Obama gets crocodile coverage

US President Barack Obama is expected to receive a warm welcome in Australia on Wednesday, but just in case the reception is wilder than expected a firm has offered him insurance against crocodiles.

US President Barack Obama is expected to receive a warm welcome in Australia on Wednesday, but just in case the reception is wilder than expected a firm has offered him insurance against crocodiles.

Obama’s two-day visit will take him to Canberra and Northern Territory town of Darwin, in the heart of “Crocodile Dundee” country.

Local firm TIO has snapped up the opportunity to insure the high-profile visitor, issuing a him with a Crocodile Attack Insurance policy which will pay out Aus$50,000 ($50,870) if the president is fatally attacked by a reptile.

“It’s a unique product for a unique environment and we’re excited to be issuing one of these policies for Obama,” chief executive Richard Harding said.

An average of two people are killed each year in Australia by salt water crocodiles which can grow up to seven metres long and weigh more than a tonne.