International SOS’ Marketing Manager
for Southern Africa. “The host and all
the sponsors demonstrated their ability
to successfully deliver a major
international football tournament.”
Drawing on that experience together
with the 2008 Olympics, International
SOS has devised a VIP membership
package to provide a full set of medical,
security and other services to clients for
the duration of the tournament in 2010.
Comprehensive advice
While the tournament in 2010 has many
similarities with the Beijing Olympics,
South Africa presents some specific
challenges. Beijing’s seven sports
venues were all relatively close to each
other, whereas in South Africa there are
ten venues in nine cities spread across
the country. As a result, visitors will
need a broader base of information and
guidance about South Africa as they
travel around. “Before guests travel,
they’ll get comprehensive advice about
what to expect when they arrive in team. “That’s why medical help must be speeding and drunk-driving. Again,
South Africa and how best to keep accessed through our alarm center”, sensible precautions are needed in
themselves safe and in good health”, says Dr Lamond. “So that there’s a response to the risks. “We’ll be strongly
says Serena. “They’ll also be able to seamless delivery of healthcare without advising clients to always use our alarm
contact our alarm center in having to worry about who is paying.” centers when they need help”, adds
Johannesburg if they have any concerns Serena. “Accessing any emergency or
or need any practical help both before other medical services in South Africa
and during their trip.”
“essentially we want to deliver
can be very complex for visitors
a world-class experience off-field because of the presence of very well-
Cashless networks
to match the standards they’ll
established public and private sector
If a guest needs medical attention,
International SOS will refer them to a
see on the pitch.”
health services.”
selected network of medical providers Advice on security
and take care of any cost issues. Sensible precautions While South Africa is warmly
“Healthcare providers in South Africa There are some particular health risks welcoming to its visitors, again there
won’t risk taking patients without that travelers in South Africa may also are some common-sense principles for
sufficient medical insurance, so proof of face. While most of the country is visitors to ensure their own personal
insurance won’t necessarily be accepted malaria-free, there are some areas where security. “Despite high rates of crime
– even if it’s from a recognized insurer”, guests may be traveling that are affected and firearms possession, South Africa is
explains Dr Fraser Lamond, Regional by malaria so precautions should be not a dangerous place to travel on a day-
Medical Director, Southern Africa. For taken, especially in the far north and to-day basis if visitors are vigilant”,
those reasons alone, he says, payment east of the country. “We’re also giving says Travis Vincent, International SOS’
for healthcare may be requested up advice about diseases like cholera, Business Development Director,
front. International SOS’ solution is to tuberculosis, HIV and H1N1”, adds Security Services.
set up an approved medical provider Dr Lamond.
network and access to cashless medical “Before they travel we’ll be giving
consultations and healthcare if a While the roads are generally well visitors plenty of practical advice for
member becomes ill. All hospital bills maintained, South Africa does have high keeping safe and secure”, he says. “It’s
and insurance arrangements will be road accident and fatality rates as a worth being aware of issues like ATM
dealt with by the International SOS result of poor vehicle maintenance, crime and other scams. For example
4 InternatIonal sos
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