Markel launches travel cover for rare-disease clinical trials

Markel Insurance has launched a travel reimbursement product for rare-disease clinical trials, targeting a gap in conventional travel cover for patients travelling internationally to access specialist research.

The Participant Travel Reimbursement enhancement can be purchased by life sciences companies and other clinical trial sponsors through their brokers. It reimburses sponsors for eligible expenses associated with approved international travel by registered trial participants, subject to policy terms, and eligibility requirements.

Unlike conventional consumer travel insurance, benefits are paid to the trial sponsor rather than directly to the participant.

Registered participants who have been medically assessed as fit to travel by their doctor can also access 24-hour support from medical assistance provider Healix. Services include medical assistance and coordination of appropriate care while travelling, subject to the policy terms.

Addressing a specialist travel risk

Markel said the product was developed following feedback from life sciences companies and brokers seeking a way to support patients who need to cross borders to participate in rare-disease research.

Such patients can present an unusual challenge for traditional travel insurance. Rare diseases frequently involve complex or pre-existing medical conditions, while travelling specifically to participate in a clinical trial may also fall outside standard underwriting criteria.

Markel said traditional travel insurance may therefore either be unavailable or unsuitable for some participants.

The challenge is compounded by the geographical distribution of rare-disease patients and specialist research centres. More than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified worldwide, collectively affecting an estimated 300 million people, according to figures cited by Markel.

Research referenced by the insurer also found that 57% of prospective clinical trial participants considered financial barriers ‘very important’ when deciding whether to enrol.

Robert Hannaford, Senior Life Science Underwriter at Markel International, said eligible patients and specialist trial sites were not always located in the same country.

“For some participants, travelling internationally to take part in a trial can involve additional cost and complexity,” he commented.

Medical assistance built into cover

The involvement of Healix adds an assistance component for patients travelling with potentially complex medical needs.

James Henderson, CEO of Healix International, said geography could limit access to specialist clinical trials for people living with rare diseases.

“Even when an appropriate trial exists, travelling internationally while managing a complex medical condition can be a daunting prospect for patients and their families,” he noted.

Markel stressed that the insurance does not determine whether a patient can participate in a trial. Clinical eligibility remains subject to trial protocols, medical assessment, informed consent, and applicable regulatory requirements.