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Safety Abroad

York University places importance on safeguarding the health and safety, of our students, faculty, and staff when traveling abroad on York University sanctioned academic and business activities.

With this commitment in mind, York University’s Safety Abroad Program stands as a steadfast support system for all members of the York University community, promoting health and safety practices, and emergency protocols(measures) to mitigate and manage potential risks associated with international travel.

Our main objective is to ensure that each traveler, whether a student or a staff member, are supported and provided with comprehensive assistance, guidance, and a secure environment as they participate in York University-affiliated activities abroad.

Enclosed below is the outline of York International Safety Abroad Program. We urge all students participating in global learning programs/activities, to review and adhere to the “Student Safety Abroad Program” to ensure York University’s support throughout their travels.

For staff and faculty members, we encourage you to review “Staff and Faculty Safety Abroad” section.

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the Safety Abroad Program or related matters, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at safetyabroad@yorku.ca. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priority.

Student Safety Abroad

All Students travelling on University-sponsored or sanctioned international programs should consult the Canadian Government's Travel Advice and Advisory reports for their specific country/region. This site will also guide you regarding other particular security threats that may apply to your destination, entry/exit requirements and official travel documentation and health notices, local consular assistance and emergency services.

There are 4 Global Affairs Canada Travel advisory levels​

  • Level 1 - Exercise normal security precautions​
  • Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution​
  • Level 3 - Avoid non-essential travel ​
  • Level 4 - Avoid all travel ​ ​

Levels 3 & 4 are considered higher risk travel and you require special authorization to travel to these destinations. Please contact safetyabroad@yorku.ca as soon as possible to learn about the special authorization process and for guidance on risk mitigation.​

York University's Safety Abroad Program has developed a Pre-Departure eClass to help students understand the risks associated with travel to their destination and support them in developing risk mitigation strategies. The York University Global Pre-Departure eClass Module is available online and is a requirement that all students traveling abroad complete prior to their departure.

Topics covered in pre-departure training​

How to register for York University's Global Pre-Departure eClass module ​

  • York International Exchange ​
    • Complete York University Global Pre-Departure eClass Module. Click here to complete eClass.​
  • Summer Study Abroad programs ​
    • Sessions will be scheduled in collaboration with Program Coordinators. Students will be required to register in the appropriate pre-departure session with Program Coordinators.
    • Complete York University Global Pre-Departure eClass Module. Click here to complete eClass.​
  • Grad students ​
    • Complete York University Global Pre-Departure eClass Module. Click here to complete eClass
    • Contact Safety Abroad at: safetyabroad@yorku.ca to inform of travel plans.​
  • Independent travel (student, faculty or staff)​
    • Complete York University Global Pre-Departure eClass Module. Click here to complete eClass.
    • Contact Safety Abroad at: safetyabroad@yorku.ca if you have any questions. ​

​

York Students traveling abroad for international programs are required to purchase guard.me® insurance.​ ​

To ensure safety and well-being of York students traveling abroad, York University has developed a partnership with guard.me® Insurance. It provides comprehensive insurance coverage and benefits that are in the best interest of the students and the university at-large.​ ​

guard.me® covers medical, emergency, evacuation, and 3rd party liability, among others. Please read the guard.me® benefit summary for more information. Students must register directly with guard.me®.​

If you are currently covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), or another provincial plan, be sure to contact the closest office to find out what regulations are applicable if you are outside Canada for an extended period of time. For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

Other Insurance

Travelers should consider trip cancellation and property insurance to cover changes to travel plans, and lost baggage or personal items while abroad.

Property Insurance

Some homeowner insurance policies extend property insurance worldwide. Check your policy to see if you need additional coverage. Normally a copy of the police report filed at the time of loss or theft will be needed before any claim will be considered. Taking preventive measures will decrease the likelihood of theft or property loss. When buying property insurance, ask:

  • Is there a maximum amount I can claim?
  • What does the insurance cover?
  • What is the deductible (what amount will I be responsible for)?
  • What items are not covered or get only limited coverage (usually cash, jewellery, computers, etc.)?

If you can't bear to lose something, leave it at home.

