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Travel Insurance for volunteering

Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.

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At World Nomads, our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. We’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back — and what better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open your eyes (and arms and hearts) than contributing to a worthy purpose?

What’s covered for volunteers?

Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need volunteer travel insurance because you want to volunteer overseas, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads plans may cover:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Medical emergency expenses
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Baggage delay
  • Theft of baggage and personal belongings

What volunteer activities may I participate in?

We provide travel insurance cover for a range of non-manual volunteer activities involving light duties only which may include:

  • Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop.
  • Teaching.
  • Clerical work.
  • Child care.
  • Some volunteering in communities on projects.

For all volunteering work you must wear the right gear, have the right training or be supervised appropriately, and add the activity when you purchase the travel insurance so it’s included in your policy. Some kinds of volunteering require an optional upgrade to your travel insurance cover. If you pay the optional upgrade, travel insurance coverage under your policy may also include volunteer work for manual and non-manual work such as:

  • World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) .
  • Environmental and conservation work that involved farm hand style activities.
  • Manual work or work with power tools under 2 meters in height not involving the use of mechanical or industrial machinery.

Which volunteer activities are excluded

Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover, for example volunteer fire-fighting, panther minding or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that includes:

  • Work performed over 2 meters in height.
  • Work performed offshore, underground or in caves.
  • Operating machinery.
  • Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.

If you’re not sure, contact us and we’ll tell you if you’re covered.

What’s not covered?

As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope that you’ll act responsibly and within your limits! But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:

  • Alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Reckless behavior.
  • Criminal or illegal acts.
  • Changing your mind.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Any volunteer work over 2 meters in height.
  • Personal liability – this means for example, if you hurt or injure someone intentionally in the course of volunteering you will need to pay for it.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.

If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.




Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about volunteering insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
    Who pays depends on what happened. If it’s an emergency situation, where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads can cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Assistance team). You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.