental Agreements. The university travel card may not provide physical damage in some countries and has various restrictions/limitations. You must purchase country- specific compulsory auto insurance if you rent a vehicle. This expense is eligible for reimbursement. Regulations and laws vary from country to country, making car rental and driving a high-risk choice in some countries. Consider the various transportation options for your destination. 

Incident and Claim Reporting

Any incident should be reported as soon as possible through the URM website. Please provide international contact information, as we may need to contact you prior to your return. For emergency guidance or additional claim information contact URM at 303-860-5682 or riskmgmt@cu.edu.

Preparing for international travel and potential emergency situations outside of the U.S. may be very different than in the U.S. The university has a membership with a travel assistance provider called International SOS to provide the following services. You can access the provider hosted website at www.internationalsos.com with the university membership number 11BCAS000006 (login number).

• Pre-travel country specific information: provides information on medical, security and travel to prepare for safe travel. The travel guidance is accessible on the hosted website and/or is emailed to travelers booked through the university travel agency or who manually register their reservation.
• Database of university travelers: traveler reservations booked through the university travel agency are uploaded to assist in responding to emergencies. Travelers can manually enter travel reservations.
• 24/7 travel assistance: travelers can call for pre-travel and during-travel inquiries.
• Real time global intelligence reports (email or mobile app):  changes in medical or travel conditions will trigger alerts to travelers.
• Emergency/crisis responder: your international medical and evacuation insurance carrier is your first call for medical and evacuation needs. The university uses the travel assistance provider for additional guidance in emergencies.

Risk/Waiver templates are used to advise participants (students, volunteers, non-employees) of the anticipated hazards for the specific trip; advise participants of their responsibility; advise the university does not provide medical insurance; obtain their written consent and document international health insurance and emergency contact information.

The International Travel Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning Checklist is a tool to identify country-specific risks and assist with emergency planning.

International emergencies can range from petty theft to terrorist acts, psychological or bodily injury, and even death. Distance, limited communications, and unfamiliar laws and customs can further exacerbate these emergencies. Trained group leaders and participants who have prepared and been oriented on a written crisis response plan are best prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies. Use of the risk assessment can assist in utilizing university and non-university resources to effectively prepare for travel emergencies.

Please click here: Procurement Service Center Travel Office website for a guide on approval and travel information.

For the university's Travel Authorization Policy click here: APS 4024 - Travel Authorization.

Yes. University employees including faculty, staff, residents, fellows traveling on university-sponsored international activities are covered through GeoBlue. University travelers can register for an identification card by visiting www.geo-blue.com and using the CU Access code: QHG99999UCBT. This ID card will contain the contacts needed in case of a medical emergency, political unrest, or a natural disaster emergency. Download the GeoBlue app. The GeoBlue app provides you with access to your ID card and GeoBlue’s self-service tools. GeoBlue Traveler Plan Member Questions

Study Abroad program participants (students and faculty/staff) must contact their campus Study Abroad Office for information on their international medical and evacuation insurance coverage.

• Boulder: Office of International Education
• Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus: Global Education: Study Abroad
• Colorado Springs: Global Engagement Office: Education Abroad

Not through the university’s program. However, it can be purchased through GeoBlue. Register and access the “Plan Benefits Information” section. This is where you can find the “Dependent Enrollment Form” with the rates.

Information is available at www.geo-blue.com. Register for access to the member guide, faculty and staff plan and additional information using CU Access code: QHG99999UCBT.

GeoBlue Traveler Plan Member Questions

We recommend you speak to GeoBlue for determination and they can guide you to purchase additional coverage as needed. Information is available at www.geo-blue.com or call GeoBlue directly (Call Collect: +1.610.254.8771 or Toll Free Inside the U.S.: 1.800.257.4823). Register for access to the member guide, faculty and staff plan and additional information using CU Access code: QHG99999UCBT.​ 

GeoBlue Traveler Plan Member Questions

1. Your international medical and evacuation insurance carrier and your campus International Travel Office. They are your first contact and will provide guidance, treatment locations and assist with payment arrangements.
   • Campus International Travel Offices:
     • Boulder: Office of International Education
     • Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus: Global Education: Study Abroad
     • Colorado Springs: Global Engagement Office: Education Abroad
2. Procurement Service Center Travel Office:
   • PSC Travel website
   • (303) 837-2161
3. University Risk Management to report the incident, if work related.

