Risk Management and Insurance Implications of Ebola

The current outbreak of the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus has claimed thousands of lives across West Africa while the isolated emergence of the disease in the US and elsewhere has triggered widespread public concern. Although health officials assert that a large-scale outbreak in Australia is unlikely, it is prudent for organisations to identify, understand, and prepare for the potential risks to their businesses and employees.

A number of insurance policies may offer some protection from financial and operational impacts as a result of the evolving threat of Ebola. At the same time, effective risk management and mitigation actions can help minimise the potential damage of the disease before and after it presents as a threat to organisations.