Insurance Coverage for Volunteers

Those who volunteer make an indispensable contribution to social cohesion and the functioning of society. Just like full-time employees, volunteers are exposed to various risks while carrying out their activities. For their dedication, they deserve the best possible insurance coverage. The state of Hesse was the first federal state to enter into framework agreements for accident and liability insurance for volunteers in Hesse. These insurance policies apply on a supplementary basis; therefore, any existing accident and liability insurance policies take precedence.

The following positions are eligible for insurance coverage:

• Activities in the fields of health and social services: Occupational Accident Insurance Association for Health Services and Social Welfare, www.bgw-online.de, Phone: 040 202070
• Activities in the areas of religion, sports, culture, recreation, environmental protection, and animal welfare: Verwaltungsberufsgenossenschaft, www.vbg.de, Volunteer Hotline: 040 51461970
• Activities for municipalities or the state and public-interest activities not covered by primary statutory accident insurance: Unfallkasse Hessen, www.ukh.de, Phone 069 29972440
• For other volunteers, the UKH provides extended insurance coverage pursuant to its bylaws.

As a general rule, a club should purchase club liability insurance for its members. Private liability insurance policies also often provide this coverage, provided the incident does not involve activities performed in an executive capacity. If this insurance coverage does not apply, one may make use of the framework agreement between the State of Hesse and SV Sparkassen Versicherung.

Under the State of Hesse’s framework agreements, no separate registration of individual initiatives or persons is required to obtain insurance coverage. In the event of a claim, it is sufficient to contact the State’s contractual partner, who will then, after review, handle the settlement of the claim.

For more information and a comprehensive range of consulting services regarding insurance coverage for volunteers, please contact the Hessian State Volunteer Agency.