Business Travel - in turbulent times

We live in turbulent times, with events around the world bringing into focus the dangers and problems that can sometimes occur when travelling abroad.   This can often mean that travellers find themselves caught up in a situation with no idea how and when they will get home.

Medical treatment, emergency travel expenses, as well as flight delays and cancellations, are just a few of the costs that companies can face when their employees are on business trips. The extent to which these additional expenses are covered under a Business Travel insurance policy does vary among insurers.  The occupation of Bangkok airport in December 2008 by anti-government protesters was widely regarded as a serious incident of civil commotion.  Civil commotion is excluded under some travel insurance policies and some policies exclude cover for losses arising from acts of terrorism.  When you are buying Business Travel insurance, you might want to check the extent of cover provided under the policy for terrorism and civil commotion.

It is important to be aware that some countries are considered by travel insurers to be higher risk destinations.  When buying business travel insurance, you are sometimes asked to provide insurers with details of your employees' anticipated travel pattern for the duration of the policy.  This information enables the insurer to decide whether they want to provide cover and if so, at what cost.  To avoid an unnecessary dispute in the event of a claim, ensure that you provide full travel pattern details at the outset and, if further destinations are added, it is advisable to notify the insurer in advance of the trip.

Before allowing an employee to travel, it is also wise to consult the travel advice section of the Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) website.  Be aware that some travel policies do not provide cover if an employee travels to an area to which the FCO has advised against 'all travel' to or considers it to be a dangerous area.

Last reviewed 7/11/2011

To talk to an expert in your area and get a quote, contact your local insurance broker.