Many employees consider work travel to be a perk, especially when it brings them to foreign destinations they may not otherwise see. But aside from determining what sites to see and where to eat the best local cuisine, what’s often forgotten by employees is the crucial step of connecting with their company’s HR department and their own medical insurance provider to discuss some important travel considerations.

So, before you board that plan, take a moment to read this blog. I’ve outlined some travel insurance items you may want to consider.

Traveling for Work and Fun

If you’re traveling on business or a combo of the two (business and fun), you’ll want to ask the following of your HR department:

• Is there a maximum amount of time to be outside of the U.S. where outside country workers’ compensation benefits would no longer apply?
• Who do I call and where do I go to find healthcare should I need it?
• Does my organization purchase Kidnap & Ransom insurance? If yes, what number do I call in an emergency situation? Does this extend to my family who may be traveling with me?
• Does my organization purchase Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance?
• Does my organization purchase hired and non-owned Auto liability insurance, and what’s the policy for rentals and insurance? Note: If you’re renting automobiles outside of the U.S. and Canada, this is required.

Extending Your Trip

If you’re extending your work trip through a weekend or beyond, consider the following:

• Are your personal medical limits and/or deductibles different when outside of the U.S.?
• If you have a high deductible plan, will the out-of-pocket dollars spent when outside of the U.S. still apply to your deductible?
• Sometimes hospitals require a deposit before they will provide any care. Will your medical insurance provider be able to provide this?
• If renting an automobile, consider taking the insurance at the rental counter to act as your primary insurance rather than relying on your Auto policy at home. Remember, as mentioned above, auto insurance is compulsory in every country and must be purchased at the rental counter when renting outside of the U.S. and Canada.

If you have questions on any of this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re well-equipped with the knowledge you need to make your trip successful.

And, now that the critical details are out of the way, there’s just one last thing I want to say: “Enjoy the trip!”