The Sichuan earthquake in May 2008 resulted in an enormous number of casualties, with rescue teams working day and night saving lives and providing support to survivors. People from Hong Kong not only raised more than HK$1 billion in under 10 days – many of them also joined NGOs and headed for the disaster area to help directly. Even after the worst of the earthquake was over, volunteers in the devastated area were still at great risk from aftershocks, flooding and infectious diseases. Under these circumstances, if a volunteer is injured or even killed while working in the affected areas, are they covered by their personal accident insurance?

Usually, NGOs will take out group personal accident insurance on behalf of their volunteers. Most plans do not specifically exclude bodily injury or death caused by natural disaster and the insurer will therefore assess the risk, specifying insurance coverage and arriving at a premium based on information provided by the applicant. In the case of an NGO, information such as number of volunteers, their ages, the destination, the duration of their trip and the nature of their activity is necessary. Volunteers should consult with their NGO for details of insurance coverage. Volunteers need to pay special attention to the limitations of their own personal accident insurance plan. It will be made clear if there is any change which may increase the possibility of a claim, i.e. increase the possibility of a claim, and policyholders must notify and get clearance from their insurer prior to the trip. It is generally considered dangerous going into a disaster area because of aftershocks which may trigger landslides, floods or cause buildings to collapse. If the insured does want to enter the earthquake area, we suggest that they should notify their insurer immediately and check the limitations of their coverage. The insurer will consider the conditions and variables of the situation and determine whether an additional premium is necessary or not.

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Personal Protector 3.0