Zurich Launches Microinsurance Products

Zurich, Switzerland, January, 28 2009 - Microinsurance products will be available to women in low-income populations under a program developed by Zurich Financial Services Group and Women’s World Banking.

The global Caregiver program established by the Switzerland-based insurer and WWB in New York, will make insurance available to needy women and will cover expenses related to hospitalizations.

“Women, more often than not, are the family’s primary caregiver,” in impoverished areas, said Mary Ellen Iskenderian, president and chief executive officer of WWB, a network of microfinance providers and banks in 30 countries. “During a health event, there is more than just medical expenses,” she said in a statement.

Lost wages, child care and transportation to and from a hospital are expenses often incurred because of health problems, said Ms. Iskenderian. “The Caregiver program is designed to address just that issue.”