The role of an international development worker varies in risk depending on the project and country. From post-disaster zones to remote healthcare programmes, these roles carry hazards beyond those faced by the average traveller.

If you’re working with an international development agency, you should expect insurance cover to be included. But what does that cover look like, and what else might you need to consider?

Standard travel insurance usually isn’t enough

Whether you’re responding to a natural disaster or working on a long-term rural development project, typical holiday insurance will likely fall short. These policies often exclude high-risk areas, emergency evacuations, or prolonged deployments. Aid workers need specialist travel insurance that includes:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Medically supervised repatriation
• Evacuation due to natural disaster or civil unrest
• Personal accident and disability cover
• Death in service

Always check if the destination is listed as a restricted or high-risk area by your insurer or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This will influence both your policy terms and your agency’s duty of care.

In many cases, development agencies use specialist providers that understand the complexities of fieldwork. These providers can tailor policies to meet the unique demands of humanitarian and development operations.

Medical services and evacuation

Access to healthcare in developing countries can be limited or non-existent. In some cases, development workers are helping to establish those very services. If you’re injured or fall ill, you may not have access to proper care nearby. Air ambulances or medically escorted flights back to the UK can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

A robust insurance policy can mean the difference between urgent help and being stranded. It’s not just about coverage — it’s about fast, effective support when things go wrong. Some insurers offer 24/7 helplines, in-country agents, or digital apps that can help you locate the nearest medical provider.

Contagious diseases and outbreaks

Depending on your destination, you may be exposed to dangerous diseases like cholera, dengue fever, or even Ebola. In disaster areas or conflict zones, the breakdown of sanitation can lead to a rise in both well-known and rare infectious diseases. A comprehensive policy should include cover for:

• Treatment of infectious disease
• Quarantine costs if required
• Evacuation to a specialist facility

Some employers will also provide additional medical screening before and after deployment to monitor health risks. For example, tuberculosis screening or COVID-19 testing may be required as a precaution.

Emergency evacuation and security threats

If you’re working in an unstable area, there’s always the possibility of needing to evacuate — quickly. This may be due to political unrest, a natural disaster, or an escalation in local violence. In such cases, your employer should provide:

• Rapid evacuation assistance
• Access to secure transport and accommodation
• Crisis response and communications support

Some development agencies contract third-party security firms to manage evacuation logistics. These services may also include travel tracking, geo-fencing, and risk alerts tailored to your location.

Pre-travel health and preparation

Even with comprehensive insurance, preparation is essential. Before travelling, ensure you:

• Receive the necessary vaccinations
• Complete a physical and dental check-up
• Review mental health readiness (especially for remote or high-stress deployments)
• Pack prescription medication and a basic medical kit

Many aid workers experience emotional strain and report symptoms of depression or anxiety following challenging assignments. Preparing mentally is just as important as preparing physically. Mental health support services should be available before, during, and after deployment.

Hygiene and preventive health

Aid workers often face harsh environmental conditions. Poor sanitation, dirty water, and unfamiliar food hygiene can all pose serious risks. Be prepared for:

• Unsafe drinking water or limited access to clean water
• Basic or absent toilet facilities
• Risk of foodborne illness or diarrhoea

Travel insurance should cover outpatient treatment, basic medication, and extended hospital stays. Employers should also provide guidance on food safety, hygiene, and disease prevention. Water purification tablets, hand sanitiser, and vaccinations like typhoid or hepatitis A may be required.

Vector-borne diseases

Diseases spread by insects — like malaria or dengue — are common in many of the regions where aid is most needed. Preventive measures like mosquito nets, repellents, and appropriate clothing should be standard. Insurance should also cover:

• Malaria treatment
• Preventive medication (some plans may reimburse this)
• Snake or insect bites requiring urgent care

Environmental threats may include:

• Unstable buildings
• Debris and pollution
• Poor infrastructure or transport
• Exposure to wild animals in displaced areas

These risks highlight the need for both insurance and proper training before deployment. Some organisations include risk briefings, scenario training, and first aid workshops as part of their preparation process.

Supplementing your cover

While most development agencies offer insurance, some workers choose to take out additional private cover for extra peace of mind — especially if they have pre-existing conditions or dependants.

You might also want to consider:

• Cover for lost or damaged belongings
• Income protection if you’re injured and can’t work
• Legal expenses cover (if you’re involved in a dispute or accident)
• Life insurance for family security

Private cover can be especially important for freelancers or those on short-term consultancy contracts, where benefits may be more limited.

What to ask your employer or insurer

Before departure, confirm the following:

• What exactly is covered by your employer’s insurance?
• Is your specific destination or region included?
• Are high-risk activities (e.g. motorbike travel, water rescue, or building work) covered?
• Will mental health services be available during or after deployment?
• Who should you contact in case of emergency, and how?

Request a copy of the insurance policy and read the small print. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.

To conclude –

Working in international development is fulfilling but comes with unique health and safety risks. Don’t rely on standard travel insurance — ensure you have a comprehensive policy tailored to your destination and role. Whether it’s emergency evacuation, disease exposure, or an unexpected medical crisis, the right insurance could be life-saving.

Plan early, ask the right questions, and don’t assume you’re automatically covered. When the unexpected happens, it pays to be prepared. A little preparation and the right cover can make all the difference — not just to your wellbeing, but to your ability to do your job effectively in the field.