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

Consultation

Pre-trip vaccine consultation.

Required Vaccines

Vaccines mandated by a host country’s government for entry.

Recommended Vaccines

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

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.

Penn Students

Yes, Penn students can go to Student Health & Counseling. They offer Travel Health appointments to individuals and groups for pre-trip consultations, vaccinations, completion of study abroad forms, and post-travel health evaluations. SHC encourages you to make your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. It’s often a convenient and cost-effective option for students. Visit using the link below to make an appointment.

Faculty and Staff

Contact Penn Travel Medicine for destination-specific medical consultation, including vaccinations, prescription recommendations, and the latest medical alerts and advisories.

Contact Us

Contact the Global Safety team with any questions about your Penn-affiliated travel and resources while abroad.