What are the principal health risks?
The most serious potential health risks are sunburn, heat exhaustion and insect bites. By following guidelines in your orientation materials and presented by your team leader, you can avoid health hazards in the host community.
What health precautions should I take?
Is the water safe to drink?
Do not drink the tap water in South Africa. We recommend that you bring a water bottle and keep it filled with bottled water that will be provided to you by the Global Volunteers country manager.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance through AIG ASSIST, one of the largest insurance companies in the world.
