Coverage for Swine Flu a Concern for U.S Workers Abroad

With much of the news recently about Swine Flu affecting people who are traveling abroad for their job, I wanted to develop a quick post on for my clients and friends to remind them of insurance coverage that may already available to them for this matter.

Specifically, I have reminded them to review their international insurance policies, and familiarize themselves with the coverage afforded in the International (Foreign) Worker Compensation policy. Under the Employers' Liability and Workers Comp section, you should expect to find coverage for Endemic Disease contracted outside the United States. A definition of Endemic Disease found in the Chubb International Voluntary Workers Compensation policy [Form 11-02-0604 (Ed. 2-87)] "means an infectious disease, including diseases which are borne by air, arthropods (i.e., arachnids, crustaceans, insects), blood, food or water, provided that the disease: 1) is indigenous to a particular region outside the United States and Canada; or 2) occurs in epidemic proportion outside the United States and Canada." You should expect to find similar definitions in policies offered by other insurers.

Continuing to look at the same Chubb International WC policy, they state, "This insurance is intended to be primary for your covered employees whose bodily injuries arise out of and in the course of employment by you outside the United States and Canada or who contract endemic disease while in your employ outside the United States and Canada."

Additionally, all of these insurers offer access to travel assistance services offered by third parties, such as MedEx. Even if you are not a Client, you can visit their website and learn more about this outbreak, and useful tips, tools, and services they have available.

It is understandable for employers to be concerned about the well being of their employees and their company. A quick review of their policy with their broker or agent experienced with the international insurance solutions can help relieve some of their anxiety.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.