INDIA INSURANCE – VITAL PROTECTION

Bellwood Prestbury can create customised India insurance to meet your specific needs, no matter how complex or high risk. We can arrange cover for people, property or company interests, including:

• Kidnap insurance – this will provide professional negotiators, cover ransom payments, and may help with other threatening developments like cases of extortion
• Global life and accident insurance – for extended residency you may need specialist India life insurance; personal accident and disability cover is also recommended
• Medical emergency evacuation insurance – cover for air ambulance emergency evacuation should be included in India health insurance, particularly if your business takes you away from the main cities
• International liability insurance – this can protect your businesses, your people, property, goods or services against liability claims from staff, the public or other bodies

Vast and colourful, rich and varied, India can overwhelm the visitor with its contrasts and contradictions. The world’s second largest democracy has seen huge economic growth in recent years, yet, despite its newfound prosperity, much of its people still live in poverty.

Tensions with its neighbours and between the country’s many cultures, castes and religions can erupt into violence and even terrorist attack. Before arriving it’s important to ensure that you have adequate India insurance for the region and the type of business you are engaged in.

The risk of terrorist attack across India is high. The high risk areas are concentrated in Jammu, Kashmir, Assam and the rural areas of Bihar, Jharkand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa. Having said that, places known to be frequented by western nationals are a specific target for some terrorist groups, as reflected in the Mumbai attacks in November 2008 that killed over 170, including 26 foreign nationals. 294 were injured.

You should keep informed about the local security situation and be on your guard in public places such as tourist and transport hubs and places of worship. Be aware that kidnap for ransom may be used by some terrorist groups and criminals and it may be advised that relevant cover is included in your India insurance plan.

The standard of medical facilities in India are as varied and diverse as everything else. In remote areas evacuation by air ambulance may be needed in the event of a medical emergency. This can be hugely costly and provision for it must be included with your International health insurance in India.

Political demonstrations are a common occurrence and can often lead to violent clashes and you are advised not to get caught up in them. Petty theft, such as handbag snatching and pickpocketing, can be a problem in urban and tourist centres. Be wary of all offers of food or drink from strangers and even some street vendors, as travellers have been drugged in this way and consequently robbed or assaulted.

Road travel is always chaotic and frequently dangerous, even more so during the monsoon when there is a high risk of flooding and landslides in some areas.