IFJ launches 'by journalists for journalists' insurance scheme

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 17 January 2017

The International Federation of Journalists has introduced a cost-effective insurance scheme for media professionals worldwide. This initiative aims to support journalists working in perilous environments, ensuring they have access to essential coverage.

Summary

BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined forces with a major insurance company to unveil a new cost-effective insurance scheme covering all media workers without restriction in any region of the world – including war zones.

Many insurance companies refuse to insure news professionals working in dangerous areas, or do it at very heavy costs, which results in many reporters and freelancers, including fixers and technical staff, covering news in some of the world's most dangerous countries without the safety net of an insurance policy.

Now the IFJ has joined forces with ‘Insurance for Journalists’ to provide the opportunity for cover for all its affiliates’ members working on assignments anywhere in the world. ‘Insurance for Journalists’ is an insurer specializing solely in insuring media staff, without restrictions, following them wherever their next assignment may take them.

Every policy provides cover for accidental death and disablement plus emergency accident and sickness evacuation and repatriation from anywhere in the world including hostile regions to the policy holders’ country of residence when required.

The insurance policies have been developed with the assistance of a team of journalists led by Frank Giglio a former news production manager with 42 years’ experience gained working in the field for ABC and Fox News in consultation with IFJ staff.

"The majority of news organizations and media outlets rely on the freelance community to cover breaking news, documentaries and special events, it is essential that each individual or group are properly insured," said Giglio.

The IFJ 25th annual report on journalists and media staff killed (1990-2015) recorded at least 2,297 media professionals killed in the last 25 years with highest death rates in Iraq (309), Philippines (146) and Mexico (120). Although safety training is an essential way to minimize journalists’ risks abroad, more is needed to provide media colleagues with the safest working environment.

Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the IFJ said: “While careful planning remains the most important part of newsgathering, no media worker should be excluded from access to a decent and global insurance covering all risks. The IFJ has been working with ‘Insurance for Journalists’ to offer an affordable comprehensive insurance scheme for all our affiliates’ members worldwide”.

All policies are provided by IOMA Insurance in conjunction with Lloyd’s of London, the specialist insurance market. Insurance cover starts from as little as €12 per week for €100,000 cover and policies can be obtained in matter of minutes online.

Holders of the IFJ International Press Card will benefit from a 10% discount on any policy offered by “Insurance for journalists”. - IFJ media release