re. the insurance: I took out a policy with International SOS when I started contract flying back in 2002 - might want to contact them to find out what they have on offer. I seem to remember it wasn't particularly cheap.
INTERNATIONAL SOS 2005 - Members Website
nb. read the fineprint - most insurance policies exclude aircrew. The SOS policy has a clause about needing to inform them if you are engaged in a hazardous activity so make sure that they have that in writing before taking out a policy.
Dont underestimate the importance of a good policy - people have died in the past as a result of having no or inadequate cover ( the Van crash in Vilancoulos springs to mind).