RIYADH, 26 April 2005 — A new insurance policy has been launched for the benefit of Haj pilgrims and Umrah performers.
Spelling out the features of Manasek, NCCI Group marketing manager, Ahmed Al-Shalan, told Arab News that the new insurance plan provides emergency medical and personal accident insurance protection for Haj pilgrims and performers of Umra during their stay in the Kingdom.
According to him, around two million Haj pilgrims and five million Umrah performers visit the Kingdom every year. The insurance policy is intended to cover them against various hazards, such as accidents, injuries, sickness, heat exhaustion, and (god forbid) death.”
The NCCI official said Manasek policy provides a maximum coverage of SR50,000 ($13,333) in compensation for accidents should pilgrims in either categories be involved in during their stay in the Kingdom. NCCI, through Manasek policy, guarantees the repatriation of the beneficiary’s body to his/her home country at a cost of up to SR10,000 ($2,667). Also, the policy covers emergency health care for the policy holder up to SR25,000 ($6,667).
Al-Shalan stated that NCCI will provide its policyholders with a list of medical service providers. The list will mainly cover Makkah and the adjoining holy sites, Medina and Jeddah, and will assist policyholders in locating suitable medical service providers in emergency cases to receive needed care without paying any fees.
The official said Manasek Insurance Plan targets foreign organizers of Haj and Umrah trips. The program will help these companies in fulfilling their responsibilities toward their clients as stipulated by Saudi law. The aim of these laws and the new program is to provide an accepted level of care for Haj pilgrims and Umrah performers.
Al-Shalan indicated that NCCI has taken into account the heavy financial burden on the pilgrims, thus keeping the premium at a reasonable level.
The cost of insurance is determined at SR100 ($27) per insured person per month. The insurance cover period may be extended by another month against an additional premium of SR100 ($27).