Despite a second Ebola scare in Queensland today, the Australian insurance industry is holding its nerve.

Insurers here are taking a “wait and see” approach to the unfolding crisis, while others overseas adopt a more hard-line response.

As reported by insuranceNEWS.com.au last week, the US Insurance Information Institute has warned Ebola cases could affect medics’ workers’ compensation schemes if the limited transfer of the virus to America becomes more widespread.

The institute also warns life and medical malpractice insurers may face claims if Ebola spreads widely beyond the four West African nations that have been hardest hit to date.

US media reports quote Ace CEO Evan Greenberg suggesting insurers are taking a hard line on claims resulting from the disease. But he has rejected these reports, which were based on his response to an analyst’s question at an earnings conference call last week.

He told industry website Carrier Management the reports were an “attempt to sensationalise… normal, commonsense” underwriting and business practice.

He insists exclusions or restrictions are not being applied widely and any exclusions for Ebola will be made “selectively, not indiscriminately or unilaterally”.

When Ace Australia was approached for comment, it referred insuranceNEWS.com.au to the Carrier Management report.

Allianz Australia is taking a watchful position on Ebola.

“It is something we are monitoring [but] less so in Australia than some other locations in the Allianz world,” spokesman Nicholas Scofield said.

“Locally there are no current impacts on our products or processes.”

The Queensland scare involved an 18-year-old woman from Guinea in West Africa who developed a fever but was today revealed to have tested negative for Ebola.

Accident & Health International Claims and Finance Manager Renato Foenander says the Ebola situation “is proving difficult” because of the lack of a definite statement from the Federal Government or the World Health Organisation about its status.

“Normally there is a definitive position or directive that makes it easier for the insurance industry to take a position,” Mr Foenander told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

This might include a “do not travel to West Africa” statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he says.

The current travel advisory for West African nations is: “Reconsider your need to travel.”

Mr Foenander says it is business as usual for Accident & Health International policyholders. “There is no change,” he said. “We will honour our policies.”