Lloyd's of London (certain underwriters) through its U.S. distributor, Specialty Insurance Advisors, has added an Ebola benefit to its pre-existing needle stick and workplace violence coverage that, it said, will protect healthcare and law enforcement workers in the event of accidental infection from Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.

Essential Professional Insurance Coverage (“EPIC”) protects individuals who work on the front lines in hospitals, emergency rooms, fire departments, hazmat units, ambulances, or in law enforcement who are in jeopardy of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as Ebola, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, Lloyd's said.

“When viruses like Ebola spread and our country is counting on first responders to provide critical care in at-risk situations, affordable insurance options like EPIC are an imperative financial protection if dangers on the job impede health or livelihood. With EPIC Insurance, employees in very risky situations can guard against the worst-case on-the-job scenarios,” said Richard Kosinski, the president of EPIC. “Insured persons are paid up to a $200,000 lump sum if they suffer an injury at their workplace as a result of an assault or accidental infection. EPIC does not replace worker's comp or disability, it is an additional lump sum benefit paid to employees or their beneficiaries. In cases of Ebola, the insured receives $20,000 per month, for up to 10 months while infected.”