Volunteer abroad and ill

[Kedgey55]

Hello,

Want some opinions. So short-term volunteering abroad with a charity doing teaching relatedto my job. Used my own annual leave, money to travel and hours/days of own time spent prepping materials for teaching.
Became extremely ill whilst away requiring hospital treatment. Told the charity would pick up the bill originally but then changed mind and say I have to pay. I feel like it is a kick in the teeth given what I've been through and the amount of my own time and resources I've put in.
AIBU? I know one isn't supposed to expect anything back when it comes to charity work.

TIA!

Haven’t you got insurance? I would have thought that was a must if you are working abroad.

Will the insurance company not pay? Surely neither of you should have to. It’s not your fault, and they can’t really use donated funds. Insurance feels like the right solution.

Your travel insurance should cover it.

People have donated to the charity to help their beneficiaries, not to pay your medical bills. This should be covered by your insurance and if you went overseas without insurance then you are a fool.

I would expect you to have sorted out insurance as a volunteer.

That is what insurance is for.

I’d think legally it would be difficult for them to use charity money for that.

I hope you get better soon, what bad luck☹️

What insurance did you have?

Goes without saying you must have travel insurance op?!

Yes ofc I have insurance but the excess would be the same cost as the bill so no point in going down that route.
Charities pay for volunteer expenses all the time when they're reliant on goodwill to keep afloat- unfortunately that's the way it is.

IMO if you got ill that is not their fault. You chose to go and volunteer. How much is the excess?

How much money are you talking about here?

Your excess can only be £250 or £500 max surely and that’s based on mine with two chronic illnesses and a stroke !

It can’t be that big a bill if the excess is the same!