The Best Travel Insurance For Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering abroad can be an enriching experience, offering the chance to help others while experiencing new cultures.

However, the unpredictable nature of travelling—especially in less developed regions—can expose volunteers to various risks. Thus, securing volunteer work travel insurance is crucial to ensure both your safety and peace of mind. 

This guide will cover why such specialised insurance is necessary, what it covers, and how to compare and choose travel insurance that best suits your unique travel or lifestyle needs.

Why You Need A Specialised Volunteer Work Travel Insurance Plan

Volunteering abroad places you in unique situations that typical tourists rarely face, which may involve higher risks such as:

• Health Risks: Exposure to diseases or inadequate medical facilities in remote areas.
• Physical Risks: Performing strenuous acts of physical labour or interacting with wildlife can lead to injuries.
• Accident Risks: Accidents may be more common in less developed areas due to uneven terrain and poorly maintained infrastructure, such as the case of a social entrepreneur who sustained injuries after a motorcycle accident in Vietnam. 
• Legal and Political Risks: Common destinations for Singaporean volunteers include countries in Southeast Asia like Indonesia and Cambodia, and parts of Africa. Unfortunately, these regions can have higher rates of petty crimes and, in some cases, political instability.

So whether you're teaching in a remote village, working with wildlife, or providing disaster relief, the right travel insurance for volunteering abroad can safeguard against unexpected medical issues, trip cancellations, or accidents.

Read on for a review of the best volunteer work travel insurance plans available in Singapore and how to choose the right one for you.

How does Volunteer Work Travel Insurance Differ from Standard Travel Insurance?

Volunteer travel insurance includes all the coverages of standard travel insurance but is tailored to meet the specific needs of volunteers. Key differences tend to include:

• Extended Health Coverage: Considering the remote or high-risk areas where volunteering often occurs.
• Activity Coverage: Standard plans may not cover incidents during activities deemed hazardous, which can include certain types of volunteer work.
• Liability Coverage: Some volunteer plans offer personal liability that covers accidental harm to others or their property, which is crucial if the volunteer work involves construction or handling of equipment.

Eligibility for Volunteer Work Travel Insurance

As there are many types of overseas volunteer work available to choose from, you may have questions related to your specific area of volunteer work, such as: is volunteering with animals covered by travel insurance policies? Can you insure volunteer activities that require physical work?

Generally speaking, the most common types of volunteer work eligible for insurance coverage are:

• Teaching
• Wildlife conservation
• Healthcare provision
• Community development project

Additionally, activities that involve physical labour are typically covered, but it’s essential to confirm that your specific project is included under the policy's terms. If your project is too risky, you may need to opt for additional covers to ensure full financial protection.

Common Coverage Areas for Volunteer Work Travel Insurance

When selecting a travel insurance plan for volunteering abroad, consider these critical coverage areas:

• Medical and Emergency Evacuation: Given the remote or rural locations of many volunteer projects, comprehensive medical coverage including high coverage limits, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 assistance services (if possible/available) is crucial.
• Personal Liability: Should your volunteer work accidentally cause injury or property damage to others, personal liability will be invoked. Check for legal liability coverage for Bodily Injury or Property Damage, and that coverage amounts are adequate to cover potential lawsuits or damage claims.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Volunteering plans can change unexpectedly due to various reasons like political instability, natural disasters, or personal emergencies. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you can recover prepaid expenses or make necessary travel adjustments without significant financial loss. Check that cancellation policies extend across a wide range of reasons (e.g. illness, family emergency, significant travel delay) and include non-refundable expenses.
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Covers loss or damage, particularly important for volunteers carrying specialised supplies or expensive equipment for their projects. Ensure coverage for High-Value Items is included if relevant, with provisions for both Loss and Damage to cover all bases. Some policies may also include deductibles that must be paid out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in, so look for policies with low or no deductibles.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Volunteer Work Travel Insurance Plans?

