What if we don’t call it a Girl Scout trip?
If a trip is made with Girl Scout funds and the participants are
Girl Scouts, it is a Girl Scout trip. Even if each family pays
its own way and no troop/group funds are involved, a lawyer may
still consider it a Girl Scout trip if the families have only
socialized through Girl Scouting in the past.
Am I covered by any insurance?
The Girl Scout Council of the Apalachee Bend, Inc. carries a
liability policy that extends to the staff and volunteers when
they are acting on behalf of the council during an approved
activity. It is imperative that all GSUSA and council guidelines
and policies are followed when engaging in approved activities
or trips with Girl Scouts. Failure to do so could result in
reduction of coverage.
 What happens if we take an unapproved trip or participate in
an unapproved activity with our troop?
Failure to obtain council approval for a troop trip or high risk
activity, or deliberately taking a trip that is not age level
appropriate could result in personal liability should an
accident happen. Risk management and safety is a shared
responsibility. Guidelines and procedures that have been set by
the council and GSUSA are in place to help ensure the safety of
all members.
Are we covered by insurance if someone gets hurt while
participating in a troop activity?
All registered Girl Scout members, both girls and volunteer
adults, are covered by a secondary accident/medical policy plan,
which is underwritten by Mutual of Omaha. Coverage (Plan 1) is
in effect for all approved Girl Scout activities and trips of
two nights or less. The limits of the policy are explained in a
brochure available in Basic Leader or at the council office.
This secondary insurance policy is not intended to replace any
personal insurance that may cover a member, but it is intended
to cover most charges or deductibles disallowed by the personal
insurance up to the policy limits. The premium for this policy
is paid directly from the ten-dollar ($10) membership fee that
is sent to GSUSA, with coverage beginning on October 1 of each
year and ending on September 30.
Troops taking extended trips lasting three or more nights may
purchase additional coverage for accidents/illnesses that may
occur. The charge is nominal and enrollment forms may be
requested from the council office.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The basic Plan 1
insurance described previously becomes void if a trip is longer
than two nights. If additional coverage for an extended trip is
not purchased, the Girl Scouts of the USA does not cover members
for any accident or injury that may occur on the trip.
Are tag-a-longs covered by any Girl Scout insurance?
A tag-a-long is any unregistered person who is accompanying the
troop on a trip or activity. Tag-a-longs are generally not
covered by any Girl Scout insurance. Registered Girl Scout
siblings who attend an activity or trip with their sisters troop
must be eligible and registered to attend the event or they are
considered tag-a-longs. Tag-a-longs are not covered under Plan
1, but may be covered under Plan 3 when the following criteria
are met:
- They are unregistered adults needed to meet ratios
- They are siblings who will be fully participating in all
activities
What about automobile coverage? Do we have any?
For information on automobiles and insurance, please refer
to the section regarding transportation in the Volunteer
Policies and Safetywise. Any automobile coverage that may be
available is secondary to any other policy that may exist
and is subject to the terms and conditions of the council
policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the insurance coverage described in
this guide is secondary to any other policies that may exist
and is subject to the terms and conditions of the council
policy. The council’s insurance carriers determine all
decisions regarding coverage. Keep the following points in
mind and share them with parents as appropriate:
- Parents are expected to provide health and injury
coverage for their children.
- All adults who participate in activities with the
troop do so at their own risk. Thoughtful consideration
should be given to the ramifications of participation,
such as loss of workdays, or travel expenses (which are
not
covered by any of the council’s secondary policies.)
- Leaders and others, who hold meetings in their homes
or businesses, should discuss with their personal
insurance agent the amount of liability coverage that
should be purchased.
- All drivers and owners of automobiles are required
by law to have at least the minimum requirements of the
state for limits of insurance coverage for the vehicle
they are driving.
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