To volunteer in Ukraine you need a health policy that covers Ukrainian territory and war risk, valid for the whole mission: that is what both the border guard and almost every NGO ask for before departure. The Complete package covers up to €30,000 for a maximum of 180 days and costs €156.08 for three months.
Why do NGOs require a specific policy?
Because the standard travel policy, or the one bundled with a credit card, excludes countries in armed conflict. If a volunteer is injured while delivering aid near the front, the Italian insurer can refuse to pay under the war exclusion clause. Organisations know this and, before accrediting a volunteer, ask for a policy that explicitly states coverage for Ukraine and for injuries from acts of war. The EUROINS Complete policy contains both items in its English document, readable by coordinators on the ground.
Which package to choose for volunteering?
| Basic | Complete | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical limit | €2,300 | €30,000 |
| War risk | no | yes |
| Medical evacuation | yes | yes |
| Repatriation to Italy | no | yes |
| 30 days, fees included | €32.72 | €52.40 |
| 90 days | €97.52 | €156.08 |
| 180 days | €194.72 | €311.60 |
For humanitarian missions the answer is Complete. Basic only makes sense for short visits to cities far from the front, for example a weekend in Lviv to bring supplies to a reception centre.
How long does the policy last and can it be extended?
From 3 to 180 days in a single policy. If the mission runs longer, you buy a new policy starting the day after the previous one expires, even from Ukraine: the PDF arrives by email in 15 minutes. Remember that Italian citizens may stay in Ukraine visa-free for 90 days in any 180: for longer missions the organisation must start a temporary residence permit procedure.
What to do in case of injury or illness?
- Call the assistance centre number printed on the policy (open 24 hours a day, English spoken) or 103 for an ambulance.
- Give the policy number: the centre directs you to the nearest partner hospital and pays it directly within the limit.
- Keep reports and receipts for any expenses paid upfront: reimbursement is requested from the insurer with the original documents.
- Inform the NGO coordinator and, in serious cases, the Farnesina Crisis Unit (+39 06 36225).
What does the policy not cover for volunteers?
- Chronic or pre-existing conditions and planned care.
- Injuries under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Military or paramilitary activities: the policy covers civilian volunteering, not enlistment.
- Luggage, equipment, third-party liability.
Pre-departure checklist for volunteers
- Complete policy for the whole period, PDF on your phone and a printed copy for the coordinator.
- Registration on the Farnesina's «Dove siamo nel mondo».
- Letter from the organisation with contacts in Ukraine: not mandatory at the border, but it speeds up checks and is needed at internal checkpoints.
- Personal first-aid kit and regular medicines with prescription.
- Air-raid alert app installed and useful numbers saved: 112 emergencies, 103 ambulance, the policy's assistance centre.