Insurance for International Nonprofit Organizations

Protecting against international exposures

Trade associations and other nonprofits that operate internationally—whether that means staffing offices, hosting events, or engaging in other activities outside the US—face unique risks and insurance requirements. Challenges can surface as early as the point you’re attempting to set up an office, hire an employee or independent contractor, or organize an event in another country.

Establishing a footprint outside your home country isn’t just complex logistically and legally; it poses complicated insurance requirements. Every country has its own insurance regulations, which can be difficult to understand and comply with. And if you operate in countries the US has sanctions against (such as those on the OFAC list), you’ll encounter two challenges: Most policies exclude coverage, and the US federal government prevents insurance carriers from paying claims in those countries. In situations like these, you’ll need different risk management strategies.

B. F. Saul Insurance has deep expertise in the complexities of operating outside the US, the unique risks it can create, and the complicated international insurance regulations involved. We’re the ideal partner to help identify your nonprofit’s exposure internationally and help you obtain the proper coverage to protect your people and assets.

We advise you at every step

Since every country’s requirements differ, every nonprofit’s insurance needs will vary when working outside the US. That’s why it’s critical to work with an independent insurance advisor that has expertise in worldwide risk management, like B. F. Saul Insurance.

We go beyond cookie-cutter programs, taking the time to understand your current and planned operations and activities, as well as the countries you intend to do business in or travel to. Then we craft a customized program of international nonprofit insurance that protects you from the most likely exposures while ensuring you meet country-specific requirements. If you’re still in the planning phase, we can even recommend countries that present fewer insurance-related obstacles, helping you make the most informed business decisions.

Though every international nonprofit insurance program is unique, many organizations find they need coverages like the following:

Foreign Workers' Compensation

Your US workers’ compensation policy isn’t likely to provide the coverage you need for employees who are based in other countries, whether permanently or short term. If they’re injured on the job, relying on your US workers’ comp coverage will leave you with costly gaps.

B. F. Saul Insurance recognizes the complexities of covering out-of-country workers for job-related injuries and accidents, and we’re well-versed in the available insurance options for international nonprofits.

Business Travel Accident & Out-of-Country Medical

If your nonprofit’s employees travel outside the US for business—whether it’s a short-term trip or an extended assignment—they could need medical assistance or have an accident while away. Though many employees and employers don’t think about the risks, you’ll find your existing coverage won’t provide sufficient protection for these incidents overseas. The right business travel accident and out-of-country medical insurance will supplement other policies by covering expenses related to medical treatment for an injury, illness, or accidental death, including transportation to quality medical services out-of-area if necessary. You can even offer travel medical insurance for volunteers or other constituents who travel on your nonprofit’s behalf or to attend a trip your organization sponsors.

B. F. Saul is well-versed in these complexities and helps international nonprofits secure coverage for medical or accident-related expenses during travel outside the US, providing peace of mind and reducing out-of-pocket costs. 

Kidnap and Ransom

No matter which regions you operate in, your international nonprofit insurance program should include kidnap and ransom coverage. That’s especially true if you have employees who are US citizens who operate outside the US, since they can prove desirable targets in certain countries. Your employee could become a victim of a practice called express kidnapping, which has grown more common recently: Instead of abducting and holding your employee for ransom, the criminal captures them specifically for the purpose of demanding that they drain their bank account, then immediately sets them free. Due to its short duration, this event might not trigger the definition of a covered claim. It’s equally important to secure assistance with the logistics of evacuating and extracting employees in the event of political or civil unrest or war and negotiating the release of your employee in the event the criminal demands a ransom.

B. F. Saul Insurance understands exposures like these and has strong relationships with carriers that provide international nonprofits with coverage to protect against kidnap, ransom, and other personal security incidents, along with supporting services. 

International nonprofits rely on B. F. Saul Insurance

B. F. Saul brings deep expertise working with nonprofit organizations and serving businesses with a global footprint, so we’re the ideal independent insurance advisor for nonprofits with a presence or operations outside the US. We have market access to the full range of carriers that write policies for international nonprofits, along with knowledge of country-specific insurance requirements and how to navigate those obstacles. And our broad network of resources gives us ready access to additional expertise for unique situations.

We take a consultative approach, conducting the necessary discovery work to understand your specific international insurance needs. We’ll help you make informed business decisions that directly impact both your risks and your policy requirements.