Selecting the best travel insurance for volunteering abroad involves considering several factors:

Destination

Cities may offer better healthcare facilities but can be prone to theft, scams, or traffic accidents. Ensure your policy covers theft and provides support in legal matters or accidents.

If you’re volunteering in mountainous or high-altitude regions, these areas pose risks of altitude sickness, injuries from falls or the cold climate. Look for policies that cover air evacuation and accidents resulting from rugged terrain.

As for forested, remote, beach, or other undisturbed areas, you might face higher chances of insect-borne diseases, wildlife encounters, and limited access to immediate medical care. Opt for plans that include comprehensive medical treatment and emergency evacuation.

Trip duration

For trips lasting a few weeks, basic travel insurance might suffice. However, ensure it includes health coverage and emergency support. For long-term volunteering work, consider a plan that offers extensive health insurance, emergency evacuations, and possibly coverage for periodic visits home. Annual travel insurance may also be an option, depending on how frequently and extensively you expect to travel.

Unsure if single trip or annual trip insurance suits your upcoming volunteer work? Learn the difference between single trip, multi-trip and annual travel insurance.

Nature of volunteering work

Low-risk activities such as teaching or office work may only require basic coverage. Whereas high-risk activities like construction, wildlife conservation, or disaster relief might require additional coverage for accidents and injuries.

If the organisation you’re volunteering with has conducted such expeditions in the past, they should be able to provide you with specific details that will help you determine an appropriate coverage level.

Common Exclusions and Limitations for Volunteer Work Travel Insurance Plans

Typical exclusions in volunteer work travel insurance include:

• Pre-existing Conditions: Many policies do not cover health issues known prior to the coverage start date unless you buy premium travel insurance for pre-existing conditions that specifically includes such conditions.
• High-Risk Activities: Activities deemed dangerous (like rock climbing or scuba diving) often require additional or specialised insurance. Travelling to a destination that has been issued a travel warning by Singapore authorities can bear similar exclusion risks.
• Alcohol-Related Incidents: Incidents caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are usually excluded, emphasising the need for responsible behaviour.
• Criminal or Illegal Acts: Engaging in illegal activities will nullify your coverage, making adherence to local laws paramount.

Safety Tips for Volunteer Work Abroad

Effective preparation can significantly reduce risks, minimising the chance of you needing to use your volunteer work travel insurance. Here are just some of the steps to take before your trip:

• Local Healthcare: Prioritise understanding where the nearest healthcare facilities are located and how to get there.
• Legal Norms and Customs: Respecting local customs and understanding laws can prevent legal troubles and enhance your integration into the community.
• Group Dynamics: Staying with your group, especially in unfamiliar areas, can increase your safety.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy, local emergency services, and insurance provider.
• Project Safety Guidelines: Adhere strictly to any safety training and guidelines provided, especially for projects involving physical labour or wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteer Work Travel Insurance Plans

Will my volunteer work travel insurance cover me for COVID-19?

Yes, many volunteer work-eligible travel insurance plans have adapted to include coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses and trip interruptions, but always check the specifics as coverage may vary.

Is there an age limit for volunteer work travel insurance?

Yes, some volunteer work travel insurance policies set age limits, often around 65 to 70 years. Some policies may offer coverage for Adults above this age ceiling, but with lower coverage levels. However, some insurers also offer specialised travel insurance for seniors or senior-specific policies or extensions, so it's worth shopping around to find a suitable fit.

Will my volunteer organisation have employers’ liability cover?

Your volunteer work organisation may or may not have employers’ liability cover, and the onus is on you to follow up and confirm this detail with the organiser. Some organisations offer this, but don't assume it's included. Always verify what is covered and consider additional personal travel insurance policies for comprehensive protection

If I decide to do volunteer work for longer, can I extend my travel insurance?

Yes, most travel insurance policies allow you to extend coverage if you decide to extend your volunteer work trip, though you should notify your insurer before the original policy expires.