Accra — The State Insurance Company (SIC) has outdoored a new insurance policy called the SIC Akwaaba Insurance Policy.

It is a web based policy that provides travelers visiting the country with medical care and other related emergency requirements. It's also designed to insure Ghanaians abroad who visit the country as an alternative to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).It is an initiative between the State Insurance Company, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and LinkAfrik a travel agency.

At the launch in Accra, the Managing Director of State Insurance Company, and Mr.Peter Osei Duah said the policy covered only travelers to Ghana who are above the age of 18. He said, the policy will only commence when the insured arrives in the country and expires when he leaves the country".

Outlining some benefits of the policy, he said the insured benefits from less medical expenses, hospital stay, medical repatriation, baggage loss (internal flights only) and personal liabilities.

Mr. Osei-Duah said the new package is categorized into the Akwaaba Leisure and Akwaaba Gold. The Akwaaba Leisure includes all forms of medical treatments and hospital stay while Akwaaba Gold includes accommodation, evacuation of mortal remains, and personal accident among, others.

The Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs Mr.Akwasi Osei-Adjei said the policy was very necessary and would help in the promotion of tourism. "The product will be available at all Ghana embassies and diplomatic missions abroad for access by visitors who apply for entry visas into the country".

The Minister-designate said the policy will also help in driving the overhaul of the hospitality sector of the economy. He congratulated SIC for the "giant step" in the insurance business.

The State Insurance Company was incorporated in Febubruary 1962 and later converted into a Public Limited Company in August 1995.