International Risks
Student participating in coop programs are required to have sufficient medical insurance prior to departure. Ontario residents can refer to (link). Other insurance may be available from a number of sources including but not limited to:
- Temporary resident health insurance (more than emergency coverage)
- Example: Guardme
- UWSA/GSS/OPUS coverage
- This coverage may or may not be adequate; student must confirm with their respective student union group/provider.
- Other: Could be parent coverage or other
- This coverage may or may not be adequate; student must confirm with their respective provider
- It is recommended that students have appropriate health coverage that includes evacuation and repatriation coverage.
- Students may be required to provide evidence of medical coverage prior to travel.
- Students should be aware of any exclusions and fully understand what their policy covers.
- Student who are travelling internationally for their coop employer, may required out of short term out of province coverage.
- Students may be covered by the University’s liability insurance if they cause property damage or bodily injury to a third party while participating in a University-sanctioned activity. There may be overlapping coverage provided by the Employer’s liability insurance.
- Possible parent coverage
- Personal policy with coverage in host jurisdiction
Please note that the host jurisdiction may require students to provide proof of liability insurance prior to start.
Student are responsible for their own property during international travel
- e.g., Rental insurance (apartment, auto, bike, etc.)
- e.g., Misc. property coverage
International Orientation
- Students participating in co-op programs are required to participate in a comprehensive orientation program that covers the risks of the co-op destination and other relevant risks associated with their international travel.
- Students participating in an international coop opportunity shall “register” as required by the University (we note that the University will already have a file with the student’s coop details).
- Consider central registry for all students undertaking international travel.
- Student undertaking University sponsored/approved international travel should be required to complete Part A of the Checklist for International Travel.
DFAIT Travel Warnings
Co-op opportunities may be suspended in areas that are subject to the following DFAIT Travel Advisories:
- Exercise a high degree of caution
There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country may be compromised:
- Avoid non-essential travel
There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors. - Avoid all travel
There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.