Members of WWOOF Sweden have maintained an impressive safety record over the past 20 years, with very few injuries. Through close collaboration between hosts and WWOOFers, along with a strong emphasis on education, the organization has created a safe and enriching environment on the farms. In this text, we will cover important safety guidelines, the insurance coverage available to volunteers, and how you, as a WWOOFer, can contribute to a safe experience on your host farm.
Note that all hosts have been instructed not to allow WWOOFers to use chainsaws, tractors and similar heavy equipment. In Sweden, operating such on someone else’s property requires a special license in order for insurance to cover any chainsaw-related accidents.
WWOOF Sweden provides insurance* (included in the fee) against accidents while you are helping on the farm. Still, it is limited and does not cover anything that is not a direct consequence of an accident. The insurance for WWOOFers registered on the WWOOF Sweden website covers accidents or illnesses that occur as a direct result of an accident during your stay on the farm.
To prevent accidents, we ask that you avoid tasks that you feel could pose a physical risk to you. It is your responsibility to arrange your own health and liability insurance. Some farms may ask you to sign a waiver or show proof of insurance when you arrive.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE: WWOOF Sweden provides personal accident insurance for WWOOFers while they are on farms in Sweden. Please note that this insurance covers compensation for injury, disability, or death resulting from an accident.
It is not the same as travel, liability, or health insurance. You are responsible for ensuring you have coverage for the activities you’ll be doing with a host and for arranging your own health, liability, and travel insurance.
There is no extra cost for the personal accident insurance; it is included in the membership fee.
COVERAGE DETAILS:
- Accident compensation: 1,000 SEK (The Swedish currency is shortened SEK)
- Emergency compensation: 1,000 SEK (for medical treatment and at least eight consecutive days of emergency sick leave)
- After that: 1,000 SEK if treated for an additional 7 days.
- An additional 1,000 SEK if treated for another 15 days.
- After 31 days, 33 SEK per day, up to 150 days.
- Dental injuries: Necessary costs
- Additional costs: Up to 1 price base amount
- Scarring: As per Folksam’s table.
- Medical disability:
- For disability grades 1–4%
- For disability grades of 5% or higher
- Death due to accident:
- Compensation is 2.5% of 15 price base amounts
- Lump sum: 1 price base amount
- Crisis therapy: Up to 10 treatments. We also cover necessary and reasonable travel expenses up to 4,000 SEK, as well as interpreter costs.
The price base amount for 2026 is 59,200 SEK.
Download the annual certificate for WWOOF Sweden’s insurance here. (Contact the association to confirm if a more up-to-date version of the certificate is available.)
A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Insurance
1. Liability Insurance
- Purpose: Protects you from financial responsibility if you cause harm to someone else or their property.
- Coverage: Covers legal fees, damages, or settlements if you’re sued for accidentally injuring someone or damaging their property.
- Example: If a WWOOFer accidentally damages farm equipment or causes injury to another person, liability insurance would cover the costs of repairs, medical bills, or legal claims.
2. Health Insurance
- Purpose: Covers medical expenses related to illness, injuries, and preventive care.
- Coverage: Typically includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and preventive care such as vaccinations.
- Example: If you get sick with the flu or need routine medical treatment, health insurance would cover the related medical costs.
3. Accident Insurance (included in the WWOOF membership)
- Purpose: Provides financial compensation for injuries, disabilities, or death resulting from accidents.
- Coverage: Pays out if you suffer an accident-related injury, disability, or death, but it doesn’t cover general illnesses or health conditions.
- Example: If a WWOOFer has an accident on the farm, such as a fall leading to a broken bone, accident insurance would help cover the medical expenses or provide compensation for disability or death caused by the accident.
4. Travel Insurance
- Purpose: Protects you from financial losses or disruptions related to your travel plans.
- Coverage: Usually includes trip cancellations, lost luggage, flight delays, emergency medical care while abroad, and sometimes emergency evacuation.
- Example: If a WWOOFer’s flight gets canceled or they lose their luggage during a trip, travel insurance would help reimburse the costs of rebooking or replacing lost items. It may also cover emergency medical expenses while traveling.
5. Disability Insurance - Purpose: Provides income protection if you become unable to work due to an accident or illness.
- Coverage: Offers financial compensation if an injury or illness leaves you temporarily or permanently disabled, preventing you from working.
- Example: If a WWOOFer suffers a serious accident and is unable to continue working for an extended period, disability insurance would help replace lost income during their recovery.
Summary:
Travel insurance: Protects against financial losses or disruptions while traveling, such as canceled flights or lost luggage. It may also provide emergency medical coverage while abroad.
Liability insurance: Protects against claims if you harm someone or their property.
Health insurance: Covers general medical expenses for illnesses or preventive care.
Accident insurance: Specifically covers injuries or death from accidents.
How the healthcare system in Sweden works for Swedes, EU citizens, and non-EU citizens.
The Swedish healthcare system is tax-funded and offers healthcare to all residents at low or no cost. Healthcare is primarily organized and financed by Sweden’s 21 regions, which are responsible for hospital care, primary care, and specialist care. Patients usually pay a small fee for medical visits, but there is a high-cost protection system that limits the total amount they need to pay over the course of a year.
For EU citizens, they can access Swedish healthcare if they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles them to necessary healthcare on the same terms as Swedish residents, meaning they pay the same patient fees as Swedes. However, for longer stays, they need to register in Sweden or obtain their own health insurance.
For non-EU citizens, access to healthcare depends on their visa status and residence permit. Those staying in Sweden with temporary residence permits or visas usually need to have their own health insurance; otherwise, they can receive care, but at a higher cost than Swedish citizens. Emergency care is provided to everyone, but non-EU citizens are expected to pay the full cost if they do not have insurance.
*Disclaimer: There may be inaccuracies in this text for which we disclaim all responsibility. Any actions you take and your personal safety are entirely your own responsibility. WWOOF Sweden acts solely as a link between you and the farm and takes no responsibility for what happens on the farms or during the rest of your journey.
Updated 08-May-2026