Business Travel - in turbulent times

We live in turbulent times, with events around the world bringing in to focus the dangers and problems that can sometimes occur when travelling abroad.  The terrorist attacks in Mumbai and the closure of Thai airports by anti-government protestors are just two examples.   Standard travellers find themselves caught up in a situation with no idea of 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 was wideley regarded a serious incident of 'civil commotion', which is excluded under some travel insurance policies.  Further, a number of travel policies contain restrictions in respect of claims arising from acts of terrorism.  As such, when you are buying business travel insurance, you might want to check the level 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 asked to provide the 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 (www.fco.gov.uk).  Be aware that some travel policies do not provide cover if an employee travels to an area to which the FCO advise against 'all travel' to or consider it to be a dangerous area.

If you would like to learn more about travel insurance policies, please contact us.

 

 

 

 

FP809

Date posted: 25 August 2009

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