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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?

Should I consider insurance when volunteering overseas?

If you’re planning to volunteer your time while traveling, World Nomads Travel Insurance may help when stepping on the plane to start your adventure. Travel insurance can cover you for issues you may encounter while on the road, such as medical issues, baggage theft or delay, and travel interruption.

friends working at table in non-profit organization
Friends volunteering. Photo: Getty images / Maskot

What's covered for volunteers?

Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time?

World Nomads plans may cover:

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

A choice of policy and extras for your next holiday

Always make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. World Nomads has two levels of cover - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage. It’s always good to spend time comparing the plans to see which one suits your travel needs.

You can get a quote, make a claim, or buy a policy instantly online, even while traveling.

What volunteer activities may I participate in?

The types of activities that are covered depend on your Country of Residence. Check your plan and policy wording to get more details. Examples of volunteering that could be covered include environmental and conservation work or teaching in literacy programs.

Sorting clothes at community service center
Sorting clothes at community service center. Photo: Getty images / Maskot

What’s not covered?

As a traveler who wants to do good while overseas, we can only assume doing good things is in your nature. But momentary lapses in judgement do happen so 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 conditions unless specified by your policy

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions 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.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

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. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team