A well-managed travel portfolio will always include comprehensive travel insurance coverage for your people and the business.
Business travel insurance protects your employees and the business from the unplanned costs and risks associated with travel for work. These range from issues relating to medical requirements, flight delays and lost items, but they should also include emergency assistance in times of crisis and even staff replacement where applicable. There are many products on offer, and a well-researched option will meet all your specific traveller group requirements. Let’s unpack what to look for in travel insurance:
- Medical Cover:
The health and well-being of your people is paramount, and cover should include medical services such as out-patient medical facilities, hospital stays, repatriation and a range of medical emergency expenses. Cover that includes the ability to fly a family member to the ill traveller and get them home again safely is also important. Medical bills need to be paid in foreign currency and travel insurance covers this unexpected and often enormous expense. - Lost items:
Think about how quickly and effectively the policy will cover traveller personal belongings such as luggage, money and cell phones. Being stranded in a foreign country without personal effects can be a debilitating issue for even a seasoned traveller and negatively affects productivity. - Emergency Evacuation and Security assistance:
If your travellers are affected by a natural disaster, a pandemic, riot or violence in any way, they will need to be evacuated as soon as possible. This cover is often provided by specialist service providers who offer dedicated risk mitigation solutions. - Staff Replacement:
Comprehensive travel insurance might also cover the cost of replacing employees who are unable to work due to medical or emergency reasons. There is also cover available if travellers need to cancel or postpone a trip prior to departure due to unexpected illness or accident. Cancellation or curtailment costs are built into a comprehensive policy.
Create a checklist for your travellers
Ensure that your travellers are well prepared to meet unplanned travel disruptions, regardless of what they are. While we can’t always control potentially harmful events, a few basic rules can help minimise the fallout. Not all travellers are experienced at being away from home either – remember that when sharing this important information. Notify them about your chosen travel insurance cover. Confirm that they have an understanding of what is covered and what is not.
Always advise travellers to remember these tips:
- Identification Documents must be current, clear and easily accessible
- Ensure access to a cell phone and a reliable communication network wherever possible
- Luggage protection, such as locks and luggage covers, reduces the risk of pilfering and damage
- Specify any unique medical issues in the form of an on-person ID card or medical bracelets
- Carry a medical aid membership card in person if applicable
- Save emergency contact details prior to travel
Choosing appropriate travel insurance protection for your travellers is a Duty of Care commitment on behalf of the business. It’s the right thing to do.