When companies take their employees on business trips, the corporation has a duty of care for their staff in the event of injury or a business-inhibiting issue.
Business travel coverage is mandatory for Canadian companies and one travel industry representative told Insurance Business that most firms aren’t aware of their obligatory duty of care.
Though Allianz Global Assistance didn’t confirm or deny that opinion, the global provider advised brokers speak talk to those clients who send employees on trips.
“Brokers can make their clients aware of the value and importance of travel insurance when taking any kind of trip and should recommend these important points when discussing travel insurance,” Allianz Global Assistance’s senior manager, of marketing and sales support, Debbie Robinson said in an email.
“Read the travel insurance policy to understand the benefits, features and especially the exclusions, as travel insurance doesn’t cover everything or every scenario. Realize what’s going on with your health and pay close attention to pre-existing health conditions and limitations of coverage.”
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The coverage extends to lost luggage and anything getting in the way of an employee being prevented from carrying out their corporate responsibilities.
The event itself facing cancellation is also covered.
“Whether you’re a broker who offers advice on travel insurance to clients or an employer who is sending people on business trips, the health and safety of that traveller is of great importance,” Robinson said.
“Brokers should strongly encourage the business traveller to check their company’s group benefit plan to see if it contains travel insurance. They can also consult their HR department for more specific details on that coverage, along with any rules and policies regarding business travel they need to be aware of.”
