Scouting America and our council wants you and your Scouts to be safe. Taking the proper precautions – including training and planning – will go a long way towards preventing injuries or illness. But we also understand that accidents can still happen despite the most thorough preparation.
We provide insurance coverage to protect Scouts, volunteer leaders, families, and chartered organizations in case of accident and/or injury during “official Scouting activities” (more on this in a moment). This coverage comes in two main forms: General Liability and Accident & Sickness.
General Liability
- A portion of your annual national membership fee provides Scouting America’s general liability coverage; this policy also provides coverage for your chartered organization.
- This is an insurance policy that deals with negligent actions taken by people or organizations that lead to personal injury or property damage claims.
- This insurance policy also provides coverage during an official Scouting activity to Scouting parents and volunteers who are not registered, but only as additional coverage beyond their personal insurance.
- This insurance policy also provides Scouting volunteers with additional or excess coverage beyond their own personal insurance policies for automobiles or watercraft; of course, the automobile or watercraft must be in use during an official Scouting activity to be potentially covered.
Accident & Sickness
- NEIC provides Accident and Sickness coverage for all registered youth, adult leaders, volunteers, and immediate family members who attend Scouting activities. This coverage is funded through the Council Registration Fee.
- The plan offers medical reimbursement for accidental injury, sickness, or death within the policy limits.
- The coverage is secondary and applies after any other health insurance or benefits available to the individual.
- Units receive this coverage automatically when they complete their annual recharter. No additional fee is charged beyond the Council Registration Fee.
“Official Scouting Activities”
This coverage provides primary general liability protection for registered volunteer Scouters when claims arise from an official Scouting activity. An official Scouting activity is defined in the insurance policy as one that is consistent with the values, Charter and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, operations manuals, and other relevant literature of Scouting America.
The general liability policy does not provide indemnification or defense for any intentional or criminal acts. Scouting America does not carry insurance that defends individuals in situations involving allegations of intentional or criminal behavior. Volunteers, units, and chartered organizations risk losing insurance coverage if they engage in unauthorized activities. For more information on prohibited activities, visit this page on Scouting America’s national website.
An accident or injury has happened. What do I do?
Any time an accident or injury occurs, the first step is to complete a Scouting America Incident Report. Even if you’re not sure an insurance claim will be needed, the report must still be filed. Use the fillable form at the link below, save it once completed, and email it to our office to Debi Geiger. We will follow up with the appropriate information and any needed claim forms.
Incident Report Form