Setting bills directly with medical facilities in Russia has proven to be one of the most difficult elements of continuing support for customers due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to insurer William Russell.
The insurer also noted that it expected people would choose to have treatment outside Russia where possible.
William Cooper, marketing director at William Russell, told Health & Protection settling bills directly with medical facilities in Russia and paying reimbursement claims to members in Russia and Belarus with local bank accounts is proving “extremely tricky”.
“We expect members will travel to destinations such as Istanbul, Dubai and Beijing for elective medical treatment. We’re also providing a security assistance app for smartphones free of charge to members,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, while emergency medical evacuations from within Ukraine are an unknown quantity, the firm has been working closely with its partner CEGA to provide an emergency medical evacuation service to members in Russia and Belarus.
“European airspace is closed to flights from Russia, but we can still evacuate eastwards to destinations like China and the UAE,” he added.
“For premium collections, we’re not experiencing major issues. We put that down to our members using overseas bank accounts for premium payments.”
Earlier today, Health & Protection revealed Allianz is no longer accepting new business from applicants for international private medical insurance (IPMI) who are residing in Russia.
This follows on from last week’s news that Bupa has chosen to end existing relationships with businesses in Russia while continuing to support customers undergoing treatment in the country.
Last month, Willis Towers Watson and Marsh McLennan opted to end operations in Russia while Aon suspended work in the country.