Are you properly covered?
If your work or travels take you to Kyrgyzstan, insurance should be high on your agenda. Many standard insurance policies won’t cover you and specialist medical cover with the option for emergency evacuation is highly recommended.
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Kyrgyzstan, already one the poorest and least developed of the Turkic states, has been involved in recent political strife that has added to the potential dangers here. The British Foreign Office is advising against travel to the Oblasts (provinces) of Osh and Jalal-Abad where an uprising in June 2010 claimed many civilian lives and led to an evacuation of British expats.
While large mineral reserves of coal gas and uranium attract foreign firms, the conditions within the country are challenging and the infrastructure is poor. The public health system has not really changed since the Soviet days and private health care, even in the capital Bishkek is virtually non-existent. Medical evacuation as part of any Kyrgyzstan insurance is highly recommended. The lack of medical infrastructure also means that Kyrgyzstan is liable to be affected by epidemic levels of disease – in recent years major measles outbreaks have resulted in many deaths.
Foreigners can be a particular target for violent muggings and theft, particularly after dark. In the past terrorist activity has also been targeted at specific expat communities, so individuals and companies are advised to take sensible security precautions. In some cases this may include organising kidnap and ransom insurance for key executives or considering liability insurance.
Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz/Uzbek borders. There have been a number of security incidents in this region including gunfire exchanges. The Uzbek and Tajik borders are subject to closure without notice, which can disrupt travel plans. If this happens do not opt for unofficial border crossings, as there is a risk that uncontrolled Kyrgyz/Uzbek border areas may be land-mined.
The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK regularly updates its advice to British travellers about immediate risks.