DUAL Europe launches A&H business

Samia Baliad will lead the new division

DUAL Europe launches A&H business

Insurance News

By Josh Recamara

DUAL Europe has announced the launch of its Accident & Health (A&H) business across Europe.

Samia Baliad (pictured) has been appointed to lead the initiative. Baliad, an underwriter with more than two decades of experience in the A&H sector, has held senior roles at AIG Europe France, AXA Corporate Solutions, Chubb Europe and AXA Partners.

“Samia’s extensive experience and strategic approach makes her the perfect person to establish our A&H hub and bring more choice and new benefits to our broker partners,” said Olaf Jonda, chief executive of DUAL Europe.

The new business will focus on developing a team of underwriters to drive growth across the region. A&H insurance, which provides financial protection against accidents and illnesses, represents a significant segment of the European insurance market. The increasing demand for healthcare services is also creating opportunities for insurers to expand their offerings and for brokers to grow their portfolios, the company said.

“This marks another significant milestone in DUAL Europe’s strategy to diversify our product offerings, to offer greater choice to our brokers and their clients in an expanding European market,” Jonda commented.

Starting early this year, DUAL Europe will focus on launching products that include a digital app for simplified travel planning, online claims reporting and parametric services addressing common travel issues, such as flight delays, baggage problems, cancellations and lost luggage.

The company’s A&H hub will be supported by its partnerships with AXIS Specialty Europe SE, a provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions, and Hamilton, a specialty insurer and reinsurer.

Commenting on the development, Baliad said the company’s A&H division will manage the risks of injuries associated with various activities which will benefit schools, daycare centres, youth organisations, sports teams and volunteer groups.

“This coverage protects members during sponsored activities and international travel,” Baliad added. “Additionally, our plan includes 24/7 travel assistance for medical support, security aid, and concierge services, enhancing an organisation’s general liability policy by addressing coverage gaps and offering broader limits.”

DUAL Europe is the specialist underwriting arm of Howden. It is one of the world’s largest international underwriting agencies with $3.2 billion of gross written premium and operates from 19 locations in 13 countries.

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