Jose Bonito, +44 7528 016224
Pamela Morinière (IFJ), +32 2 235 22 16
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries
IFJ supports new ‘by journalists for journalists’ insurance scheme
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has negotiated 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 specialising 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 organisations 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 minimise 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 Isle of Man Assurance Limited (IOMA). IOMA is authorised and regulated by the the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority and in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Insurance cover starts from as little as €12 per week for €100,000 cover and policies can be obtained in matter of minutes online here.
Holders of the IFJ International Press Card will benefit from a 10% discount on any policy offered by “Insurance for journalists”.
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Get updated on the latest news on @IFJinsuranceFor any press queries, please contact:Jose Bonito, +44 7528 016224
Pamela Morinière (IFJ), +32 2 235 22 16
Jose Bonito, +44 7528 016224
Pamela Morinière (IFJ), +32 2 235 22 16