The outbreak of Ebola in the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia is likely to cause significant impact on international travel plans. RSA is keen to ensure any customers situated or intending to travel to or from the affected areas are fully apprised of the situation and have the support to assess the risks involved in any such intended travel. We are advising RSA Business Travel customers that with effect from 1st August 2014 we will settle all valid claims submitted under an active Cancellation, Curtailment, Rearrangement or Change of Itinerary sections of our policy in respect of travel to and from Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
WHAT DO CUSTOMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CURRENT OUTBREAK?
The Ebola virus is one of the most lethal viruses so far identified, with high case fatality rates. It causes a severe type of haemorrhagic fever and outbreaks have been occurring since it was identified in 1967. This particular outbreak has heightened concern because of its reach to urban areas.
- The UK Government, the World Health Organisation and infectious disease control specialists around the globe are monitoring the situation very closely. The situation may change rapidly.
- Should the situation escalate it is possible that commercial airlines may consider a cessation of flights to / from the area or that quarantine measures may be put into place.
- An increase in demand for flights away from the region has already had a limiting effect on travel options.
HOW IS RSA RESPONDING TO THE SITUATION?
- Should it be imperative that customers proceed with travel or work in these territories RSA will continue to provide full policy coverage subject to the normal terms conditions and exclusions of the policy.
- However, please be aware that the implications for those travelling and working in affected areas are significant, not just because of the risk of contracting the disease, but also because the outbreak has the potential to interfere with our normal management and evacuation pathways for non-Ebola related disease and injury.
- Given the current escalating situation there can be no guarantee that medical evacuation will be possible and for that reason we appreciate that there is a possible reluctance to travel to the area.
- Effective 01st August 2014 RSA will settle any valid claim submitted under an active Cancellation, Curtailment, Rearrangement or Change of Itinerary section of our Business Travel Policies in respect of intended travel to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
WHEN CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you have any more specific concerns or questions surrounding the medical assistance implications of the current Ebola outbreak please contact our trusted specialists in medical assistance, Capita Global Assistance on
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8763 3155
E-mail: international.ops@capita.co.uk
These services can be accessed 24 hours a day 365 days a year
For the World Health Organisation’s current status of the outbreak, go to the West Africa Ebola update
If you have any further queries on the operation of the RSA Commercial Business Travel policy and proposition to Ebola please contact:
Toni LePine, toni.lepine@uk.rsagroup.com, 0207 337 5205
Teresa Carr Long, teresa.carrlong@uk.rsagroup.com, 0207 337 5998
Donna Shawcross, donna.shawcross@uk.rsagroup.com, 0161 923 1364
Sarah Charman, sarah.charman@uk.rsagroup.com, 0207 337 5849