Travel Insurance Coverage

At Laurentian University, the safety and well-being of our faculty, staff, and students are paramount. As part of our commitment to proactive risk management, the Department of Enterprise Risk Management and Insurance (ERMI) is here to ensure you understand how the University's insurance coverage extends to individuals traveling on University business.

Have you completed Laurentian’s International Travel Information Form? 

Click Here to Complete Laurentian's Risk Management Travel Information Form

When Does University Coverage Apply?

Laurentian University maintains insurance coverage designed to protect the institution and its authorized representatives while acting within the scope of their duties for the University (the work you are doing on behalf of the institution while abroad). This includes coverage for liabilities that may arise from your respective roles as University-affiliated individuals.

Specifically, our insurance policies may respond to:

• Legal Liabilities: Costs, charges, and expenses related to actions, suits, or proceedings brought against you for acts done in the execution of your duties or in respect of any such liability caused as part of your travel, provided you acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the University.
• Property Damage: Coverage for University-owned physical assets and for if you’re sued for damaging someone else’s assets while doing work on behalf of Laurentian. Remember, personal property of faculty, staff, and students is generally not covered by the University's property insurance policies.
• Third-Party Claims: Protection from claims for bodily injury or property damage from individuals or groups you may be working with while on University Business.

Coverage for Volunteers*:

Laurentian University's Indemnification Policy explicitly includes

Volunteers within its scope*. This means that volunteers acting within the scope of their duties representing the University, and their heirs, executors, and administrators, shall be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the University from and against all costs, charges, and expenses sustained or incurred in legal actions arising from their University duties. This indemnity applies as long as the volunteer acts honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the University. The University also purchases and maintains insurance for the benefit of any person entitled to be indemnified, which includes volunteers.

*Volunteer travelers who are not faculty members, students, or employees of the University need to have the scope of volunteer work reviewed and approved for coverage confirmation prior to travel departure.

Important Considerations: What University Insurance Does NOT Replace

While the University's insurance provides important protection, it is not a substitute for personal travel insurance. The intent of the University's coverage is not to replace the need for personal travel insurance to cover:

• Travel-Related Interruptions: Delays, missed connections, or unforeseen changes to your travel itinerary.
• Cancellation Expenses: Non-refundable costs incurred due to trip cancellation (e.g., flights, accommodations).
• Emergency Medical Expenses: Costs for medical emergencies, hospitalization, or emergency evacuation outside of standard provincial health coverage.

These types of personal travel risks are best addressed through individual travel insurance policies.

Your Role in Risk Management:

As a member of the Laurentian University community, you play a vital role in our Enterprise Risk Management Framework. Being aware of our insurance coverage and understanding its limitations helps us all responsibly manage risks and ensure the continued achievement of the University's strategic and operational goals. For more detailed information or specific inquiries regarding your travel plans, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Enterprise Risk Management & Insurance.

Before you go:

Complete HEALIX Training for International travel; mandatory training at an institutional level that must be completed for each new destination of travel prior to departure

Register with Government of Canada Travel Website 

Government of Canada Travel Advisory Website

Have you completed Laurentian’s International Travel Information Form? 

Click Here to Complete Laurentian's Risk Management Travel Information Form