North Korea’s state insurance monopoly recently began offering a travel insurance policy for domestic citizens traveling overseas, according to a notice on its website, as the number of North Koreans sent to Russia rose and trade with China has boomed.

The Korea National Insurance Corporation (KNIC) said Aug. 24 that traveler insurance was being offered to cover physical injuries sustained on overseas trips. Coverage begins from the moment the traveler boards transportation to leave the country and ends when they disembark upon return, according to the notice.

“Travelers to foreign countries are increasing now, while the friendly cooperation and