The globalisation of markets has led to the internationalisation of companies and the growth of business travel.
International mobility, i.e. travelling abroad for work for a shorter or longer period of time, is common in many companies that need to send employees abroad to represent them in other countries, which involves a duty of care, a “moral and legal” obligation for companies to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of their employees and managers when they travel on business. This applies prior to and during the trip and also afterwards.
Assigning an employee to a country we do not know can result in a number of concerns for companies. The health system in the other country is usually unknown and there is therefore insufficient information about health regulations and the local healthcare network. The same applies to the situation and conditions in the workplace and the insecurity of the destination country. Against this background of uncertainty, having a Travel Assistance Insurance Policy covers a number of essential aspects: all parties have the information they need, the employee has IT tools with 24/7 direct access to medical, healthcare and safety assistance for travellers, and the company has a good travel risk management policy.
International travel insurance solutions
There are various types of insurance solution that cover the needs of international travellers. Having the right insurance can save both companies and employees headaches.
One of the most common solutions is travel assistance insurance, which complies with the duty of protection. This type of policy provides access to medical and safety services, assistance, and information and training through an online platform, before and during the trip, and in any emergency that may arise. What does travel assistance insurance cover? Cover includes:
- Access to a prestigious international medical and healthcare network, 24/7, with unlimited medical expenses
- Unlimited medical expenses abroad
- Medical expenses in Spain due to health problems abroad
- Repatriation and evacuation on medical grounds
- Theft and loss of luggage
- Reimbursement of the excess payable under a rental vehicle’s own damage policy
- Cover for kidnapping and extortion
There is also health insurance for expatriates, which covers all employees who are expatriates, i.e., who have been sent abroad in connection with their work for more than 3 months and up to several years. Among other features, this type of insurance includes:
- Information on recommended doctors and hospitals with direct payment by the company
- 24-hour helpline with teams of specialists
- Payment guarantee management
- Evacuation and repatriation on medical grounds
- Medical cover in the country of origin
Finding a solution that meets the needs of each company often becomes a challenge and having a trusted, specialised partner to manage your employees’ business travel risks can be a successful formula. At RibéSalat we make every effort to offer our customers the best option. Click here or contact our specialist for further details about the cover, guarantees and limits of the different solutions we offer.
International mobility is here to stay. Although it has been interrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, it is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels. Having appropriate insurance to protect your employees abroad is not an option but an obligation, which can also save the company time and money.
