Pre-Trip Vaccinations
Penn travelers preparing for international trips may be eligible for reimbursement of certain pre-travel vaccinations through the University’s travel insurance program.
What’s Covered
Pre-trip vaccine consultation.
Vaccines mandated by a host country’s government for entry.
Vaccines advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect your health while abroad, even if not required for entry.
What’s Not Covered
- Travel costs to and from the vaccination site
- Vaccines not listed as either ‘required’ or ‘CDC-recommended’
- More than one maximum reimbursement per trip (the $300 in a single cap, regardless of the number of vaccines needed).
Who is Eligible
This benefit applies to students, faculty, and staff travelling on Penn-affiliated international trips that are registered in MyTrips.
Maximum Benefit Amount
Eligible travelers can receive up to a $300 reimbursement per covered trip for required or CDC-recommended pre-travel vaccinations and their associated consultation fees.
How to File a Claim
Step 1
Obtain Documentation
After you receive your vaccination, obtain an itemized bill from your provider. The itemized bill must include:
- Provider’s name and address
- Claimant’s name
- Date(s) of service
- Type of service (vaccine given)
- Amount charged for each service
Step 2
Submit Your Claim
- Contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu to request a claim form
- Complete the claim form
- Attach your itemized bill
- Submit directly to the insurance carrier per instructions on the claim form and Cc: travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu to your claim submission email
Step 3
Payment
Reimbursement is issued directly to the traveler/claimant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penn Students
Penn students can go to Student Health & Counseling (SHC) for free travel consultation and discounted travel vaccinations. SHC encourages you to make your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. While you can get your vaccinations at any clinic, SCH is often the most convenient and cost-effective option for students. Use the link below to make an appointment.
Faculty and Staff
Penn Travel Medicine provides destination-specific medical consultation, including pre-travel vaccinations. While you can get your vaccinations at any clinic, Penn Travel Medicine is a convenient on-campus option. Use the link below to make an appointment.
No. You may use your chosen provider, as long as you obtain proper documentation.
Important: Penn Student Health and Counseling offers Penn students free travel consultations and discounted travel vaccinations.
Yes. You should always check your primary health insurance coverage first, as some plans (including the Penn Student Insurance Plan, or PSIP) cover required travel vaccinations. If you have PSIP, required vaccinations may be fully covered when obtained at Student Health and Counseling.
The benefit will reimburse for all required/recommended doses, but the total reimbursement will not exceed $300 per covered trip.
Contact
Contact the Global Safety team with any questions about your Penn-affiliated travel and resources while abroad.