In practice, it turns out that coverage in such situations is less self-evident than is often assumed. Especially when there is war, unrest, or instability, specific conditions and limitations apply.p>
War and unrest: no standard coverage
Risks such as war, civil war, riots, or disturbances are not automatically included in most insurance policies. Whether coverage is possible depends on various factors, such as the country, the time of departure, and the steps taken beforehand.
This concretely means that a standard insurance policy rarely suffices when employees are present in or travel to a high-risk area.
Work accidents: mandatory, but with clear limits
Although work accident insurance is legally required, it does not provide automatic protection in war situations. War risk is never included as standard and can only be arranged through a prior request to the insurer.
When coverage is possible, it is assessed based on the security level of the country at the time of departure, among other things, in accordance with NATO or other official body classifications. The corresponding premium is also set at that moment and is often based on day rates, which can become considerable.br>It is therefore strongly recommended to make a clear estimate of the total costs beforehand.
Additionally, as an employer, you are still required to properly insure your employees according to the Law of 1971 on work accidents. If no agreement is obtained from the insurer for war risk coverage, it is highly inadvisable to go ahead with the trip. In such a case, your liability as an employer may be at risk.
Travel assistance: preparation makes the difference
Travel assistance coverage is also not self-evident in high-risk areas. For trips to countries with an increased security risk, coverage must be requested and assessed in advance.
Insurers take various elements into account, such as the destination, the purpose of the trip, the duration of the stay, and the planned safety measures.
Without this prior analysis and explicit approval, the insurer will not intervene in the event of problems on site.
Moreover, depending on the risk level of the area, insurers often limit the insured sums and certain guarantees. This may concern:
• Medical expenses
• Repatriation
• Additional cover such as accident or disability
Medical expenses: what remains covered and what does not?
For hospitalization and medical expenses insurance, the basic coverage is retained in many cases. Medical expenses resulting from an illness or a classic accident are usually insured, even abroad.
However, things are different when the damage is directly related to a war situation. In that case, most policies have a clear exclusion. Illnesses or accidents caused by war or civil war are not covered.
For situations of unrest or violence, a distinction is made: those who actively participate are not covered. In cases of passive involvement, there may still be coverage, depending on the circumstances.
What if evacuation is not possible?
In serious crisis situations, medical evacuation may no longer be possible, for example due to security risks or operational limitations.
In such cases, the principle of force majeure applies. Insurers can only intervene within the limits of what is practically and safely feasible. This is an important consideration that is often underestimated.
When the situation on site changes
It regularly happens that an employee is already abroad when the situation suddenly deteriorates. In those cases, coverage for non-war-related damage is usually maintained.
For damage directly related to the conflict, the intervention depends on the policy conditions and the specific circumstances. Each situation is assessed individually.
Preparation is not a formality, but a necessity
International travel today requires more than just practical arrangements. Insurance coverage must also be reviewed consciously and in advance.
By checking in a timely manner which risks exist, which insurance applies, and where possible gaps lie, many problems can be avoided.
Have your international coverage checked in time
Does your company have employees in high-risk areas or are you planning trips to regions with increased tensions?
Then it is important to have your current insurance solutions critically analyzed. Our experts closely monitor the international situation and are happy to help you align your coverage with the current reality.
Are you unsure whether your employees are sufficiently protected today?
Feel free to contact us. Together, we will identify the risks and how you can effectively cover them.
