Students
uOttawa Student Travel Registry
Completing the predeparture steps listed below is mandatory. You will be required to complete these steps to qualify for exchange scholarships.
- Complete the in-person Travel Safety session or the Online Travel Safety Training (International SOS).
In-person Travel Safety session
You must attend an in-person Travel Safety session offered by the student exchange program team if you’re:
- Participating in an exchange program through Student Affairs or the Telfer School of Management
- Completing an international exchange with the Faculty of Social Sciences. This includes:
You’ll receive an email from the student exchange program team with instructions on how to register for and access this session.
Online Travel Safety Training (International SOS)
Students who don’t fall under the categories listed above must complete the Travel Risk Awareness - Security training offered by International SOS.
To complete this requirement, access the Travel Risk Awareness - Security course on the International SOS digital learning platform.
You only need to complete this training once, including for future travel. On completion, submit your certificate of completion to your faculty
2. Register your trip. Registration will help us to contact you in case there is an emergency. It also connects you to the services of International SOS in case you need assistance related to your safety and well-being before or during your trip.
3. Undergraduate students need permission to travel to a destination rated by Global Affairs Canada as “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel.”
Graduate students need permission to travel to a destination rated by Global Affairs Canada as “avoid all travel.”
If your trip needs approval, contact our office at [email protected] at least 10 business days before a potential trip. The International Travel Safety Committee will examine each trip in collaboration with the appropriate Dean or Vice Dean.
4. Some faculties and programs may require additional preparation or approvals. Your supervisor or faculty can provide you with more information.
Insurance
Undergraduate students who haven't opted out and who have paid their fees should have travel insurance through the uOttawa Student’s Union.
Graduate students who haven't opted out and who have paid their fees should have travel insurance through the Graduate Student Association.
If you've opted out from your student insurance plan, you might have insurance through a family member.
If you don’t already have travel insurance, you must purchase your own.
Check the coverage you have. If you’re travelling for an extended period, you probably need to inform your insurer. If your trip involves high-risk activities or destinations, you might need to purchase additional insurance. For some programs or destinations, you might have to purchase specific additional insurance.
If you’re an international student, note that UHIP doesn’t cover you outside of Canada and your travel insurance most likely won’t cover you in your home country.
See the Government of Canada information on trip interruption and travel health insurance.
University of Ottawa students on international placements are insured for both general liability, health-care professional liability and workplace accidents under various policies put in place by the University’s Office of the Chief Risk Officer and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
Please note that these policies contain limitations periods on the length of the placement, generally the length of a typical university term. If you’re planning a longer placement, then the OCRO should be contacted to arrange coverage.
