The church’s number one purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission. What does that look like right now with a pandemic forcing people indoors? In theory, it makes sense to stay at home. But there’s a strong need for missions to continue to help people during this tough time. 

Prepping for missions and travel is a daunting task - and it’s even more so during the coronavirus this year. As with any mission, it’s best to be prepared for the worst case scenarios while making these trips. 

Here’s a few tips to keep in mind (whether or not you’re faced with a global virus):

1. Make sure everyone in your group has the proper, location-specific immunizations.

2. Know the locations of the nearest hospital and the closest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Communicate this to the group’s family members in case of emergency.

3. Visit the U.S. State Department website (www.state.gov) before leaving to learn about pertinent safety conditions at your destination and take any necessary action.

4. Keep organized records of important documents for each participant. Depending on your group and its purpose, this may include signed medical release forms and liability waivers.

5. Evaluate your insurance coverage and make sure each traveler does as well, especially if they are volunteers not covered by a group policy. Consider foreign liability insurance, foreign medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance.

6. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar area, do not assume it will have any of the supplies you need. Pack a first aid kit that includes masks, wipes, bandages, antibiotics, antiseptics and standard over-the-counter medications.

Having the right kind of insurance for your church’s mission trips takes away some of the stress that comes with planning and successfully executing trips like these. Find out what insurance is right for your church and get all of your financial concerns answered by the experts at Carriage Trade.