Since the devastating earthquake last year, Haiti has had to endure hurricanes and cholera. Bellwood Prestbury, the global insurance broker, discusses the potential risks for those working or assisting in reconstruction there and advises on appropriate Haiti insurance.As reconstruction work begins in Haiti, insurance for companies with people working on the ground and for individuals needs to be properly considered.
Six months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, thoughts are turning from emergency relief to reconstruction. A recent British Expertise meeting detailed many construction and development opportunities in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Major projects under the auspices of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, the World Bank Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF) and numerous NGO initiatives will all begin to construct homes, infrastructure, roads, schools, hospitals, public buildings, ports and airports.
For anyone working in Haiti, comprehensive insurance is a must. The conditions there mean that specialist advice is required as 'all risks' cover for personal accident, life and medical evacuation cover will be necessary. Given the current security situation - four US citizens have recently been killed and over 4,000 escaped convicts are known to be at large - kidnap and ransom insurance should also be considered for those deemed at risk.
British Expertise recommends that companies involved in reconstruction base their operations in neighbouring Dominican Republic, but here too, insurance challenges are serious.
Medical care in the Dominican Republic can be poor, particularly if you find yourself a long way from the tourist centres. Emergency medical service tends to be quite limited, particularly for remote locations. Ambulances will expect payment before they pick up and serious medical evacuations tend to be taken to Miami, requiring valid US insurance before treatment can be authorised.
Bellwood Prestbury can advise on Haiti insurance for companies or individuals, and can create bespoke packages to cover multiple nationalities working in Haiti and across the border in Dominican Republic, with US medical evacuation cover as an option.
Six months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, thoughts are turning from emergency relief to reconstruction. A recent British Expertise meeting detailed many construction and development opportunities in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Major projects under the auspices of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, the World Bank Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF) and numerous NGO initiatives will all begin to construct homes, infrastructure, roads, schools, hospitals, public buildings, ports and airports.
For anyone working in Haiti, comprehensive insurance is a must. The conditions there mean that specialist advice is required as 'all risks' cover for personal accident, life and medical evacuation cover will be necessary. Given the current security situation - four US citizens have recently been killed and over 4,000 escaped convicts are known to be at large - kidnap and ransom insurance should also be considered for those deemed at risk.
British Expertise recommends that companies involved in reconstruction base their operations in neighbouring Dominican Republic, but here too, insurance challenges are serious.
Medical care in the Dominican Republic can be poor, particularly if you find yourself a long way from the tourist centres. Emergency medical service tends to be quite limited, particularly for remote locations. Ambulances will expect payment before they pick up and serious medical evacuations tend to be taken to Miami, requiring valid US insurance before treatment can be authorised.
Bellwood Prestbury can advise on Haiti insurance for companies or individuals, and can create bespoke packages to cover multiple nationalities working in Haiti and across the border in Dominican Republic, with US medical evacuation cover as an option.
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