Beware of Getting Caught in the Crossfire, Warns MediCare International

LONDON, March 10, 2010

- War and Reconstruction Zones now Popular Destinations for SpecialistExpatriate Workers

- Effective International Healthcare Insurance Essential in Such Areas

- Medicare International one of the few Insurers to Offer This Cover

As troops return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the full horror of waris often hidden from public view. Not only are soldiers killed whilst away onduty, but many suffer lost limbs or disfigurement when injured by bombs,explosives and other weapons. What will come as a surprise to most, though,is that according to the Los Angeles Times the number of US contractorsliving in Iraq, now exceeds the number of US combat troops. Foreigncontractors, particularly UK nationals, are also to be found in large numbersliving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They too face danger as they go about theirworking lives, as the battle is not restricted to professional soldiers, andordinary civilians working in war zones can easily get caught in thecrossfire.

Usually, contractors working in war zones are aware of the dangers thataccompany their jobs, and it is for this reason that it is extremelyadvisable for individuals to take out health insurance which includes"passive war zone cover" if they plan to be in this situation. Healthcareinsurance companies, such as MediCare International, offer policies whichcover both individuals and groups of employees in countries where the risk ofbeing caught in the crossfire is ever present, and importantly, premiumdiscounts are usually available with three or more lives insured together aspart of a group scheme. Although it is uncomfortable to face these facts,should someone be involved in a serious accident, their insurance policy willenable the individual to receive the best possible care, which could involveany kind of treatment from evacuation through to emergency surgery and in thelonger term even the use of prosthetic limbs and plastic surgery.

Medical science has come a long way in its use of prosthetic limbs tohelp people return to their everyday lives. The use of prosthetic limbs canbe traced as far back as Ancient Egypt, but advancements in recent years,sometimes with the use of robotic technology, have enabled those withprosthetic limbs to function just as well as their able-bodied counterparts.

Medical advancements have also taken place in plastic surgery, althoughthis is more commonly associated with cosmetic procedures focusing on beautyrather than physical reconstruction after burns or other disfigurements.Non-cosmetic plastic surgery tends to focus on burns, scarring anddisfigurement of the face or body. The benefits of plastic surgery to someonewho has been disfigured by accident or injury can be tremendous, not onlyphysically but psychologically too.

Many major healthcare insurers do not offer 'passive war' cover as partof their healthcare policies, as the majority have a full war risk exclusion,with the result that procedures such as the use of artificial limbs andplastic surgery would not be available to a claimant. MediCare Internationalstands out in this respect, offering its full suite of normal policy benefitssuch as evacuation and medical care, but also including rehabilitation coverof up to GBP100,000 for injuries suffered in a war zone, including terroristattack. In a market so often characterized by policies which seem to offermany similar benefits, 'passive war cover' can really makes a difference tothose expatriates living and working in world hotspots. 'Passive war cover'is likely to be of particular interest to aid agencies and rebuildingcontractors working in the Gulf area, especially in Iraq, as well asAfghanistan and parts of Africa. Policyholders will benefit from the fullrange of MediCare International services, including rehabilitation, hospitalbenefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists, or as part ofa broader war conflict.

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments,"In an age where localised conflicts seem to be ever present, whether in theform of a full scale encounter such as that in Afghanistan or on a morelocalised basis in other world hotspots, the reconstruction and rebuilding ofeconomies is of vital importance. As a contractor or voluntary workerattached to an NGO, preparing yourself for the reality of entering such areasis a must, as the type of medical care which will be needed is quitedifferent from standard healthcare practice. For those companies involved inreconstruction and aid, attracting the necessary highly-skilled specialistscan be helped if they know they can at least have full medical cover."

With over 25 years experience of supporting the international businesscommunity worldwide and clients from 86 nationalities in 114 countries,MediCare International - website http://www.medicare.co.uk - is a majorprovider of health insurance for expats of all nationalities across the world.

Note to Editors

MediCare International has been speaking fluent healthcare for over 25years ensuring simple, quick access to the best health facilities forexpatriates of all nationalities living or working abroad and protectionagainst the costs of inpatient and outpatient medical treatment. Currently,MediCare International has clients in 114 countries worldwide of 86 differentnationalities.

MediCare specialises in designing flexible medical insurance cover backedup with the assurance of 24-hour emergency medical assistance for clients andtheir families. Help, advice and support are only a telephone call away wheretrained professionals can authorise treatment/settle bills direct withmedical facilities, or arrange medical evacuation when necessary - whereveryou are in the world. Most medical bills are refunded within 10 days, makingthis one of the fastest settlement times in the industry.

MediCare International were one of the first insurers to offer genuinechronic care costs cover, so clients with long term medication costs can restassured knowing they will be covered.

Cover under group plans is also available to most local nationals.Discounted group rates start with just 3 lives and full medical historydisregarded exemptions are available on groups of 10 and over, makingMedicare one of the most competitive staff cover providers.

For details of MediCare's International health insurance plans visithttp://www.medicare.co.uk, email medicare@medicare.co.uk or call+44(0)20-7204-3700.

For further information on MediCare International, please contact:

Guy Stephenson/Jenny Duffy, Nacelle Limited, Tel: +44(0)20-8333-9125

SOURCE MediCare International