Travel Insurance for volunteering
Get coverage for your good deeds.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- Should I consider insurance when volunteering overseas?
- What's covered for volunteers?
- What volunteer activites may I participate in?
- What's not covered?
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 travelling, World Nomads Travel Insurance may cover you for issues you encounter while on the road, such as an emergency medical condition, baggage theft, and trip interruption due to a travel advisory.
World Nomads has two levels of coverage - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage. It’s 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 travelling.
What’s covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? World Nomads plans can provide coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Emergency medical care
- Emergency evacuation
- Baggage delay
- Theft of baggage and personal belongings
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
At World Nomads, we do our best to support volunteers, whether it's protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching school children in a faraway village.
Volunteer activities our plans may cover include:
- WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, manual work)
- Au pair, nanny or other volunteer childcare
- Teaching (volunteer teaching, non-manual work)
- Hospitality (bar work)
- Scuba, ski or snowboard instructor or guiding
- Manual Work with power tools or working at heights under five metres
What’s not covered?
We do not cover volunteering in dangerous conditions including:
- Mountaineering, rock climbing or mountain guiding where ropes or specialist equipment is used
- Work at a height of over five metres or on offshore rigs, underground or caves
- Operating heavy machinery
- Working with dangerous animals or big game
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we can only assume 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
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
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)
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
Once you’ve already purchased a plan, you’ll need to make a request for any additional countries you want to include in your coverage. (You can do this through your membership account online.) Our team should get back to you about a decision on your request.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed to provide coverage for emergencies due to unexpected illness or accidents outside of your home province. As Canadians, while travelling in Canada or in your home province, Government Health Insurance Plans (GHIP) provides coverage for most medical bills.
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Does my insurance cover emergency medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
It will depend on the situation at the time of the medical emergency. Should you require hospitalization and/or medical evacuation the emergency medical team will work directly with the hospital and evacuation services on your behalf. The team works very hard to ensure you do not have to pay out of pocket. However, many urgent care facilities, pharmacies and walk-in clinics may do not accept travel insurance. Be prepared to pay out of pocket and, upon your claim being approved, you will be reimbursed for your expenses.
Travel Insurance for Volunteering
Protect your volunteer trip with coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and more.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Should I consider insurance when volunteering overseas?
- What's covered for volunteers?
- What volunteer activities may I participate in?
- What's not covered while volunteering?
At World Nomads, our travel insurance* plans allow 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?
Whether you are planning to volunteer for a week or for several months, our travel insurance plans can protect you while you are doing good in the world.
Should I consider insurance when volunteering overseas?
If you’re planning to volunteer your time while traveling, a World Nomads travel insurance plan may cover you for many issues you may encounter, such as medical emergencies, baggage theft or delay, and trip interruption.
Our single trip plans (Standard, Explorer or Epic) cover trips up to 180 days in length. Our Annual Plan covers you for 12 months, but with a maximum individual trip length of 45 days.
What's covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? World Nomads plans can provide cover for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Trip delay
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Baggage delay
- Theft of baggage and personal belongings.
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
At World Nomads, we do our best to support volunteers, whether it's protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching school children in a faraway village. If haven't yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
We offer four plans Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual each with different levels of coverage for various volunteer activities.
All our plans cover these volunteer activities:
- Farming such as fruit picking or other manual labor.
- Wildlife or animal care.
- Environmental or conservation work.
- Au pair, nanny or other volunteer childcare.
- Teaching.
Our higher tier plans (Explorer or Epic) cover these additional volunteer activities:
- Construction or renovation projects, including painting, using power tools, operating machinery or roadwork.
- NGO support and disaster relief.
- Medical and health care work (health education, medical services, medical practitioner).
Be sure to check out the activities list to make sure your specific volunteer task will be covered. If you don't see it listed or have questions, give us a call.
What’s not covered while volunteering?
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we can only assume 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.
- Pre-existing medical conditions unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period were medically able to travel at the time of purchase.
- Exposure to hazardous biological, chemical and nuclear radioactive material, gas or contamination.
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)
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about volunteering and travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Centre or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
As long as you are traveling at least 100 miles from your home in the US, your policy will cover you according to the policy terms and conditions.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses abroad. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance.
-
Does my insurance cover emergency medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened. If it’s an emergency situation where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
Travel Insurance for volunteering
Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
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?
- What's covered for volunteers?
- A choice of policy and extras for your next holiday
- What volunteer activities may I participate in?
- What’s not covered?
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.
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.
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)
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 teamFAQ
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.
-
Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
-
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, we can coordinate payments directly with the hospital wherever possible, provided cover under the policy has been confirmed by us and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Assistance team. You must contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
