Under the arrangement, the new so-called Aloe Healthcare Insurance plans are to be marketed by SATIB, and administered and underwritten by InterGlobal.
In a statement, InterGlobal noted that the Aloe Standard and Comprehensive plans had been aimed at the specialist needs of businesses operating in Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry, which, it noted, typically employ “safari and adventure guides, lodge hospitality staff, maintenance teams and other employees who often work in remote wilderness areas, and regularly come face to face with potentially dangerous game, including Africa’s ‘Big Five’”.
Both Aloe plans are available for use throughout the African continent, InterGlobal said, making it possible for insured individuals to move between the various African countries without losing their full insurance coverage.
Under the Aloe plans, employees may receive treatment at their choice of hospitals or clinics, even if this involves evacuation to an appropriate medical facility for both critical and non-emergency treatment, when adequate treatment is not available locally, InterGlobal said.
Standard v Comprehensive
Aloe Standard provides cover for in-patient and daycare treatment, as well as evacuation and repatriation benefits, according to InterGlobal. Those covered by the Aloe Comprehensive plan may also receive out-patient treatment, the maintenance of chronic medical conditions, and extra cover for cancer care.
All members have access to the so-called SATIB24 Crisis Call Centre, a specialist unit which provides around-the-clock incident management services, in the event of a medical or personal safety emergency – “even in remote, hard to reach areas”.
‘Cage diving, hot-air ballooning’
Andre du Toit, director of SATIB, said the Aloe schemes were better suited to the needs of African tourism and hospitality industry, which puts individuals at risk in ways that are very different from those that ordinary insurance plans are designed to allow for.
“We have gone to great lengths to ensure thorough coverage for our clients without exclusions or premium loadings for the typical activities and locations associated with tourism in Africa.
“Adventure activities such as cage diving, hot air ballooning, white water rafting and driving safaris are rarely covered by ‘off-the-shelf’ private medical plans.”
Founded 22 years ago and based in South Africa, SATIB has branch operations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique.
InterGlobal has customers in more than 150 countries and 11 offices worldwide, and specialises in providing international health insurance coverage for expatriates, frequent travellers and international business people.
Into Africa…
Earlier this month, InterGlobal unveiled its plans to grow its African business, which included enhancing its Africa UltraCare insurance plan; the appointment of a business development manager and executive for Africa; and the relocation of its regional office to the South African business hub of Centurion.
