Mobile and media services provider Lebara, which specialises in targeting migrant communities around the world, has partnered with global insurer Allianz Group to provide insurance and assistance services to meet the needs of migrants and their families globally via mobile.

The collaboration is the first time a European mobile operator has provided insurance not only to Europe-based customers, but also to their family members abroad, and in a market where less than one in five people in developing countries are covered by local social security systems, there is a clear need that Lebara and Allianz Group aim to fulfill.

The first service launched out of the partnership, Second Medical Opinion, will be rolled out to Lebara customers in the UK for free, and offer customers a second opinion on major medical conditions from a network of experts around the world, 24/7 telephone support on health and wellbeing matters, and free enrollment for two additional family members, whether they are in the UK or abroad.

The UK is currently home to 2.5m foreign-born residents from developing countries who are supporting two or more family members in their country of origin, so the potential market for this service is substantial. By using mobile to connect people in developing countries, the service can reach a much wider range of consumers than traditional methods.

“Im proud to announce this partnership with Allianz, which we feel will take the important step of democratising the provision of insurance services,” said Yoganathan Ratheesan, CEO and chairman of Lebara Group. “We know that ensuring healthcare is a key priority for the global community of migrants. Quick, simple and cost effective protection of loved ones at home, wherever they are in the world, responds to this core need for our customers born outside of the UK.”