As part of our Accident and Health cover at RSA, both companies and their employees can be covered. Our standard product covers you for accidents in the UK, but you can have added peace of mind by taking optional cover for accidents that happen abroad on business travel. In this particular case, we explore what happened when an employee of an insured company sustained injuries whilst working abroad.
The incident
Whilst at work, the employee was stood at height when they fell. Unfortunately, this resulted in multiple life-altering brain injuries. They spent around one month in a European hospital being closely monitored. The company this employee worked for got in touch with our A&H team in the first instance. It was then over to us to assist in putting together the necessary help under their policy.
How we stepped in to support
As the employee was alone and in hospital in an unfamiliar part of the world, we wanted to ensure they had loved ones with them. We therefore arranged for the employee’s parents to be flown out to be with them. We also made necessary arrangements for them to return home once fit and able to do so. As it turned out, the employee’s parents didn’t feel comfortable returning to the UK, and at the time we were in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This had a big effect on travel and added further complication to their homeward journey plans.
Whilst in the midst of planning onward travel for the employee’s parents, they then tested positive for Covid-19. We assisted them during this time and continued to support them until they were able to safely return to the UK.
There were concerns that the ongoing pandemic could impact any hospital treatment upon the employees return to the UK. As part of our A&H policy, the employee would be entitled to £25,000 of follow-up treatment upon returning to the UK. Due to the situation of hospitals in the UK during the pandemic and the concerns, we instead agreed for the funds to be used in Europe. The employee was moved to a private neurological rehabilitation centre to continue treatment.
To conclude this case
This is a great example whereby our A&H support teams have stepped in to support greatly at a challenging time. Factoring in personal circumstances of the employee, the policy limitations and the ongoing pandemic situation, this case was unique.
