HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1185-6W
Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made for insurance facilities for members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34811]

Mr. Soames

In addition to the cover given to all personnel as members of the armed forces pension scheme, the following insurance facilities are available to service men serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. Personnel are able to enrol in PAX+ personal accident insurance in theatre. Also available are the forces safeguard life insurance scheme and membership of the relevant dependants fund appropriate to their particular branch of the services; these are available in theatre. Prior to embarcation or deployment, and throughout their service career, all personnel are thoroughly briefed on the availability and advisability of taking out life, personal accident and kit cover.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made for insurance facilities for the families of members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34812]

Mr. Soames

All members of the armed forces, including those serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia, are able to obtain personal accident and optional life insurance cover for themselves and their families by enrolling in the PAX+ personal accident insurance scheme. It is a matter for individual service personnel as to whether they take out family insurance and, if so what company, policy and level of cover they choose.

Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities for insurance arrangements, through PAX+ insurance he is making available to members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34813]

Mr. Soames

Like other members of the armed forces those serving with the paid reaction force in Bosnia can obtain insurance within the PAX+ scheme. The facility to enrol in this scheme is available in theatre. PAX+ provides cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a day whether on or off duty. This scheme, started in 1989, gives 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 person. PAX+ was set up specifically for service personnel and gives cover for military service up to and including general war. The MOD will refund a proportion of a life premium loading for hazardous duties.