Insurance in Bahrain P1

BAHRAIN INSURANCE – QUALITY COVER IS CRUCIAL

Make sure you have the correct Bahrain insurance in place before you go to work, live or travel in this Persian Gulf state. Currently in a state of severe political crisis, standard insurance is likely to be invalid. Visitors should ensure that their Bahrain insurance includes provision for war and terrorism and should be highly vigilant at all times.

GET THE BEST BAHRAIN INSURANCE

Bellwood Prestbury are experts in bespoke Bahrain insurance cover to match your specific risks. Whether you need to cover people working in high risk regions or doing high risk jobs, we are able to secure the quality and level of Bahrain insurance you need, such as:

International travel insurance – which will be valid in the current troubled climate (most standard policies will not be valid)

Global life and accident insurance – covering death, injury or dismemberment due to an accident or violence in Bahrain Emergency medical evacuation insurance – to cover the cost of any treatment in Bahrain or evacuation to nearby Saudi Arabia where necessary

International liability insurance – this can cover anything from protecting business property, services or products, to covering liability claims from employees, the public or other bodies

DANGERS YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER IN BAHRAIN

Ancient Sumerians believed that this chain of thirty or so islands in the Persian Gulf was paradise on earth. Today, it is a luxury holiday destination and business centre, but recent political turbulence has made Bahrain a dangerous place to visit, work and live. Your Bahrain insurance cover should reflect the uncertainty of the security situation.

There are curfews in place throughout the kingdom and on the waterways around Bahrain, when any movement is restricted. Make sure you know the curfew times – you are strongly advised to respect them.

Be vigilant at any time – political flare-ups in public places are possible. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. Emergency medical treatment is not free, so make sure your Bahrain insurance includes comprehensive medical cover.Hospitals may be compromised during the unrest, so evacuation cover is advisable.

Approach sea travel in the Gulf with caution. Some areas are highly sensitive and vessels have been detained, so make enquires before you set out. Safety can be an issue when travelling by dhow – ensure that life jackets are available.

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Insurance in Algeria P1

ALGERIA INSURANCE – THE RIGHT COVER IS VITAL

Finding appropriate Algeria insurance should be a high priority for anyone visiting this vast desert nation. With its long history of bloody political turmoil and increasing incidence of terrorist activity, Algeria could present foreign nationals with a number of hazards, including the risk of kidnap, ambush and bombing. Specialist Algeria insurance is a must for anyone travelling or operating here.

ALGERIA INSURANCE – FINDING THE RIGHT COVER

Bellwood Prestbury has the expertise to provide robust Algerian insurance at competitive rates, covering individuals, companies, services or property, including:

Global life and accident insurance – provides a lump sum in the event of death, or compensation for injuries caused by accident or violent crime

Medical emergency evacuation insurance – given the poor state of local healthcare, international medical insurance for Algeria is vital and must include emergency evacuation

Kidnap insurance – foreign nationals are a frequent target. This covers the cost of expert negotiators and reimburses the ransom

International liability insurance – this cover can be tailored to your needs to protect anything from products and services, to public liability claims for damage to the environment, pollution, or other accidental events.

Algeria is Africa’s second largest state, and almost 80% of it is covered by the Sahara. It has had little respite from conflict for the last fifty years. Although all-out civil war ended in 1999, the country has been increasingly subject to terrorist attacks from a group called al-Qaeda in the Land of Islamic Maghreb (AQLIM). Almost every day, somewhere in Algeria, there are violent clashes between security forces and suspected militants.

Numerous foreign nationals have been kidnapped and western interests are known to be a specific terrorist target. Typical western life, accident, travel, and medical insurance cover may not be valid here. We can organise specialist insurance for Algeria that will remain valid, even if major civil unrest breaks out while you are there.

Anti-government protests here were relatively peaceful. All the same, visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid public demonstrations and disturbances.

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Insurance in Afghanistan P1

AFGHANISTAN INSURANCE - ESSENTIAL COVER

Whether you’re an individual or a company operating in Afghanistan, insurance should be top of your list. Insurance in Afghanistan, travel, health or life, must include special war and terrorism provisions. If you are working as a contractor into the US military or US public works, it’s a legal requirement to provide Defense Base Act insurance for yourself or your employees.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL - AFGHANISTAN INSURANCE

No part of Afghanistan can be considered safe from terrorism. Bellwood Prestbury offers a full range of Afghanistan insurance options to cover people, property, goods, services and more, all with war and terrorism cover included:

Specialist insurance for Afghanistan – including Afghanistan travel insurance, medical insurance, life and personal accident insurance and protection for companies, cargoes and personnel

Kidnap insurance - pays the cost of experts negotiating with kidnappers and reimburses the ransom

Defence Base Act insurance – workers compensation for civilians hired by the US government for contracts outside the US

Bespoke policies – to meet your specific needs, for a company, team or individuals

WHAT RISKS MIGHT YOU ENCOUNTER?

