HAITI INSURANCE – ESSENTIAL COVER

Bellwood Prestbury can provide tailored policies to provide the level of Haiti insurance you need for your trip, which could include:

• Medical emergency evacuation insurance – essential cover including emergency evacuation to neighbouring Dominican Republic or the US should be included as part of any health insurance in Haiti
• Kidnap insurance – the security situation is volatile and there is an increasing incidence of kidnapping of foreign nationals here
• Global life and accident insurance – specialist Haiti life, personal accident and disability insurance can be organised for a specific trip or extended residency
• International cargo insurance – we can organise insurance for cargoes being shipped in and out of Haiti

Post earthquake, Haiti remains a devastated country. Over one million Haitians are estimated to be living in tents. Barely 5% of rubble has been cleared and basic infrastructure like electricity, health services, roads and water supplies are severely compromised. The worst affected area is the capital, Port-au-Prince and outwards through the south of the city to the Carrefour, Leogane and Petit Goave districts. The city of Jacmel on the south coast is also particularly badly affected.

In these areas, the environment itself presents specific risks with potholes, a lack of street lighting, and blocked roads and paths making walking and vehicular transport more risky. Health and hospital services are extremely overstretched and not of a standard most westerners expect. Personal accident cover including medical evacuation for emergencies is recommended as part of any Haiti insurance provision.

Although most people here have coped with their losses with remarkable dignity, the sheer scale and hopelessness of the situation has led to an inevitable rise in crime. Armed robberies, burglary and mugging are all on the increase. Individuals have been kidnapped at their residence, workplace and from vehicles. Kidnappers do not discriminate on the basis of nationality, religion, gender, age or profession – even if you are engaged on a humanitarian enterprise you should remain vigilant and avoid travel after dark. Kidnap and ransom insurance may be appropriate.

You should drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Only eat well-cooked food and avoid salads. If you suffer from diarrhoea you should seek immediate medical attention.