International travel warning for employers

Shropshire employers who are sending their staff overseas on business have been warned they must prepare carefully in advance.

Business man with aeroplane in the backgroundDave Williams, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said business travel insurance was completely different to the typical policy taken out by holidaymakers.

“The increasingly international nature of business means more and more employees are required to travel abroad which obviously sounds like a real perk of the job. But employers have a duty of care towards their staff and are legally required to make sure their employees are properly prepared for any trip.”

Dave said a company travel procedures should provide the highest possible degree of safety and security for employees travelling abroad, and employers should carry out a formal risk assessment if the destination is risk rated.

“You’ll need to identify any training your employee may need before they travel, and ensure they fully understand what actions they should take if an incident occurs during their trip – this should include contact details for your insurance company. And to help ensure the safety of employees, businesses may want to consider taking out group personal accident and business travel insurance.”

Cover like this can usually be arranged on a single policy and can include accidental injuries, rehabilitation support, terrorism, medical expenses, legal expenses, and protection for personal property and electronic business equipment.

Dave said some typical business policies may restrict the amount travellers could claim for and the number of times claims could be made.

“Make sure the amount insured and the number of claims applies per person, per trip, and is not restricted to a one-off claim in the life of the policy.

“If it’s vital that the trip goes ahead, no matter what, you might also consider a policy that covers the cost of sending out a replacement colleague if the original traveller is taken ill or forced to stay at home for any reason.

“It’s all about being well prepared before your employee leaves – as well as preparing for the important business negotiations before the trip, make sure you’re well protected by double checking the finer details of your cover. You never know when you might need it.”

  Dave Williams

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