Afghanistan has suffered a continuous state of war since the late 1970s and visiting foreign nationals should be aware of the precautions needed, including having robust Afghanistan insurance cover in place before travelling.

The threat from roadside bombs, suicide bombs, indirect fire, ambush and kidnapping of both local and foreign nationals is high and travel should only be undertaken with the strictest security measures. Obviously standard travel insurance in Afghanistan is not valid.

Medical emergency and evacuation cover is strongly advised as part of any Afghanistan insurance package. This would apply equally to a medical emergency like appendicitis or a road traffic accident, since healthcare is extremely poor by western standards

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Insurance in Turkey P1

TURKEY INSURANCE - ESSENTIAL COVER

It is important to secure the right type of Turkey insurance before travelling or working there. Terrorism presents a threat from both Kurdish and al-Qaeda linked groups and healthcare and road travel can be poor in the more remote regions. For short stays, standard Turkey travel insurance may be sufficient, but extended residency, high risk areas or business operations may need specialist cover.

TURKEY INSURANCE – SECURING THE RIGHT COVER

Bellwood Prestbury can create bespoke Turkey insurance to cover individuals, employees or whole companies, covering all the potential risk, including:

Global life and accident insurance – provides a lump sum in the event of your death, or compensation for injury due to accident or violent crime in Turkey

International health care insurance – Healthcare is good in urban centres but less so in remote areas of Turkey; health insurance including evacuation and repatriation cover is advised

International travel insurance – covers personal property, delayed flights, and repatriation costs as required

International liability insurance – this can cover anything from protecting products and services, to covering public liability claims or professional indemnity insurance

POTENTIAL ISSUES IN TURKEY

Straddling two continents, Turkey’s strategic position has caused it to be one of history’s most fought over countries. Its rich and varied landscape is dotted with the ruins of great empires and battlegrounds.

FCO advice is against travel to areas where terrorist activity by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is most likely. However, though this activity is concentrated mainly in the south eastern provinces, attacks can occur across the country.

While PKK activity is targeted mainly at the Turkish authorities, the activities of groups linked to al-Qaeda are known to specifically target secular and western interests. Advice is to remain vigilant in public places at all times. Tensions on the Iraq/Turkey border also means travel to this area is discouraged.

Crime is relatively low, but pickpocketing can be problem in Istanbul and tourist spots. Sexual assaults on foreign nationals have been reported, predominantly in coastal resorts.

Poor road maintenance and reckless driving can make travel about the country hazardous. Healthcare can be of a very high standard in urban centres but less so in remote regions. International health insurance in Turkey is strongly encouraged and should include emergency evacuation and repatriation cover.

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Insurance in Armenia P1

ARMENIA INSURANCE - ESSENTIAL COVER

Before travelling to this beautiful landlocked country in the Caucasus, make sure you have the right Armenia insurance. Inadequate medical facilities, run down infrastructure and the unresolved dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh can present the visitor with a number of challenges and standard western insurance policies might not afford appropriate cover.

Whether you need cover for individuals, goods, services or property, Bellwood Prestbury can organise comprehensive Armenia insurance to fit your needs, including:

Global life and accident insurance – a lump sum is provided in the event of death, and compensation is paid should injury be suffered as the result of violent crime or an accident

Emergency medical evacuation insurance – strongly advised since medical facilities in Armenia are limited and emergencies often require air evacuation to EU countries International travel insurance – usually includes cover for personal property, delayed flights and repatriation costs if required

International liability insurance – bespoke insurance providing protection for your business, covering personnel or property against acts of terrorism, professional indemnity cover or liability claims from employees or members of the public

Armenia can boast one of the world’s oldest Christian civilisations and a rich cultural heritage born of the country’s position on the ancient Great Silk Road. Over the centuries its strategically important territory has been fought over and claimed by other powers, most recently by the Soviet Union until its rule collapsed in 1991.

Today, though largely peaceful, an unresolved dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh can be a flashpoint of violence in Armenia. Insurance may need to include special provisions if you are planning to go to this border area due to the risk of sniper gunfire, mines and other unexploded ordnance.

In the capital, Yerevan, and other cities, political demonstrations can occur and have on occasion become confrontational. Crime, such as pickpocketing and burglary can be problem, and there are occasional shooting incidents involving organised crime. Although foreign nationals are not specifically targeted here, you are advised to remain vigilant and not to carry valuables.

