Insurance for NGO Staff in Their Own Country: Why It’s Just as Important
When NGOs think about insurance, the focus often falls on expat workers: the person flying into Gaza, Sudan, or Ukraine from abroad.
But what about the staff who live there?
Local doctors, drivers, translators, community liaisons, logistics coordinators, and volunteers are often on the front lines — and yet they’re less likely to be insured than their international colleagues.
It’s a double standard that doesn’t just raise ethical questions. It puts NGOs at real operational and legal risk.
Here’s why local and in-country staff need the same level of protection — and how your organisation can make it happen.
The Common Assumption: “They’re Not Travelling, So They Don’t Need Cover”
This is one of the most dangerous misunderstandings in NGO risk planning.
Just because someone is working within their country of residence doesn’t mean the risk is lower — especially in high-risk or unstable settings.
In fact, local staff are often:
- Closer to the front lines
- More exposed to civil unrest and sudden violence
- Less likely to have access to private healthcare or evacuation options
- Less protected by international diplomatic or media pressure
🔗 According to the Aid Worker Security Report, local staff represent over 90% of aid worker fatalities — yet they’re often excluded from international cover.
[Source]
What Your Duty of Care Really Requires
If your NGO is committed to equitable treatment, you need to apply the same standards of care to:
- Expat workers
- National staff
- Consultants
- Contractors
- Volunteers
That includes insurance for:
✅ Accidental death and permanent disablement
✅ Medical expenses for illness and injury
✅ Emergency evacuation if needed
✅ Clear claims processes
✅ No gaps or discriminatory clauses
Explore our solo and group cover for staff in their own country
A Real-World Example: The Interpreter Left Behind
A journalist fixer’s spouse worked with an international NGO in Syria as a translator and community liaison. When injured during a missile strike, her employer discovered she wasn’t listed on their group insurance because she “wasn’t travelling.”
With no cover in place:
- There was no emergency evacuation
- Her hospital bill remained unpaid for months
- The NGO lost trust and credibility among its local staff
We hear versions of this story all the time.
What Our Local NGO Staff Cover Includes
At insuranceforngos.com, we provide affordable and practical insurance for in-country teams, valid within the worker’s home country — even in high-risk zones.
✅ Available for individuals or groups
✅ Valid in red-listed conflict zones
✅ No travel required to activate
✅ From just 3 days of cover
✅ Coverage levels from $100k to $500k
✅ Clear and fast claims support
It’s the same protection we offer to expat workers — without the extra complexity.
Why NGOs Use This Cover
- HR and country offices want fair, compliant insurance for national staff
- Field teams want fast setup with no admin burden
- Donors and compliance auditors want to see duty of care evidence
- National workers want equal protection to their international peers
And more than ever, organisations are being judged on how they treat their local partners.
✅ Ready to Cover Your Local Staff?
Get a quote for solo or group in-country cover
Learn about our local staff insurance
Talk to our team about setting up an ongoing scheme
Insurance shouldn’t stop at the border.
We’re here to help you protect everyone who makes your work possible — not just those with passports.
