Travel Safe with MEDLIFE
Service Learning Trips Safety. At MEDLIFE we take safety seriously.
We encourage you to read this page in conjunction with our FAQs and booking conditions.
Travel safety tips With MEDLIFE
Your safety—and the safety of the communities we work alongside—is a priority. In addition to following local requirements in each destination, MEDLIFE provides pre-trip preparation, on-arrival safety briefings, and health protocols throughout your Service Learning Trip.
Vaccinations & Travel Health Requirements
Before traveling, review the CDC Travelers’ Health website for recommendations specific to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to take effect.
Discuss your itinerary, medical history, routine vaccinations, and any recommended travel vaccines or medications with your provider. Check entry requirements for your destination and any countries where you will transit.
MEDLIFE does not require COVID-19 vaccination or testing to participate in an SLT. However, we encourage participants to discuss current COVID-19 vaccination recommendations with their healthcare provider. Destination entry requirements may differ and can change before departure.
Pre-Trip Safety Review & Arrival Briefing
All participants must attend a mandatory Pre-Trip Safety Review to learn about MEDLIFE’s procedures, precautions, and protocols.
Upon arrival, your trip leader will provide a detailed safety briefing and explain the health precautions and protective equipment required for your activities. Masks are mandatory during Mobile Clinics and are provided by MEDLIFE.
If You Become Ill During Your Trip
Notify your trip leader promptly if you feel unwell so the team can help coordinate appropriate care and explain next steps.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, MEDLIFE will assist with arranging a test. If you test positive, the team will help arrange a private room and meal delivery.
Participants are responsible for costs associated with testing, isolation or quarantine, travel delays, and other disruptions. MEDLIFE cannot cover these expenses. Any insurance reimbursement depends on the insurance’s policy’s terms.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Your SLT includes emergency medical insurance for eligible, unforeseen medical emergencies during your trip. The policy has a $250 USD deductible and provides coverage up to $250,000 USD, subject to its terms and exclusions.
Medical expenses must be paid upfront by the participant. You can then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Keep all receipts, medical reports, and supporting documentation.
Additional Travel Protection
The emergency medical insurance included with your SLT does not cover trip cancellation, missed flights, or lost baggage.
We highly recommend purchasing additional travel insurance during your SLT booking process to help protect against these situations. Plans can change, and MEDLIFE’s refund options become more limited as your departure date approaches.
For greater flexibility, consider a plan with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. This may reimburse a portion of your trip costs when you cancel for reasons outside standard cancellation coverage. Purchase deadlines, eligibility requirements, and reimbursement limits apply.
Review MEDLIFE’s cancellation policy and the insurance plan’s terms before purchasing. Contact [email protected] for more information about available options.
If you choose not to purchase additional insurance, the emergency medical coverage included with your SLT will still apply.
Safety During Mobile Clinics
We coordinate with partner communities to understand their needs and health concerns before each clinic. Volunteer participation is arranged with the community’s agreement.
Where possible, clinics take place in well-ventilated spaces. Patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 are screened by a medical professional and directed to a separate area to reduce contact with volunteers.
Follow the medical team’s instructions and all required protective measures throughout your clinic activities.