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*
looking for insurance for your STM trip?
WORLDWIDE RISK, A LEADER IN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE NEEDS
Worldwide Risk specializes in providing health insurance to mission groups, volunteer organizations, and individuals traveling overseas for missions and humanitarian relief. Over the years we have come to understand the unique risks facing travelers headed overseas whether it is for short-term or long-term work. In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti and tsunami in Phuket, it is more important than ever to protect ourselves when we travel. The unexpected can happen as we have recently witnessed.
We understand that your work overseas may require you to depart immediately. We want you to know we are able to provide you with coverage instantaneously as well as provide group discounts. We work closely with our clients to find them the right solution for their comprehensive insurance and risk management programs.
OUR COVERAGE OFFERINGS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT
LIMITED TO:
International Medical Insurance
Business Travel Accident Coverage
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Kidnap and Ransom Insurance
Foreign General Liability
Foreign Voluntary Workers Compensation
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
Travel Delay
Baggage and Personal Possessions
Baggage Delay
Emergency Medical/Dental
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
Emergency Reunion or Return of Mortal Remains
Common Carrier AD&D
International travel can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring many unpredictable situations if you should need medical care while you’re abroad. Worldwide Risk Management (through IMG) provides U.S. and Canadian citizens with international insurance resources to ease the stress of an unfamiliar culture or medical system. Whether you need individual coverage for a vacation, or group coverage for employees in locations around the world, our site has a product to meet your needs. By utilizing our SelectaPlan®, we can quickly direct you to the plan(s) that will best meet your needs, those of your family, or organization. Below are product descriptions of the international plans we offer. You have the option of purchasing online or downloading an application and submitting the completed application via fax or mail.
