New policy offers first Sars cover

New policy offers first Sars cover

Sars has infected 3,000 people in 20 countries

An insurance broker has launched the first policy offering cover against the Sars virus.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome has so far killed 154 people worldwide.

More than 3,000 people in 20 countries around the world have been affected by the virus which scientists have confirmed is a new form of the common cold.

Simon Burgess, managing director of Goodfellows, based in Braintree, Essex, said: "We decided to launch the policy in response to demand.

"We have been inundated with inquiries."

The Sars protection policy, which is underwritten by the Lloyd's of London insurance market, can be taken out separately or as part of wider income protection cover.

Underwritten by Lloyd's

Premiums start at 0.1% of the sum assured for cover against just Sars.

That means a policy which would pay out £100,000 if the policyholder died or was permanently unable to work as a result of the virus would cost £100 a year.

If the policy is taken out as part of a wider income protection policy, covering death or injury as a result of other factors as well as Sars, premiums are 1% of the sum assured.

Goodfellows said the policy was available to all UK citizens travelling anywhere in the world, although people who have shown symptoms of the disease during the past two weeks are excluded.