“I got a surprise call from the team that they needed a plane to evacuate a sick patient urgently. That the situation was dire and we needed to move with speed,” said Jenifer Kimotho, deputy business manager with an insurance firm. “I had never had such a call and had to move with haste.”
It turned out to be one of the rare success stories of an insurance cover.
Peak East Africa had taken up an insurance cover that, among other things, could facilitate an airlift within a short notice in case of an emergency.
“We contacted our partners in the UK, who then liaised with their subsidiary in South Africa,” said Kamotho.
Before long, Akyoo was airlifted from the Seronka airstrip to Maun town where he was stabilised and then airlifted again to Johannesburg where he was admitted for ten days at the Linksfield Hospital. The case of Akyoo demonstrates the risk that accompanies international travel.
According to insurance experts, more and more people are beginning to understand the need to take up cover against such unforeseen calamities.
“With education, more people are coming forth,” said Ms Kamotho.
“In some countries, it is a mandatory requirement before one can travel.” Currently, Chartis, UAP, and CfC Heritage have such a cover.
The cover provides a 24-hour emergency and medical assistance anywhere in the world. You can enjoy easy and carefree international travel. It also serves as an option by countries that require travel insurance before issuing visa.
“Previously, people only took it up as a mandatory cover. As the economy has grown and people become aware of the risks, more people especially students, corporate organisations are coming through,” said Kamotho.
The cover takes care of travel delays, medical and emergency expenses, hospital allowance, personal accident, cost of obtaining a passport, and baggage loss among other functions.
