Liability & Insurance

critical information on stm liability issues:

In the past few years, the popularity of short-term missions trips has increased tremendously. With the number of churches and individuals travelling around the world on the rise, the risks of accidents, injury, and even death while on STM are becoming more commonplace.

The reality is that when a church takes a group of people on a trip anywhere, they set themselves up as the experts. Because of this, a church and it’s leadership may never be fully released from liability. Still, there are crucial elements in doing due diligence and informing participants of the inherent risks. At the very least, covering these bases will discourage frivolous claims.

There are 4 items a team leader should always be covering with each team member:

Signed waivers of liability
Signed papers of informed consent
Optional permission of parent or guardian
Proof of first party out of country medical insurance

Below are some recent articles and a sample waiver form that will help mission committes formulate their own waivers and required paperwork. The STMnetwork recommends that church leadership consult their Insurance Carrier and a have a lawyer approve their waivers*.

Facing The Risk – Liability Insurance Checklist (Ken Hall)

Facing The Risk – Liability Shields (Ken Hall)

STM Trips & the Local Church – Part 1 (CCCC August 2007, pages 4-6)

Sample STM Team Application & Waiver Form*