⚠️ ENROLLMENT NOTICE TO TRAVELERS
The annual renewal of UW’s CISI International Medical, Travel and Security Assistance Insurance Program is underway and will become effective on October 15, 2026. Because of this, travelers are currently not able to enroll in CISI coverage for trips departing on or after October 15, 2026 until the renewal process has been completed. Completion is expected in early October 2026.
If you attempt to enroll a trip departing on or after October 15, 2026 before the CISI renewal is completed, you will receive the following error message:
“Matching Policy Not Found”
Once the renewal of UW’s CISI insurance program is complete, enrollments for trips departing on or after October 15, 2026 may proceed using the enrollment options provided below on this page.
If you require documentation of international medical insurance for purposes of obtaining a travel visa before CISI enrollment becomes available, please contact CISI Client Services directly at
enrollments@culturalinsurance.com.
CISI may provide a temporary Consulate Letter documenting future medical insurance coverage for visa application purposes prior to enrollment in UW’s CISI International Medical, Travel and Security Assistance Insurance Program.
Your patience with this administrative inconvenience is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
UW International Resources
Special Topics
CISI Insurance
- All students travelling in association with a University of Wisconsin campus must register for CISI Insurance prior to any university-sponsored international travel.
- UW Madison and UW Stout students and employees must register for CISI insurance prior to beginning an international trip.
- It is recommended to contact your campus International Education Office or Risk Management Office to enroll in CISI insurance.
Visa/Passport Services
For expedited processing, we have partnered with CIBT Visas, the largest travel visa and passport company in the world. University of Wisconsin students, faculty and administrators are entitled to significantly reduced CIBT processing fees. CIBT’s Customer Care Center is available toll free at 800-577-2428 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The CIBT dedicated portal for the University of Wisconsin can be found at: cibtvisas.com/wisconsin
The account code is 29249, please reference this number if contacting CIBT via phone.
International Travel FAQ
Travelers should first check Concur for lodging arrangements. If no suitable options are available, travelers may book with a lodging establishment of their choosing so long as the rate is below the rate maximum for the location. Acceptable lodging includes: hotels, hostels and Airbnb. In-kind lodging is allowable, but no expenses may be submitted for reimbursement if this lodging method is chosen.
Air travel must be booked with the designated agency. International flights in excess of 8 hours may book Premium Economy seats.
Exception: If the traveler is purchasing the airfare while in travel status, outside of the United States, to a destination other than the United States, the airfare may be purchased directly with the air carrier. Third party sites (such as Expedia) are still non-reimbursable.
All international faculty/staff travelers are strongly encouraged to register for CISI insurance. Students are required to register for this insurance. Contact your risk management or international education office for registration instructions.
Other travel insurances are not required, recommended or reimbursable.
Car Rental Insurance:
- UW Risk Management recommends purchasing insurance with all international rentals.
Special Considerations for International Travel can be found in the Miscellaneous Travel Expenses Policy. Receipts are required regardless of cost for the below items.
Reimbursable costs associated with Foreign/International travel:
- Cost of testing required for travel (i.e. COVID testing)
- Travel visas
- required inoculations/vaccinations
- foreign transaction fees incurred on corporate cards
- business communications, including international calling plans when accompanied by business justification (individual phone calls are part of the M&IE per diem allowance)
U.S. Department of State RSS Feed
As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination.
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Italy - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
9 September 2026 | 7:00 pm
Exercise increased caution
in Italy due to terrorism.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins.
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Curaçao - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
8 September 2026 | 7:00 pm
Exercise normal precaution
in Curaçao.
Curaçao is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Petty crime is most likely to occur in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as theft of unsecured property or vehicle break-ins.
- Beware of overcharges and scams in tourist areas. Some sellers may be aggressive. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.
- Crime rates are low. However, armed robberies occur at businesses storing large amounts of cash or involved in drug or gang activity.
- It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Curaçao. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Curaçao to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
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United Kingdom - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
8 September 2026 | 7:00 pm
Exercise increased caution
in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
There is also risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland. These groups mainly target police and military.
Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse or cellphone snatching and pickpocketing.