Why Do Volunteers Need Insurance?

When you are planning a Volunteer trip that takes you across the world it is very easy to get excited about all of the fun and exciting things that will happen while you are away. And for good reason: you are seeing different parts of the world, experiencing different cultures, making friends and contributing good works to society. It is not nearly as much fun to think about how luggage can be delayed, lost or even stolen or that something you eat may make you sick and need to visit a doctor.

In the times of old, people thought of travel insurance as a luxury add-on that is only needed to protect your flight in case it gets canceled. This could not be farther from the truth. Of course it is our hope that you never have to experience an accident or sickness while traveling abroad but when you are volunteering it is likely that you are putting yourself at a higher risk for mishap – lodging arrangements are typically more humble, as is the food you eat, and the work you are doing may be physically strenuous or even dangerous. It’s incredibly important to protect yourself and your family.

It is important to know that, should you need it, you are covered for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains and person effects loss. This puts you in a safe place to afford and receive care while you are traveling as well as any follow up care that you may need once you get home.

That is why IVC has worked hard to create individual and family travel insurance plans exclusively for volunteers. The work that you are doing overseas is meaningful and we have taken it upon ourselves to make sure that you all can travel in confidence and know that you are well taken care of.

Tell us about a time that you had to take advantage of your medical insurance.