IFJ and battleface launch revised international travel plan for journalists

Travel insurer battleface and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have launched a revised international travel plan for IFJ members working overseas.

The cover updates a previous insurance plan provided by battleface to the IFJ as part of an agreement originally announced in October 2019, and now features new elements including provision for the coverage of medical expenses caused by or resulting from Covid-19.

The new plan includes includes:

• 24/7 travel and emergency assistance services
• Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses up to €2,000,000
• Personal accident expenses up to €500,000
• Equipment cover for up to €10,000.

Coverage applies to most destinations worldwide, other than the member’s home country, including countries currently under government essential and non-essential travel advisories.

Flexible, cost-effective insurance for international reporters

The collaboration between the two partners is intended to provide IFJ members with an cost-effective international travel plan which offers IFJ members a degree of customisation to meet their individual needs when reporting overseas.

Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface, said: “Journalists travelling overseas can face a significant number of challenges whilst on assignment. We are confident that by having the relevant insurance in place, journalists will be able to travel with added protection knowing that they are covered in the event of a crisis.”

“We are excited to be relaunching IFJ-battleface insurance cover, offering crucial coverage for our members reporting overseas,” said IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger. “The risks facing international reporters have multiplied in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and growing attacks on journalists. With this insurance, we are confident that IFJ members will be able to fulfil their professional duties of informing the public safely and securely.”

battleface recently released a statement in response to customer queries regarding the war in Ukraine, which warned that many travel policies may no longer be valid in Ukraine, Russia or Belarus.