Road travel has its dangers due to poor standards of both driving and road maintenance. You should also be aware that Armenian airlines might not comply with international safety standards.

Healthcare facilities are often inadequate and not equipped to deal with serious emergencies, so it’s imperative that you have evacuation provision as part of your medical insurance in Armenia.

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Insurance in Georgia P1

GEORGIA INSURANCE – ESSENTIAL COVER

Choosing the right Georgia insurance to cover your trip is essential. Some areas of the country are still significantly troubled, and you will need specialist insurance if you are doing business or planning to travel in these areas. Make sure you have the right Georgia insurance before you leave.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GEORGIA INSURANCE

Let Bellwood Prestbury put together exactly the right type and level of Georgia insurance for your specific needs. No matter how complex or high risk, we have the experience to organise essential cover, including:
Kidnap insurance – this will provide cover for kidnap negotiations and ransom demands, a rising crime in Georgia

Global life and accident insurance – for extended residency you may need specialist Georgia life insurance and personal accident and disability cover is also highly recommended
Medical emergency evacuation insurance – cover for air ambulance emergency evacuation should be included in Georgia health insurance, particularly if your business takes you away from Tbilisi
International liability insurance – this can protect your businesses, your people, property, goods or services against liability claims from staff, the public or other bodies

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IN GEORGIA

After the conflict with Russia, Georgia is looking towards a bright future – tourism and business are now enjoying substantial development. Combine this trend with the outstanding mountainous beauty of the country and a fascinating mix of cultural influences, and you have a destination that is steadily growing in popularity.

However, having the right Georgia insurance is still crucial. Although the security situation is stable, there is tension in the areas of South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and bordering regions, and there have been incidents of violence and terrorism. The targets are usually military, but there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There have also been reports of landmines and explosions – unexploded ordnance still poses a risk in regions where military operations have taken place.

In other areas, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, especially in public places where there is inadequate lighting. In more urban areas, muggings, carjackings, assaults, and other violent crimes against foreigners are not uncommon.

The kidnapping of foreign residents and visitors is a serious problem in Georgia. To avoid being targeted, travel in groups and do not walk or take the subway alone after dark. Vary your daily routine and keep doors to cars and homes securely locked.

Most medical services are available in Tbilisi, but healthcare beyond the capital is limited. In the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation could be necessary, so make sure it is included in your Georgia health insurance.

To avoid contracting infectious diseases, travellers should drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid rare-cooked meat and unpasteurized products, including most food sold in the streets.

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Insurance in russia P1

RUSSIA INSURANCE – COVER YOU MAY NEED

You may need specialist Russia insurance, particularly if you plan to visit or work in regions of the North Caucasus, which have witnessed a new rise in terrorist attacks. Of course, not all areas of the country are equally dangerous – make sure your Russian insurance is appropriate for where you are going.

GETTING THE RIGHT RUSSIAN INSURANCE

Bellwood Prestbury has in-depth knowledge of high risk insurance. We can tailor your Russian insurance to provide exactly the cover you need, for example:

Global life and accident insurance – providing adequate life, personal accident and disability cover
Expat medical insurance – cover for evacuation by air ambulance and can be included with your international health insurance in Russia

Kidnap insurance – a sensible precaution if you represent a foreign company in more remote areas
International travel insurance – you may need specialist Russian travel insurance if you plan to visit the North Caucasus

POTENTIAL DANGERS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Since the summer of 2009, some areas of the Russian Federation have seen regular suicide bombings (mostly in the republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia) and targeted assassinations. Unexploded mines are widespread in these areas and kidnapping for ransom is common. However, terrorist incidents are possible throughout Russia, including Moscow. Visitors need to be cautious in public places, on public transport, and in crowds.

Your Russia insurance should cover you for these eventualities as well as for theft and loss. Pickpocketing and robbery are common, and often carried out by groups of children using distraction techniques. Drink spiking followed by robbery and assault has been reported – do not accept food and drinks from strangers, or leave drinks unattended.

Traffic police are known to stop motorists and demand on-the-spot cash fines. There are also reports of criminals posing as officials – always ask to see ID.

Healthwise, the risks include food poisoning, TB, rabies, and tick-borne encephalitis. Consuming untreated water greatly increases the risk of getting sick. There has been an increase in rabies in the Sverdlovsk region.

British nationals are entitled to free treatment in Russian hospitals, but be aware that treatment is likely to be limited. Most expats living in Russia carry expat medical insurance with the option for evacuation and treatment in higher standard European hospitals should it be required.

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