Members' Travel Insurance (Hansard, 15 May 1978)

§ Mr. Foot

Below is the text of a memorandum on personal accident insurance prepared by the Accountant.

Fees Office,

House of Commons,

London, SW1A 0AA.

Personal Accident Insurance of Members Travelling on the Business of the House

Arrangements have been made for a personal accident policy, the premiums for which will be met from Public Funds, to cover the risk of death or injury on any day on which a Member is travelling away from the Palace of Westminster on the business of the House, in the United Kingdom or abroad. The business of the House for this purpose means service on a Parliamentary Committee or delegation which has been set up directly by the House, or Committee of Selection, or by Mr. Speaker, or by the Government. The policy will not cover flights in private or private charter aircraft, nor flights in prototype aircraft or test flights unless prior arrangements are made.

The period of insurance covers any day on which a Member is away on such Parliamentary business. Although the premium is paid from Public Funds, any claims arising must be preferred by the insured person, his executors or administrators who, similarly, must prefer any legal action which may be undertaken against the Insurers.

The benefits provided by the policy (as now Amended) with effect from 1st August 1977 are as follows:

Death—a lump sum of £40,000.

Permanent total loss of sight of one or both eyes; or loss of one or two limbs; or permanent total loss of sight of one eye and loss of one limb—a lump sum of £40,000.

Temporary total disablement—£100 per week for so long as such disablement continues but not exceeding altogether 104 consecutive weeks for any single disablement. In addition medical expenses will be paid up to a maximum of £500 for any claim.

The maximum sum insured under the House of Commons Insurance policy for any one aeroplane is £520,000. If therefore more than 13 Members of the House of Commons intend to travel on one aircraft it will be essential for the officer responsible for arranging the journey to notify the Fees Office, before the commencement of the journey, in order that additional cover can be obtained. It will also be necessary for the Fees Office to be notified of any proposed flights in helicopters since such flights have to be notified to the Underwriters, who will require an additional premium to provide cover for this particular form of travel.

In the event of illness not arising from accidents and therefore not covered by the above insurance arrangements Members will wish to be aware of the following:

(i) Should any Member require urgent medical or dental treatment whilst travelling abroad on the business of the House the local Diplomatic Service Mission should be 9 asked to advise about recommended practitioners.
(ii) Members are asked to pay their own medical or dental bills and on return to the House receipted bills should be forwarded to the Fees Office. Members will be reimbursed the costs of treatment and medical facilities normally provided by the U.K. National Health Service.

Members will also wish to be aware that there is no provision for a comprehensive insurance cover against losses of personal property whilst travelling on official business but that claims for compensation for the loss of their luggage and personal effects will be considered by the Fees Office in accordance with public service practices. As the limit for compensation, which excludes cash, is £200 Members may wish to make their own arrangements for a comprehensive insurance against loss of their personal property.

September 1977.

F. J. Wilkin

Accountant