Zika – Insurance and Risk Management Considerations for Businesses

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika virus outbreak a global public health emergency, thus prioritising resources to manage its rapid spread. The WHO does not, at the time of writing, recommend travel or trade restrictions. However, as evidenced by its placement among the top 10 risks in terms of impact for risk leaders and experts in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2016, the spread of infectious diseases such as Zika is a key concern for organisations.

Although Zika appears to pose the most threat to pregnant women, where links to brain defects in children is strongly suspected, employers should encourage all employees working in or travelling to affected countries to be aware of the virus and its symptoms.

This Adviser sets out the actions you can take now from a risk management viewpoint, and sets out the general UK insurance position in respect of business travel, property, employer’s liability, and public and products liability insurance.

The information provided in this document is general guidance. Please contact your usual Marsh representative to discuss your specific insurance policy wordings and cover.