Travel Safe with MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE > Service Learning Trips > Travel Safe with MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE’s core values prioritize public health and community impact, so you can be sure that we are taking all of the necessary precautions to keep our volunteers and community members safe while traveling. Here is how.

New Service Learning, Same Impact

The world around us has changed, but MEDLIFE remains committed to both our partner communities and our student communities around the world. As we continue with our response to COVID-19, we have established new and innovative ways to offer service-learning experiences to volunteers.

We are thrilled to introduce our new measures and opportunities that prioritize public health and safety during a once-in-a-lifetime MEDLIFE trip.

The ABC’s of Safe Travel With MEDLIFE

Above and Beyond Precautions

Travel with confidence and know that MEDLIFE takes safety seriously. We encourage you to read this page in conjunction with our FAQs and booking conditions.

Our organization is implementing the safety and security protocols recommended by the World Travel and Tourism Council which can be found here. In addition to meeting local requirements in all destinations where we operate, we will ensure the following as measures of extra precaution:

Vaccination Requirements

All volunteers must present proof of full vaccination as per latest government recommendations during the trip booking process. Unvaccinated volunteers will not be permitted to participate.

Pre-Trip Safety Review & Revamped Safety Briefing

All participants must attend a mandatory Pre-Trip Safety Review aimed to ensure that all participants are aware of MEDLIFE procedures, precautions, and protocols. Upon arrival, volunteers will attend an extensive safety briefing that includes new protective equipment along with N95 masks. We will fit our masks during the safety briefing and review safety protocols once again.

Daily Vehicle Sanitization

Our vehicles will be sanitized and disinfected daily. While our vehicles have always been cleaned at the end of each tour, we are implementing additional precautions in response to the pandemic. This helps ensure that our guides, drivers, and volunteers stay safe.

Driver and Trip Leader Protection and Testing

We require drivers and trip leaders to receive frequent testing and will install barriers in vehicles. Staff will receive frequent health screenings and hand sanitizer will be available.

Social Distancing & Masks

Social distancing of 6+ feet apart will be required throughout the trip. Masks are compulsory and will be provided by MEDLIFE. Our trip leader will be responsible for the daily health check-ins of individual participants. If a participant is demonstrating symptoms, they will be separated from the group and we will coordinate a medical visit. A doctor will have to clear you before rejoining the trip.

COVID-19 Insurance Coverage Options

As with any SLT, MEDLIFE includes medical emergency insurance, which will cover medical emergencies related to COVID-19. In addition, we will provide more extensive COVID-19 insurance coverage options for participants at an additional cost. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance for all travelers.

Booking Flexibility

We understand that we are in a time of constant change, so our booking flexibility reflects that. Check out our booking conditions and frequently asked questions to learn more about our cancellation policies.

Community Safety

As travel returns, we will continue to be in constant communication with our partner communities in Peru, Ecuador, Tanzania, and new communities to understand their needs and concerns regarding COVID-19. We will only be taking student volunteers to communities that have explicitly expressed their comfort and enthusiasm. When visiting our partner communities along with requiring strict social distancing and use of masks, our focus will be on projects that allow our students to support communities while maintaining a safe distance. This ensures a positive impact to the community while maintaining the safety of vulnerable populations.

Safety During Mobile Clinics

We are implementing new protocols to help volunteers and community members stay safe during Mobile Clinics. Clinics will be located at sites in areas with open airflow and we will have an enhanced sanitation process for clinic materials, including tables, chairs, and other equipment. Any patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be screened by a medical professional and separated to avoid contact with trip participants. At the end of the day, we will host educational Post-Clinic Activities outdoors (PCAs) outdoors, rather than in hotel conference rooms.

Direct Impact

With 15+ years in operation, MEDLIFE is ready to create an impact even if volunteers are unable to do the physical work. Every single trip with MEDLIFE will still be supporting our medical, educational, and community development work. During your travels, we will have guest speakers such as staff, local professionals, or community members, to tell you about the impact your trip is making in partner communities. Whether it be a new staircase or home, a Mobile Clinic, a series of educational workshops, or a myriad of other things, your trip will have a direct impact in the same way any classic MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip does.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Due to COVID-19 safety requirements, our trips have special booking conditions and waivers in place in order to protect travelers and communities. Click below to view the required documents or visit our Booking Conditions page to learn more.

Release of Liability
COVID-19 Waiver (addendum to the Release of Liability)
Booking Conditions
Volunteer Agreement

Additional RESOURCES

Do you have questions about our safety protocols? Are you a parent or professor looking for more information? Contact [email protected] to arrange a call with a representative from MEDLIFE HQ.