Lebanon is now an important centre for international workers, but post-conflict international health cover can be hard to arrange, and good hospital facilities can only be accessed with the right cover. International health insurance provider MediCare International explores the issues.

Lebanon is, in many ways, a big draw for expats. With beautiful scenery, a Mediterranean climate and vibrant nightlife, the country is often viewed as an exciting prospect for those looking for something different. However, as was recently demonstrated, the country is still embroiled in conflict from time to time, making everyday life occasionally unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. It is essential that expats living in Lebanon, and particularly Beirut, have adequate medical cover, not only for everyday health concerns, but just in case they are caught in the fallout of conflict.

The country currently has around 6,000 UK expatriates, according to data released by the Institute for Public Policy Research, which works across a range of sectors, from commerce through to charitable work. Lebanon is still home to many who work in post-conflict and reconstruction activities.

Health insurance policies which include limited cover against terrorist attacks are available, but, with conflicts not solely confined to war zones nowadays, effective cover which reflects this new global reality is now even more important.

Passive war cover, as the term is known, is likely to be of particular interest to staff in aid agencies and rebuilding contractors. Policyholders benefit from the full range of services, including hospital benefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists or as part of a broader war conflict. Evacuation is likely to be particularly relevant in conflict zones, where local medical facilities may be damaged or supplies of medication and blood for transfusions may be an issue.

According to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website, because of the Lebanon's fragile political situation, together with the threat of terrorism, which is sometimes directed towards Westerners staying in the country, it is essential that comprehensive medical insurance is taken out. Quite apart from the risks posed by political conflict, day-to-day hazards also pose significant risks. An example highlighted by the FCO is driving standards, which are widely acknowledged as being poor, so the accident rate is very high.

Healthcare in Lebanon is among the best in the region, and some hospitals are on a par with those in Europe and the US. This is despite the relatively short time the country has had to develop following the devastation of the civil war and more recent bombings. Most hospitals are well equipped, but, without insurance, medical treatment tends to be very expensive. The majority of healthcare staff speak good French or English, so communication is rarely a problem.

Private clinics and medical centres are available throughout the country and equipped with the latest facilities and technology. The American University of Beirut Medical Centre (AUBMC) is one of the Middle East's leading multi-speciality medical facilities, with several of its departments serving as distinguished referral centres for the region.

Most Lebanese are privately insured, and those registered with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have partial health coverage. Local nationals wanting to avail themselves of extended or more comprehensive cover can buy private policies, such as those offered by MediCare International.

Policies providing corporate group coverage are widely used by companies registered at the NSSF to supplement the benefits provided by the government's healthcare system. International private medical insurance is available for non-Lebanese living in Lebanon. Costs for healthcare vary between hospitals and doctors.

A number of pharmacies are available across the country. Many drugs can be bought over the counter without prescription, and some pharmacists prescribe required medicine for minor ailments.

The National Travel Health Network and Care website advises that normal precautions should be taken to avoid HIV, which currently affects 0.1% of the population. Compared with 0.2% figure for the UK population, this still puts Lebanon in a relatively-low risk category. Travellers to the country need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on entry into Lebanon, although the virus is not present in the country.

In addition, vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are needed if the person is going to be in the country on a long-term basis, staying with friends and/or relatives, or staying in an area with poor sanitation. This is the case for most expats living in the country, so the vaccinations will be needed.

All travellers to Lebanon, particularly expats staying there for long periods of time, need to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Between 2% and 7% of the population are carriers of the virus, so the risk of transmission is relatively high.

Expats who are living in more remote areas, and who are likely to have contact with wild animals, should be vaccinated against rabies.

While many of the medical facilities offering treatment are excellent, healthcare cover in the Lebanon is an essential purchase, to protect against both the wide range of possible illnesses and the risks that a local conflict could bring, particularly in a region which can be volatile and does experience terrorist activity, some of which is targeted directly towards Westerners.

At MediCare International, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible service, so if medical facilities are inadequate, we always organise transfer to top-class medical treatment, whether that is in the country concerned or in a neighbouring one. Our policies cover all nationalities, including local Lebanese, and include full cover in the event that a client is injured as a result of a local conflict breaking out.

For details of MediCare's International health insurance plans, visit www.medicare.co.uk