§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what insurance cover is available for British troops serving in Bosnia; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of cover available for British troops. [34240]
§ Mr. SoamesBritish service personnel serving in Bosnia have available to them the PAXplus personal accident insurance scheme which provides cover 365 days a year 24 hours a day whether on or off duty. This scheme, started in 1989, and arranged through a commercial broker and insurance company, provides a range of benefits covering both death and disability as a result of an accident with the level of cover dependent on the number of units purchased by the service man or woman.
The PAXplus scheme was set up specifically for service personnel and provides cover for military service of any kind up to and including general war. The conditions of the policy are therefore considered satisfactory while the amount of financial cover available is a matter for individuals to assess and the number of units that an individual chooses to purchase. Service personnel are of course free to take out appropriate insurance.
793WEach of the three services run small voluntary life schemes which make immediate payments in the event of a death. Also there are service personnel who will be members of schemes set up prior to PAXplus which will provide accident and death benefits.