Markel International’s Canadian subsidiary, Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters, has announced the launch of a new and unique product. Outbreak Contingency Cover, has been specifically designed by the Canadian niche insurer, to protect small Canadian business from business interruption due to a contagion such as Avian Flu.

Demand for business interruption cover has soared due to the recent cases of Avian Flu reported in the worldwide media. Mint Canadian Specialty’s new product provides protection for small to medium sized Canadian companies within the food service industry, medical industry and includes education and child care risks.

Barrett Hubbard, Managing Director, Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters commented: “Current Canadian insurance products do not provide protection against the potential for loss resulting from quarantine or closure of your business premises due to contagions such as SARS and Avian Flu. Our new product gives Canadian businesses the option of cushioning the economic blow that business interruption would cause.

Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters is committed to the delivery of new and innovative products. Identifying a gap in the market and developing a tailored, specialist cover is one of the things we do best. This initiative represents Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters continuing commitment to providing outstanding value and service for all our clients.”

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For further information:
Derah McCall     
Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters    
+44 (0) 20 7953 6732    

Notes to editors:

§ Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters is a specialty underwriting organisation writing business through Lloyd’s of London, the world's leading insurance market. Mint Canadian Specialty Underwriters is a subsidiary of Markel International Limited and is committed to providing insurance solutions to a wide variety of risks. Its products portfolio specialises in products liability, errors and omissions and specified medical professional/allied healthcare. 

§ Markel International is a specialty property and casualty insurer. Based in London and comprising the international operations of Markel Corporation, it wrote gross premiums in 2005 of $641 million. It has five operating divisions writing business either through Markel Syndicate 3000 or through Markel International Insurance Company Limited. Markel Corporation is a US listed business, capitalised at around $3.5 billion, which in 2005 wrote gross premiums of $2.4 billion.