INSURANCE
INTRODUCTION
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All journalists should be adequately insured when working on an assignment or story and we encourage freelancers, local journalists, media workers and their commissioning editors to be informed and up to date about appropriate insurance options so that they can compare policies and find cover that is the most suited to their needs.
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Insurance cover for freelance and local journalists is improving but there is stilll a long way to go. Always read and review the terms and conditions of different policies to be sure you are adequately covered. Some policies will be subject to exceptions and exclusions and you may be asked to disclose health conditions or other personal history to qualify for cover.
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Two of the policies listed below offer an ACOS discount. Please note we do not receive any financial consideration or benefit from any insurance companies or underwriters and take no responsibility for their performance or the actions or omissions of any person or organization related to these insurance programs.
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This insurance is designed for journalists and other members of the media who are working away from their home country anywhere in the world. War and conflict zones are included, as is travelling as a passenger in a military vehicle or helicopter.
Journalists can buy policies online by the week, even when they already on assignment.
The policy covers:
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Accidental death and disablement.
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Sickness and accident medical expenses in the zones selected including emergency evacuation from the point of an incident to an appropriate care facility plus repatriation home when required. Subject to a $/€ 250 deductible for each and every claim.
All policies include a ‘follow you home extension’ which extends the medical expenses cover following an accepted claim for a further three months once the insured person has returned to their home country.*
(* subject to policy conditions)
Ukraine:
Please note: insurance premiums for Ukraine have increased since the beginning of the conflict. Whilst cover remains available throughout Ukraine, with no excluded areas or special terms, the rate payable will vary from region to region. Rates are reviewed monthly and as the risks reduce - or increase - the premium for new policies will be adjusted accordingly.
Insurance for news organizations, media production companies, and individual journalists to cover their locally hired journalists, producers, translators, drivers and other media workers at a reasonable daily rate.
The policy covers:
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Accidental death
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Accident medical expenses including emergency evacuation from the point of an incident to an appropriate care facility plus repatriation home when required. Subject to a $/€ 250 deductible for each and every claim.
In partnership with Battleface, RSF offers insurance tailored to the needs of journalists reporting or working outside of their home country. Details are listed on their Journalist and Media Assistance Page.
This plan covers the risks of war and the consequences of acts of terrorism in most countries of the world. This may include emergency medical care, hospitalization costs, medical repatriation, or equipment insurance.
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Note: membership with Reporters Without Borders is mandatory in order to qualify for their insurance. Journalists can join RSF International by clicking here.
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Please also note that due to international sanctions, this insurance is currently not available to journalists
or media workers:
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wishing to travel to the following countries: Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, Crimea, Venezuela and South Sudan.
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residing in the following countries: United States, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Crimea, South Sudan, Russia, Belarus and Venezuela.
The International Federation of Journalists' partnership with Battleface offers all of IFJ's member journalists a range of insurance cover, on-the-ground emergency support and equipment cover – including in the world’s most challenging environments.
Note: this special scheme is only available to IFJ members. Holders of IFJ's International Press Card enjoy an exclusive discount too.