All students participating in University sanctioned international activities are required to enrol in York University Safety Abroad Travel Registry. Your safety and security when going abroad for University activities is our mutual priority and the information provide on this travel registry will enable York to monitor travel advisories and safety/security concerns. It will also allow us to locate and provide help in case of an emergency overseas.​ ​

Please Complete the Safety Abroad Travel registry (You will need your passport York account to log on) at least 3 weeks prior to departure. If you encounter any problems or have questions, please reach out to the Safety Abroad team at: safetyabroad@yorku.ca ​ ​ ​

Signing up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service on the Global Affairs Canada website allows you to stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.​ ​

If you run into problems because of your dual citizenship, contact the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission abroad (or Australian if Canadian unavailable) immediately.​ ​

If you are an International student please check with individual consular services of you home country. ​ ​

It is the responsibility of all travelers to learn about their host country and take steps to ensure they can stay health and safe. Students should visit their doctor before traveling to enquire about any preventive measures they can take. Please also ensure you have :​

  • official record of immunizations​
  • medical certificates​
  • your prescriptions (including eye glasses)​ ​

You may be required to show proof of specific immunizations when you enter certain countries, please consult your destination countries embassy for guidance on specific entry requirements. More information can be found on York International's Travel Safe webpage. Please reach out to the Safety Abroad team at: safetyabroad@yorku.ca if you have any questions. ​ ​ ​ ​

Staff and Faculty Safety Abroad

York University has prepared an International Travel Checklist for Faculty, Librarians, PDVs and Staff that helps you to prepare for your international travel related to the performance of professional responsibilities and provides you with resources for your international travel experience. Your safety and security when going abroad for University activities is our mutual priority and we encourage you to register your travel, determine the travel advisory level and investigate insurance. Adequate research of your destination and safety preparation is essential to your success. This includes research, study, recruitment, teaching, and service-related activities.

All staff travelling on University-sponsored or sanctioned international programs should consult the Canadian Government's Travel Advice and Advisory reports for their specific country/region. This site will also guide you regarding other particular security threats that may apply to your destination, entry/exit requirements and official travel documentation and health notices, local consular assistance and emergency services.

There are 4 Global Affairs Canada Travel advisory levels​

  • Level 1 - Exercise normal security precautions​
  • Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution​
  • Level 3 - Avoid non-essential travel ​
  • Level 4 - Avoid all travel ​ ​

Levels 3 & 4 are considered higher risk travel and you require special authorization to travel to these destinations. Please contact safetyabroad@yorku.ca as soon as possible to learn about the special authorization process and for guidance on risk mitigation.​

All York community members are encouraged to submit their travel on the travel registry as this will allow York to offer support and emergency assistance. To register your international travel with Safety Abroad please complete York Staff and Faculty Travel Registry (you will need your passport York account to log on) as soon as you can. If you encounter any problems or have questions, please reach out to the Safety Abroad team at: safetyabroad@yorku.ca ​​

Health Insurance Abroad: Are you covered?

All Faculty and Staff are encouraged to review their Benefits plan in advance of travel to understand their insurance coverage when travelling internationally. Faculty and Staff can purchase additional coverage through York International's preferred provider: Guard.Me: https://sites.guard.me/yorkinternational

At a minimum we recommend you know the answers to and the risks associated with the answers to the following.

  1. Does your coverage provide international/ out of province medical expense coverage? Please note, in some instances international travel may be described as out of province.
  2. If international/ out of province medical coverage is provided is there a maximum amount the plan will pay.  For example, some plans will only pay a maximum of $10,000 for international/ out of province medical expenses.
  3. Is there coverage for repatriation for medical or safety reasons?
  4. If the Canadian government travel advisory is Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) or Level 4 (Avoid all travel) is coverage still available? 
  5. What are the requirements to file a claim?  For example:
    • When must you report (pre-treatment is often a requirement)?
    • Who must you contact?
    • What do you need to provide?
    • What do I need to have with me to initiate coverage?

N.B.: It is your responsibility to assess and confirm the health coverage and coverage exclusion(s) applicable to your travels.

Signing up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service on the Global Affairs Canada website allows you to stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.​ ​

If you run into problems because of your dual citizenship, contact the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission abroad (or Australian if Canadian unavailable) immediately.​ ​

Travel Emergency Information

Emergency Checklist

  1. Contact local emergency services
  2. Communicate with the relevant contacts for your situation
  3. Call your emergency contacts to update them on your status
  4. File an Incident Report with Safety Abroad through the online form or email safetyaboard@yorku.ca

Emergency Contacts

GuardMe 24-Hour Emergency Health Number

  • Tel. Outside of North America: +1 (905)-667-0587
  • Tel. Toll Free North America: +1 (800)-334-7787

Government of Canada Emergency Contacts:

  • Tel: +1 (613)-996-8885
  • Whatsapp: +1 (613)-909-8881

Focus Point International (Security Incidents)

  • Tel: +1 (619)-717-8549

York University Campus Security

  • Tel: +1 (416)-736-5333

Be sure to download and print-off a copy of the Travel Emergency Card for your travel documentation: