Stay 1 step ahead of the risk with iPMI (International Private Medical Insurance) Magazine top risk articles and news stories from 2015. Featuring ACE, Willis, Munich Re, Clements and more, get an insider look at the most popular business risk news.

Click the headlines to read the following stories:

Political Risk And Instability Top Managers' Concerns

How K&R Risks Relate To Everyday Business

Underwriting Boost For Canadian Flood Risks

Munich Re America: Big U.S. Winter Storms - Comparably Lower Insured Loss Estimates; Record Heat and Drought Continue in the West

Willis Launches Suite of Risk Analytics to Help Organizations Proactively Manage Risks

ACE Announces Enhanced Excess Casualty Coverage for Middle Market Companies with Complex Risk Exposures

Mitigating The Risks of Injuries, Lawsuits And Theft When Employing Domestic Staff 

Falling Oil Prices Have Global Implications

VIDEO: RiskMap 2016: Iran

Kenya Travel Advice: Heightened Personal Security During The Christmas Holiday Season

The Kenyan authorities have advised heightened personal security during the Christmas holiday season; on 21 December 2015, the Kenyan Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government issued a public watch notice urging citizens to play a role in counter terrorism and prevention of criminal activities by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, items and people. 117,000 British residents visited Kenya in 2014. International Private Medical Insurance For Kenya Take out comprehensive international private medical insurance before you travel to Kenya, to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad or emergency repatriation and evacuation. Be sure to read…Written on Wednesday, 23 December 2015 15:32 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Turkey Travel Warning: Reports Of An Explosion At Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Reports of an explosion at Sabiha Gokcen airport in Istanbul at around 2am on 23 December 2015; the circumstances of the incident are currently under investigation; the airport remains open. Over 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year. Visas British nationals need a visa to travel to Turkey, except for cruise ship passengers with ‘British Citizen’ passports who arrive at sea ports for tourist visits to the port city or nearby cities, provided that the visit doesn’t exceed 72 hours. If you’re visiting Turkey as a tourist or on business, get an e-Visa online before you travel. Only use the…Written on Wednesday, 23 December 2015 12:03 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Tunisia Travel Warning: State Of Emergency Has Been Extended For 2 Months

State of emergency has been extended for 2 months from 24 December until 21 February 2016. Further attacks remain highly likely, including against foreigners. Security forces are on a high state of alert in Tunis and other locations. You should be especially vigilant and avoid crowded places over the holiday period, including around Mouled (24 December), Christmas and New Year. If you choose to travel to or remain in Tunisia then you should check that your insurance policy provides adequate cover. You should be especially vigilant and follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities. There are no direct flights…Written on Wednesday, 23 December 2015 11:08 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

USA Travel Advice: Changes To Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)

18 December 2015 and the US Congress passed a Bill updating the requirements for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Under the new rules, with effect from 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip. Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the United States every year. Most visits are trouble free. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but…Written on Tuesday, 22 December 2015 11:05 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Brazil Travel Warning: Cases Of Zika Virus Reported

Cases of Zika virus have been reported in a number of states; you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel to Brazil. Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be crowded. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can present evidence of sufficient funds or insurance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you need emergency…Written on Monday, 14 December 2015 15:20 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Philippines Travel Warning: Typhoon Melor (Nona)

Typhoon Melor (Nona) forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of the country from 14 December 2015. Around 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year. Most typhoons occur from June to December. There may be flooding and landslides. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Typhoon Melor (Nona) is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of the country, in particular northern Visayas and southern Luzon, from 14 December. Around 133,665 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2014. Take out comprehensive…Written on Monday, 14 December 2015 12:26 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Lebanon Travel Security Warning: Explosions In Southern Suburb Area Beirut

12 November 2015 and there were explosions in the southern suburb area of Beirut. Reports indicate that many people have been killed and injured. iPMIM advises against all travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut. Avoid this area and monitor local media for updates. On 10 January 2015, 9 people were killed and over 30 wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the Jebel Mohsen area of Tripoli. On 28 January 2015, there was an attack on the Israeli military in the Shebaa Farms area with reports of cross-border shelling near the towns of Majidiyeh, Kfarshouba, Abbasiye and Wazzani. A…Written on Friday, 13 November 2015 14:00 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

iPMIM Advises Against All But Essential Travel By Air To Or From Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Over 900,000 British nationals visit Egypt every year. Most visits are trouble-free. 31 October 2015, a flight from Sharm el Sheikh to St Petersburg crashed in North Sinai. Egyptian and Russian authorities are conducting an investigation. There is a significant possibility that the crash was caused by an explosive device. As a precautionary measure, we are now advising against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh. UK carriers will not take passengers directly to Sharm el Sheikh airport. FCO are working with the Egyptian authorities and air carriers to put special security measures in place…Written on Thursday, 05 November 2015 07:39 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence
Philippines Travel Advice: Security Ramped Up For APEC Summit

The Philippines hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Manila on 16 to 20 November. There will be a heightened security presence across the city including at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Scheduled road closures and security checkpoints will cause delays in travel across the city and many schools, government offices and businesses will be closed. If you are flying to or from Manila during this period check with your airline, as flight delays, diversions and cancellations may occur. Around 133,665 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2014. Most visits are trouble-free. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance…Written on Monday, 02 November 2015 14:14 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Egypt Travel Advice

31 October 2015, a flight from Sharm el Sheikh to St Petersburg crashed in North Sinai; Egyptian and Russian authorities are conducting an investigation. Over 900,000 British nationals visit Egypt every year. Most visits are trouble-free. Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place from 18 October to 23 November. There may be rallies around the country in the run up to the elections. You should avoid all rallies and demonstrations. On election days tight controls will be in place around polling stations with access restricted to voters and officially accredited observers. In previous elections British nationals have been arrested close…Written on Monday, 02 November 2015 11:20 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

UK FCO: Concerns About Quality Of Medical Treatment In Holiday Resorts In Egypt

The South Sinai Hospital in Sharm el Sheikh is currently under investigation by the Egyptian Ministry of Health; there are alternative state and private hospitals in Sharm el Sheikh. You can find a list of most commonly used hospitals in Egypt on the British Embassy website. In an emergency dial 123 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your travel company and your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. There are reports of some hotel doctors overcharging for treatment and medicines. Examine your bill closely and challenge excessive charges. Pharmacies outside…Written on Monday, 05 October 2015 11:21 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

Tajikistan Travel Warning: Armed Clashes Involving Security Forces Resulting In A Number Of Deaths Reported Close To Dushanbe International Airport

4 September, armed clashes involving security forces resulting in a number of deaths were reported close to Dushanbe International Airport. Tajik authorities are investigating and there is an increased security presence in the area. Given the possibility of further incidents, you should take extra care and monitor the local media. Tourism, health and transport infrastructure is poor and travel requires careful planning. Avoid off-road areas immediately adjoining the Afghan, Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders, which may be mined. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance including evacuation by air ambulance before you travel.Written on Friday, 04 September 2015 10:56 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

International Trains From Budapest Have Been Suspended Until Further Notice

International trains from Budapest Keleti train station have been suspended until further notice due to disruption. Monitor the local media, and check with your carrier and the Hungarian Railways (MÁV) website for further information. Since the end of August 2015 there has been considerable disruption to rail and road transport from Budapest to the Austrian border. This is due to police and border enforcement action as a result of significant numbers of people seeking to transit through Hungary. Around 400,000 British nationals visit Hungary each year. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.Written on Friday, 04 September 2015 10:53 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

India Travel Warning: Flood Warnings For Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam And West Bengal

A flood warning has been issued to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal due to the possibility of heavy rainfall in the foothills of the Himalayas over the next few days. The rainfall will also lead to swelling of rivers Kosi, Gandak and Ghaghara, tributaries of Ganga and all tributaries of Brahmaputra. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company. Over 800,000 British nationals visit India every year. Before you travel to India, take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance and read the…Written on Wednesday, 19 August 2015 06:20 in iPMI Magazine Travel Warnings and Intelligence

SOURCE

Welcome to the most recent International Private Medical Insurance Magazine (iPMI Magazine) exclusive iPMI round table business forum. In this exclusive discussion we talk to leading providers of iPMI about medical inflation and the rising cost of global healthcare. Featuring Bellwood Prestbury, Cigna Global iPMI, Globality Health and Wellaway.

International healthcare used to be very simple; you designed one product and used it everywhere. But now there are local restrictions on who can insure, how, and what can be insured. Some countries require insurers to have local partners while in others it can take years to get an insurance licence.

Click here now to download a free sample of the report in PDF.

iPMIM subscribers enjoy a special promotional price for this 900 page + report, from leading industry author Ian Youngman. Another reason to trust iPMI Magazine with your industry and market intelligence requirements.

Much more information has been added on the number of expatriates globally and by country –both outbound and inbound, and on local insurance regulation. On insurers and brokers it includes who has been buying who, countries they are moving into, plus the latest product and service developments. With the potential of domestic health insurance markets limited, US, UK and EU health insurers and intermediaries are increasingly looking at healthcare for expatriates and locals in international markets.

HOW TO BUY

International Private Medical Insurance Magazine readers enjoy an exclusive subscriber pricing structure when they purchase International And Expatriate Healthcare And Insurance 2014. Othermajor online retailers are charging £999 upwards. iPMI Magazine readers only pay £899. To buy your copy now simply email ipmi AT ipmimagazine.com and a dedicated account manager will contact you.

In an International Private Medical Insurance Magazine Executive Round Table Business Forum October 2014, we spoke with leading C-Level executives about the major differences between international medical health insurance and local medical health insurance plans and cover.

As expatriate hot spots around the world continue to mandate health insurance cover for expat employees, under various visa and employment laws, questions from the business community continue to be raised. Issues focus around how new laws will help and assist expatriates and what levels of cover they may expect from local health insurance plans.

Click here to download this special expatriate healthcare and insurance feature in PDF format.

Welcome to the most recent International Private Medical Insurance Magazine exclusive air ambulance medical transportation round table business forum. In this exclusive debate we talk about the international medical transportation sector of the business. With a focus on fleet capabilities, on-board technology, medication and payor-provider relations the round table takes a closer look at the global providers assisting iPMI insurers and insureds.

Exclusive C-Suite executive commentary from FAI, Jet Executive, MedcareProfessional and Tyrol.

Global risk management & assistance group, Healix International, has appointed Rob Upton as Director – Insurance Markets, to oversee the company’s continued expansion into the international insurance sector, accelerated by the recent acquisition of Capita Global Assistance.

“Healix is a fantastic company that I’ve admired for a long time.” says Upton, formerly Sales & Marketing Director at CEGA. “The quality of service and customer focus is unsurpassed and this is being recognised by the market. We’re the fastest growing assistance company in the world right now and I’m delighted to be joining at such an exciting time.” 

Scott Sunderman, CEO of Healix International adds, “It’s important to have the right people leading our business in our key markets and Rob’s credentials and track record speak for themselves. He is widely respected and admired within the industry and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us.”

Healix International is a global leader in international medical, security & travel assistance and international occupational health services. Working on behalf of multinational corporations, governments, NGOs and insurers, Healix is entrusted to look after the welfare of millions of expatriates, travellers and local nationals in every country of the world, 24 hours a day.

Rob can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on +44 (0)20 3805 7182. Or for more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   www.healix-international.com

Now Health International has announced details of their WorldCare product and premium review effective from 1 August 2015.

Now Health’s benefit review enhances the company’s WorldCare product proposition by providing enhanced discounts and additional benefits, whilst keeping premium increases to a minimum.  Premiums for business underwritten in the Europe branch will be increasing by only 2%*.

As part of the review, Now Health is offering a 10% introductory discount for new individual customers in their Europe and Global branches**. This discount is available up until 31 December 2015. 

In addition to this:

• To compliment the existing 20% co-insurance option, a new 10% out-patient co-insurance will be available subject to a discount of 5%.

• UAE and Hong Kong residents will be able to access cashless out-patient direct billing for a lower cost than the nil excess via a new Restricted Network option.

• Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) will be available for groups of five or more employees for plans based in the Europe branch.  This new way of underwriting is sometimes referred to as ‘no worse terms’ or ‘protected underwriting terms’.  CPME allows groups to change their IPMI cover from one provider to another, carrying over their cover with no new medical exclusions.

For business written in Singapore and China, a brand new No Claims Bonus feature has been introduced and will reward customers who do not claim. Designed to offer year-on-year savings, the No Claims Bonus offers an automatic 10% discount on renewal providing no claims have been made and a 15% discount over two or more subsequent years.  Claims made under the routine dental benefit will not affect the No Claims Bonus.

Bupa’s international health insurance business, Bupa Global, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sheldon Kenton to the role of Global Commercial Director.

In this newly created role, Sheldon will report to Robert Lang, Managing Director for Bupa Global, and serve as a member of Bupa Global Executive Team. The role will focus on the growth of Bupa Global’s corporate sales and health benefits business, which provides products and services in over 190 countries, as well as the further development of its institutional distribution partnerships around the world.

Sheldon joins Bupa Global later this year following a long tenure with Cigna Corporation, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for Cigna Global Health Benefits (CGHB) North America.

Sheldon’s appointment builds on the momentum created by Bupa Global’s significant investment in its international private medical insurance (IPMI) business and commitment to globally-minded and globally-mobile customers. This commitment was demonstrated in 2013 by Bupa’s considerable (49%) investment in a US-based specialist health insurance and services company, and in 2014 when Bupa Global began a strategic global partnership with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 106 million members. 

This partnership created the largest combined healthcare provider network ever formed in the IPMI market. Sheldon’s appointment complements several recent senior industry hires to Bupa Global that strengthen the commercial and clinical teams. These include: Lorna Friedman from Mercer Health & Benefits; Mary Trometer and Nic Brown from Aetna International; Justin Howcroft from Friends Provident International; and Stephen Killian from United Healthcare Global.

Commenting on this appointment, Robert Lang, Managing Director, Bupa Global, said “We are delighted to have Sheldon join our team later this year. He will be instrumental in ensuring Bupa Global’s corporate and health benefits customers access the full scope of Bupa’s significant global presence in the UK, Australia, Spain, Poland, New Zealand and Chile, as well as Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, India and Thailand.”

India Network announced today that all policy holders of India Network Health Insurance programs would be automatically covered for accidents and medical problems during their travel from the home country to the United States, Canada or Mexico. Policy holders must purchase the insurance on or before they embark on their journey to avail this coverage. Typically, visitors traveling from India start the coverage one or two days before their arrival in the United States, Canada or Mexico to avail this benefit.

India Network offers comprehensive insurance plans that limit individual exposure by availing network negotiated rates for services and pay 80% for such covered service. The second set of plans are known as scheduled benefit plans or fixed benefit plans that reimburse policy holders or provides a predetermined amount for each covered service. A special feature of India Network Health Insurance programs is that they also cover pre-existing conditions for both inpatient services and outpatient services.

Dr. KV Rao, President, India Network Foundation, said that the travel insurance coverage is very important for visitors traveling to the United States or Canada. Recently, an elderly person insured by India Network Health Insurance was injured during travel. ACE American Insurance Company, the underwriter ofIndia Network programs is helping the policy holder just because they choose to purchase the plan covering the travel date.

Life Expectancy in India is slowly increasing. Life expectancy at birth for women was 67.7 years and it was 64.6 years for men. Longer post retirement time creates several health problems for elderly visitors. Several health conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, etc. go undetected for years. India Network today offers plans to cover pre-existing conditions to help those elderly with medical conditions that they may or may not know. Many other insurance plans often reject any claims for these elderly visitors under pre-existing medical coverage exclusions.

India Network advises everyone traveling to the United States to take the best medical coverage. Only proper medical insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage can help visitors with any unexpected medical problems during their overseas stay. It is very important to understand the definitions and exclusions in various plans. India Network Health Insurance is the only that treats pre-existing conditions on par with new problems and accidents and premiums are bit higher than other plans due to this improved coverage.