MediCare International Stresses the Importance of Passive War Zone Cover for Charity Workers

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 9, 2012 - NGOs and charities are frequently in the vanguard of organisations which go into both post war and post disaster areas around the world.  Whether in Japan, Afghanistan or Haiti, there are sure to be many charity organisations whose on the ground work is vital in the drive to rebuild both towns and societies. However, for many of these workers, securing international private medical insurance cover to ensure they can be cared for in the event of illness or accident can be as problematic and difficult as the work they themselves are doing.

War zones are occupied not only by traditional armies, but also by huge numbers of voluntary organisations involved in post war reconstruction.  As a member of this latter group, it is vital that an expatriate charity worker can carefully choose an international health policy which is tailored to suit his or her needs and which takes into account the particular dangers of working in a country such as Iraq or Afghanistan.  Finding the right policy is not always straightforward, as many insurers have special clauses relating to war and terrorist threats.  

Policies which include limited cover against terrorist attacks are available, but with conflicts not solely confined to war zones nowadays, effective cover which reflects this new global reality is now even more important. Nearly a third of brokers questioned by MediCare International in a recent research survey said that they would not consider a policy if it did not provide some level of war or conflict cover, for example.  MediCare International has a ‘stand out’ benefit that really makes a difference to those expatriates living and working in the world’s hot spots.  For these individuals, MediCare International provides ‘passive war’ cover including war and terrorist attack, in contrast to other insurers whose policies may often have a full war risk exclusion.

Passive war cover is likely to be of particular interest staff in aid agencies and rebuilding contractors working elsewhere in the Gulf area too, especially in Lebanon, Kuwait or indeed Africa. Policyholders benefit from the full range of MediCare International health insurance services, including hospital benefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists or as part of a broader war conflict. Evacuation is likely to be particularly relevant in conflict zones, where local medical facilities may be damaged or supplies of medication and blood for transfusions may be an issue.

With nearly 30 years experience of supporting the international business community worldwide, and clients from 86 nationalities in 114 countries, MediCare International is used to facing the challenges of developing policies to cover individuals in some of the most inhospitable parts of the world.

For details of MediCare’s International health insurance plans visit www.medicare.co.uk, email medicare@medicare.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7204 3700.