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Travel Assistance and Insurance

Vanderbilt University will have new Travel Assistance and International Insurance Providers, effective July 1, 2026.

Coverage is automatic for everyone (students, faculty, staff) traveling more than 100 miles away from the Nashville campus on university business. No additional enrollment or payment is required.

Healix Travel Assistance

As Vanderbilt’s travel, medical, and security assistance partner, Healix provides 24/7 worldwide support. They can support you before your trip, coordinate expert assistance if something happens while you’re away, and if necessary, arrange evacuation to bring you home.

What support is provided?

  • Pre-travel vaccinations (up to $300)
  • Support with lost passports, visas, documents, or credit cards
  • Emergency travel advice
  • Access to a nurse or doctor about a medical concern
  • Help to find a suitable medical facility in your location
  • Hospitalization, including inpatient and outpatient referrals, along with transportation and bedside visitation, both if required
  • Assistance with prescription and medication pre-travel availability guidance and replacement during travel
  • Mental health support (including PTSD)
  • Medical evacuation and medical repatriation
  • Assistance with medical benefits

Everest Travel Insurance

Provides medical, mental health, and trip inconvenience insurance for all students, faculty, and staff traveling more than 100 miles away from the Vanderbilt University Nashville campus on university business. Medical coverage within the U.S. is limited to excess/secondary coverage.

Pre-Travel Toolkit

Download: Healix Travel Oracle App

Download the Healix Travel Oracle App to receive travel advice, information, and real-time alerts. Create an account with your VU email. Sign in instructions.

Apple Store Download

Google Play Download

Travel Oracle App Guide

Healix Contact Information

Contact Healix in advance for location-specific security and/or medical guidance.

Email: vanderbilt@healix.com

Phone: +1 615.562.8509

Healix Traveler ID Card

Download the Healix ID Card for easy access to information and enter your name and travel dates. 

An ID card is not a requirement for insurance coverage.

Pre-travel safety, with expert advice from Senior Medical Officer Dr. Luke Kane

Staying safe while abroad, with expert advice from Senior Medical Officer Dr. Luke Kane

Returning from travel, with expert advice from Senior Medical Officer Dr. Luke Kane

Watch More

FAQs

  • Which types of travel are considered university business?
    • All study abroad experiences approved by Vanderbilt Study Abroad
    • Faculty-led programs (Maymester programs; Travel-Embedded Courses)
    • Faculty-led, non-credit-bearing cohorts 
    • Student-led trips approved by a campus office or department
    • Immersion Vanderbilt sponsored projects
    • Internships or capstones for academic credit
    • Fellowship or other university-funded projects
    • Conference participation
    • Academic research
    • Development and Alumni Relations events
    • Admissions/recruiting trips

    NOTE: Coverage Exclusions

    • Travel that is 100% personal – such as a return home or a vacation – is not covered.
    • Travel through entities outside of Vanderbilt University (e.g., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Hillel, Chabad of Vanderbilt) is not included in the coverage. 
    • Students who reside outside of Nashville and are enrolled in a remote or low-residency program at Vanderbilt University do not have this coverage while living at home. 
  • I am in need of assistance while traveling. Who should I contact?
    The Vanderbilt Incident Response Team (VIRT) remains available 2/7/365 to support all university travelers with health or safety concerns. Call +1 615-322-2745 anytime, day or night, for expert assistance. When prompted, tell the VU Public Safety dispatcher that you would like to report an issue to VIRT, and you will be connected directly to a VIRT team member from Global Safety and Health.
     
    For non-emergency situations, or when email is more accessible, you can also reach the VIRT team at VIRT@vanderbilt.edu.
     
    When appropriate, VIRT will work directly with Healix. Travelers are also welcome to contact Healix directly for any needs that arise while traveling. 
  • I am in need of medical care while traveling. Who should I contact?

    If you – or another university traveler – need to utilize the insurance coverage while abroad, contact Healix first to be referred for treatment and to have the payment set up in advance. You also may contact VIRT (+1 615-322-2745) to facilitate this process. In the event of an emergency, seek care immediately even if you do not contact Healix in advance. 

  • I require verification of insurance coverage as part of my visa application. How do I demonstrate this proof of coverage?

    Download a copy of the Everest template letter and be sure to enter your information at the top. Most travelers, with the exception of travelers to Spain, can utilize the Standard Template.

    Standard Template

    Spain Template (English)

    Spain Template (Spanish)

  • Prior to July 1, 2026, I would contact GeoBlue directly for medical insurance coverage needs. Why do I contact Healix instead of Everest now?

    Healix and Everest work closely together to provide comprehensive support for travelers. Healix is able to assist travelers with their health needs, such as finding the nearest medical facility and setting up a guarantee of payment, and works directly with Everest on your behalf. 

  • I paid a medical bill out of pocket. How do I submit this cost for reimbursement?

    Download the Everest Travel Medical & Incident Claim Form, enter your details, and send it to globalsafety@vanderbilt.edu for certification. Once completed, Global Safety and Health will email the form to you and Everest together. 

  • I will be traveling abroad for one semester or longer. Can I waive my U.S.-based health insurance during that time?

    For students with Vanderbilt SHIP coverage, more information about SHIP, and the process to waive SHIP if eligible, can be found here. All other travelers are encouraged to contact their primary health insurance carrier directly.

  • I booked my flights outside of VU's travel booking tools. How do I register my flights with Healix?

    Use Healix's email parsing tool to register your flights. Simply forward your original flight itinerary to vanderbiltuni.trips@healix.com.

    Having trouble registering your flights using Healix's email parsing system? Check out their Email Parsing Guide for helpful tips, or request a manual upload by emailing globalsafety@vanderbilt.edu.

  • I need vaccinations prior to travel. How do I utilize Vanderbilt's pre-travel vaccination coverage?
    Travelers receiving pre-travel vaccinations in the U.S. should pay out-of-pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement with Vanderbilt's travel insurance provider, Everest. Download the Everest Travel Medical & Incident Claim Form, enter your details, and send it to globalsafety@vanderbilt.edu for certification. Once completed, Global Safety and Health will email the form to you and Everest together. 
     
    Travelers receiving pre-travel vaccinations outside of the U.S. should contact Vanderbilt's travel assistance provider, Healix, for assistance locating a provider and setting up a guarantee of payment with Everest to avoid out-of-pocket costs. 

Questions?

Contact globalsafety@vanderbilt.edu.

  1. Updated July 16, 2026