Always on the safer side
Whether wars, accidents or pandemics – anyone sending their employees abroad must also ensure that they have adequate insurance cover. With Travel Risk, the Ecclesia Group now offers a modular insurance solution with comprehensive services that provides optimal cover for an assignment abroad.
In times of globalization, more and more companies are sending their employees abroad. A posting in an unfamiliar country, with many new impressions and a foreign language, is very exciting for the employee, but it also entails a number of obligations for the employer. These include adequate employee protection so that they are well covered in an emergency. In view of the increasing number of geopolitical and climate-related crises, employees may be exposed to dangers during their assignment abroad that they would not face in their home country.
Employer's obligation
In this context, it is essential that companies take certain precautionary measures before sending their employees abroad – especially if they are active in unstable, totalitarian or troubled countries. As part of their duty of care, it is essential that they not only inform their employees about cultural aspects and behavior in advance of the planned assignment, but also educate them about potential risks during their stay abroad. If companies fail to do so, the employee can refuse to travel or, in the worst case, even claim compensation if an emergency occurs. That is why it is all the more important to also plan appropriate insurance coverage for employees that guarantees the best possible occupational health and safety protection abroad.
To provide companies, institutions and NGOs with an optimal insurance solution for the deployment of their employees, we have expanded our portfolio to include Travel Risk. “It is a unique hybrid of high-performance insurance products and comprehensive services such as risk consulting and analysis, as well as claims and crisis management,” explains Nina Schaefer, who played a key role in developing the product as Head of Travel Insurance. The solution has a modular structure, offers maximum flexibility and can be tailored to our customers' individual needs.
Security with maximum flexibility
But before the appropriate insurance cover can be put together, the individual risk is first analyzed. After all, it makes a big difference whether an employee is deployed in China, Japan or Somalia. We examine what the employee needs in a risk area, what the current security situation is like and whether a security service or secure transport may even be required. We then put together a tailor-made solution for our customers, their employees and their families.
The first module of Travel Risk includes health insurance with repatriation and medical assistance. After all, gastrointestinal or circulatory diseases, malaria or coronavirus are examples of illnesses that occur more often and for which employees are dependent on medication and medical assistance. Should the need arise, competent service partners are available on site around the clock to coordinate all necessary steps and, in the worst case, even arrange for repatriation to a German hospital. To prevent things from getting that bad, travel risk managers provide companies with tips on prevention before the trip begins and advise them on precautionary measures and necessary vaccinations.
If that is not enough, the second module adds accident, occupational disability or life insurance. If an accident occurs, 24/7 emergency hotlines are available to employees in different languages. Thanks to technical solutions, we can even locate the person who has had the accident, initiate the necessary rescue measures and, in an emergency, even organize their return transport. This also covers follow-up costs, hospital daily benefits and disability benefits. And in the most extreme cases, the occupational disability or life insurance comes into effect and secures the future of the employee or their family.
The third component is a high-risk insurance, which is particularly necessary when employees are sent to crisis regions, as it also covers life-threatening situations. It not only includes safety and behavioral advice, but also comprehensive information on the threat situation and preventive measures. In an emergency, we also support our customers in close cooperation with our global partners with a special crisis management service that even includes evacuation from the crisis area in the event of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, robberies or political unrest.
Even if such events cannot always be avoided, they can at least be covered. We ensure this with our tailored insurance solutions and our worldwide network of qualified partners and service providers. They are on hand locally to provide support, manage the damage or crisis, or coordinate the various trades. Each customer has their own contact person who is always on hand to assist them – from the risk analysis to the purchase of tailored insurance solutions and support in the event of a claim.
Editorial team