Mountain treks need peak coverage
27. February 2008 by Tridad.
Mount Everest is the world’s tallest peak at 29,035 feet.
It’s the ultimate challenge – braving an atmosphere with very little oxygen to climb to the top of the world.Mount Everest is the world’s tallest (29,035ft) and one of the most dangerous peaks to climb. Despite this, between 1922 and 2006, Everest has been climbed by almost 3,000 people from twenty countries, more than 200 of which have died, the odds being one-in-six of not making it down alive.If you want to try and climb the mountain on a budget it can cost around $US25,000, while guided package trips soar to as much as $US60,000. A permit to climb the mountain costs $US10,000 and along with travel, food, equipment, oxygen and Sherpa fees (a member of the Himalayan people living in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for their skill as mountaineers), and insurance is a must.
May is the best month to attempt to climb Everest as the peak is battered by 100 mph windstorms during the rest of the year. The extreme weather conditions and lack of oxygen at altitude mean that what may start out as the climb of a lifetime can cost climbers their lives.
David Stirling from Lloyd’s broker Crispin Spears says that only a specialist insurer like Lloyd’s would consider covering an Everest expedition.
“Assaults of Mount Everest are far more routine than in the days of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing,” he said. “Yet however well prepared climbers are, the risks are still significant.
“The type of cover needed for an expedition to Everest would include Accidental Death, Dismemberment and Permanent Total Disablement through to Life cover.
Coverage can also be accompanied with Emergency Medical, and Evacuation and Repatriation expenses in assisting to get you down the mountain into the care of a hospital and returned home.
“Naturally these mammoth personal achievements come with different degrees of risks. Underwriters look for details of the climbers’ experience, their health, as well as personal details like age. Bespoke coverage, benefits, terms and conditions are set per case.”
“The reality is that standard off the shelf products cater for the masses and more unique risks need that little bit of extra care and attention coupled with a willingness of underwriters to accept more hazardous risks. That is exactly where Lloyd’s comes into its own,” adds Stirling.
-from Lloyd’s of London
AFLAC to sponsor Iron Girl
25. January 2008 by Tridad.
NEW YORK, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac has signed a multi year title sponsorship of Iron Girl. With 10 events nationwide, ranging from 5K/10K, duathlon and triathlons, Aflac Iron Girl empowers women of all ages to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
To illustrate the collective commitment to this partnership, the iconic Aflac Duck and Iron Girl’s Grace have been combined to create a new logo for the Aflac Iron Girl event series.
“Aflac Iron Girl events promote health and wellness and provide women with opportunities for competition and camaraderie,” said Paul S. Amos II, President, Aflac; COO, U.S. Operations. “We are pleased to partner with Iron Girl to provide a venue to allow women to achieve their personal best.”
The 10 Aflac Iron Girl events for 2008 are:
-- April 5 - Aflac Iron Girl Clearwater, Fla. (10K/5K Run/Walk Event)
-- April 12 - Aflac Iron Girl Lake Las Vegas, Nev. (Triathlon)
-- May 4 - Aflac Iron Girl Denver, Colo. (5K Run/Walk Event)
-- June 22 - Aflac Iron Girl Solana Beach, Calif. (10K/5K Run/Walk Event)
-- June 29 - Aflac Iron Girl Atlanta, Ga. (Triathlon)
-- July 20 - Aflac Iron Girl Irving, Texas (Triathlon)
-- Aug. 24 - Aflac Iron Girl Columbia, Md. (Triathlon)
-- Sept. 7 - Aflac Iron Girl Seattle, Wash. (10K/5K Run/Walk Event)
-- Sept. 21 - Aflac Iron Girl Bloomington, Minn. (Duathlon)
-- Dec. 6 - Aflac Iron Girl Tempe, Ariz. (10-Mile/5K Run/Walk Event)
“Iron Girl is excited to partner with a company that promotes a similar mission; one that supports women’s health and wellness. The partnership with Aflac will provide a new platform and greater opportunities for both brands to empower women toward a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Vice President of Iron Girl, Judy Molnar.
The Aflac Iron Girl experience provides women with a competitive platform and unique event amenities such as: a post-race catered Breakfast Cafe, performance shirts sized just for women, IPICO timing, personalized race bibs, custom finisher’s medals, post-race giveaways and much more.
About Aflac
For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine’s listing of America’s Most Admired Companies for seven consecutive years and in Fortune magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for 10 consecutive years. Aflac has also been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine’s listing of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine’s listing of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.
About Iron Girl
Iron Girl has grown from two 10K/5K events to ten events nationwide, consisting of run/walk, duathlon and triathlon events. To date, Iron Girl has celebrated with finishers ranging in age from 5 to 78 years of age and from beginner to professional status. The average age of the Iron Girl athlete is 37. Iron Girl’s mission is to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle. The brand is supported by partners such as Gatorade, Luna Bar, Celsius, Polar and Aqua Sphere. Fundraising efforts will benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund to help support young adults living with and recovering from cancer. By logging on to www.IronGirl.com, athletes can enjoy an interactive Web site filled with training tips, guest columnists and nutrition information. Iron Girl has also enhanced its offerings with the addition of the IronGirlShop.com with new items such as hydration and nutrition products, jewelry and sports bags. Additionally, Iron Girl will be launching a new technical apparel line in 2008.