XL Catlin launches emergency evacuation solution

Re/insurer XL Catlin has introduced an emergency security and disaster evacuation (ESDE) solution that will provide insurance cover to companies with employees working internationally during any unforeseen circumstances.

The solution is designed to help businesses cover the cost of evacuating employees due to emergency or natural disaster, and respond to their needs immediately with 24/7 access. It will be underwritten out of London, Guernsey, Hong Kong and Singapore.

“Protecting employees and ensuring their well-being is of primary concern to multinational companies,” said Charlie Matheson, global head of kidnap and ransom division at XL Catlin.

“In the event that they have to evacuate their people from an area of or even a country in the wake of a natural disaster, a terrorist attack or political unrest, what they need is an insurance coverage which is clear and responsive. We understand that, and that is also why our coverage includes 24/7 access to one of the world’s leading emergency evacuation response experts, Drum Cussac,”

Stephen Ashwell, chief underwriting officer of crisis management, added: “We’ve seen how natural disasters, political violence, coups d’etat can appear with little or no warning and have wide-ranging consequences for the people they affect. In recent times the Arab Spring is one such noteworthy example.”

“Evacuations are not only costly; they can also be very complicated and stressful for individuals. As such, we’ve designed the ESDE solution to help companies protect their employees in the wake of these unforeseen and high impact events.”