Beware of Getting Caught in the Crossfire, Warns MediCare International

War and Reconstruction Zones now Popular Destinations for Specialist Expatriate Workers

LONDON, March 10, 2010 - As troops return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the full horror of war
is often hidden from public view. Not only are soldiers killed whilst away on
duty, but many suffer lost limbs or disfigurement when injured by bombs,
explosives and other weapons. What will come as a surprise to most, though,
is that according to the Los Angeles Times the number of US contractors
living in Iraq, now exceeds the number of US combat troops. Foreign
contractors, particularly UK nationals, are also to be found in large numbers
living in Iraq and Afghanistan. They too face danger as they go about their
working lives, as the battle is not restricted to professional soldiers, and
ordinary civilians working in war zones can easily get caught in the
crossfire.

Usually, contractors working in war zones are aware of the dangers that
accompany their jobs, and it is for this reason that it is extremely
advisable for individuals to take out health insurance which includes
"passive war zone cover" if they plan to be in this situation. Healthcare
insurance companies, such as MediCare International, offer policies which
cover both individuals and groups of employees in countries where the risk of
being caught in the crossfire is ever present, and importantly, premium
discounts are usually available with three or more lives insured together as
part of a group scheme. Although it is uncomfortable to face these facts,
should someone be involved in a serious accident, their insurance policy will
enable the individual to receive the best possible care, which could involve
any kind of treatment from evacuation through to emergency surgery and in the
longer term even the use of prosthetic limbs and plastic surgery.

Medical science has come a long way in its use of prosthetic limbs to
help people return to their everyday lives. The use of prosthetic limbs can
be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt, but advancements in recent years,
sometimes with the use of robotic technology, have enabled those with
prosthetic limbs to function just as well as their able-bodied counterparts.

Medical advancements have also taken place in plastic surgery, although
this is more commonly associated with cosmetic procedures focusing on beauty
rather than physical reconstruction after burns or other disfigurements.
Non-cosmetic plastic surgery tends to focus on burns, scarring and
disfigurement of the face or body. The benefits of plastic surgery to someone
who has been disfigured by accident or injury can be tremendous, not only
physically but psychologically too.

Many major healthcare insurers do not offer 'passive war' cover as part
of their healthcare policies, as the majority have a full war risk exclusion,
with the result that procedures such as the use of artificial limbs and
plastic surgery would not be available to a claimant. MediCare International
stands out in this respect, offering its full suite of normal policy benefits
such as evacuation and medical care, but also including rehabilitation cover
of up to GBP100,000 for injuries suffered in a war zone, including terrorist
attack. In a market so often characterized by policies which seem to offer
many similar benefits, 'passive war cover' can really makes a difference to
those expatriates living and working in world hotspots. 'Passive war cover'
is likely to be of particular interest to aid agencies and rebuilding
contractors working in the Gulf area, especially in Iraq, as well as
Afghanistan and parts of Africa. Policyholders will benefit from the full
range of MediCare International services, including rehabilitation, hospital
benefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists, or as part of
a broader war conflict.

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments,
"In an age where localised conflicts seem to be ever present, whether in the
form of a full scale encounter such as that in Afghanistan or on a more
localised basis in other world hotspots, the reconstruction and rebuilding of
economies is of vital importance. As a contractor or voluntary worker
attached to an NGO, preparing yourself for the reality of entering such areas
is a must, as the type of medical care which will be needed is quite
different from standard healthcare practice. For those companies involved in
reconstruction and aid, attracting the necessary highly-skilled specialists
can be helped if they know they can at least have full medical cover."

With over 25 years experience of supporting the international business
community worldwide and clients from 86 nationalities in 114 countries,
MediCare International - website www.medicare.co.uk - is a major
provider of health insurance for expats of all nationalities across the
world.

Note to Editors

MediCare International has been speaking fluent healthcare for over 25
years ensuring simple, quick access to the best health facilities for
expatriates of all nationalities living or working abroad and protection
against the costs of inpatient and outpatient medical treatment. Currently,
MediCare International has clients in 114 countries worldwide of 86 different
nationalities.

MediCare specialises in designing flexible medical insurance cover backed
up with the assurance of 24-hour emergency medical assistance for clients and
their families. Help, advice and support are only a telephone call away where
trained professionals can authorise treatment/settle bills direct with
medical facilities, or arrange medical evacuation when necessary - wherever
you are in the world. Most medical bills are refunded within 10 days, making
this one of the fastest settlement times in the industry.

MediCare International were one of the first insurers to offer genuine
chronic care costs cover, so clients with long term medication costs can rest
assured knowing they will be covered.

Cover under group plans is also available to most local nationals.
Discounted group rates start with just 3 lives and full medical history
disregarded exemptions are available on groups of 10 and over, making
Medicare one of the most competitive staff cover providers.

For details of MediCare's International health insurance plans visit
www.medicare.co.uk, email medicare@medicare.co.uk or call
+44(0)20-7204-3700.

For further information on MediCare International, please contact:

Guy Stephenson/Jenny Duffy, Nacelle Limited, Tel: +44(0)20-8333-9125

For further information on MediCare International, please contact: Guy Stephenson/Jenny Duffy, Nacelle Limited, Tel: +44(0)20-8333-9125