University Employees

University employees including faculty, staff, residents, fellows traveling on university-sponsored international activities are covered through GeoBlue. Information is available at www.geo-blue.com.  Register for access to the member guide, faculty and staff plan and additional information using CU Access code: QHG99999UCBT.

• To find a contracted doctor or facility, call GeoBlue Collect at +1.610.254.8771 or visit the “Find International Doctors and Hospitals” section in the Member Hub on www.geo-blue.com or in the GeoBlue member app. In order to avoid paying upfront for your medical care and having to submit a claim for reimbursement, schedule your appointment through GeoBlue using one of these methods:
  • Select “Schedule an appointment with this Provider” in the Member Hub or through the GeoBlue app.
  • Contact GeoBlue to request an appointment: +1.610.254.8771 or globalhealth@geo-blue.com.
• Outside of the U.S. you are free to see any provider you choose without a reduction of benefits.
• Arrange Direct Pay outside the U.S. If you make your own appointment, contact GeoBlue (with as much notice as possible) to provide the doctor’s office with the information required to arrange Direct Pay. This is necessary when scheduling follow-up appointments as well. In many countries providers require payment at the time of the visit unless Direct Pay has been arranged.
• Contact GeoBlue to arrange for Direct Pay:
  • Call Collect: +1.610.254.8771
  • Toll Free Inside the U.S.: 1.800.257.4823
  • globalhealth@geo-blue.com

GeoBlue Traveler Plan Member Questions

Study Abroad Program Participants

Study Abroad program participants (students and faculty/staff) must contact their campus Study Abroad Office for information on their international medical and evacuation insurance coverage.

• Boulder: Office of International Education
• Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus: Global Education: Study Abroad
• Colorado Springs: Global Engagement Office: Education Abroad

International medical and evacuation insurance may provide the following coverage and services. Review the insurance plan that covers you for additional coverage information.

• arrange payment of medical treatment
• arrange and pay for medical evacuation and repatriation
• arrange and pay for political and natural disaster evacuations
• research in-country medical facilities
• arrange access to doctors and hospitals
• arrange appointments and assist with patient admittance
• communicate and coordinate with in-country medical facilities

Workers’ compensation benefits apply to work related injuries and illnesses arising out of the course and scope of university employment. Workers’ compensation covers university employees including faculty, staff, paid student workers, residents, fellows, students in internships, clinical rotations or practicum. Workers’ compensation does not cover volunteers, family members, and other travelers that are not considered employees. Report claims to Risk Management on the file a claim page.

International destinations might not have access to medical care similar to care in the U.S. CDC and the university recommend visiting a travel medicine specialist or a doctor familiar with travel medicine to answer questions and make recommendations at least four to six weeks before your trip.

Travel clinics can provide information on health conditions, pre-existing conditions that might require management while you are abroad, and can prescribe prophylactic medications and vaccines where indicated. University of Colorado Hospital, Rose Medical Center, Denver Health Medical Center, Porter Hospital, Wardenburg Health Center, and Passport Health all have travel medicine specialists available.

Only property that is owned/leased by the university is covered by the university’s insurance program. A deductible may apply to theft losses of university owned/leased property. Review security measures that apply to your travel destination. Contact your personal homeowners/renter’s insurance representative for questions on your personal property coverage while traveling abroad.

If traveling with university property, contact your campus Export Control Office.

• Boulder: Export Controls
• Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus: Office of Regulatory Compliance
• Colorado Springs: Research Compliance (Export Controls)

The university program does not include country-specific compulsory auto insurance. You must purchase country-specific compulsory auto insurance including liability and physical damage if you rent a vehicle. If renting a vehicle is necessary, contact the Procurement Service Center for further information.

• PSC phone number: 303-837-2161
• PSC webpage: Renting a Car