Now more than ever, employers are in need of health plans that will keep their traveling employees safe, healthy, and productive on domestic and international short-term and long-term assignments. U.S. residents logged 459 million one-person trips (50+ miles and requiring overnight stays) for business in 2015 according to the U.S. Travel Association.
Your group medical plan may or may not offer insurance while out-of-state or out-of-country. Make sure that you discuss this need when choosing a medical plan for the upcoming open enrollment period.
What should you do about employees who may have waived coverage to purchase their own coverage? Individual policies are more likely to not include travel insurance and may be extremely limited in their scope. You may consider a stand-alone travel insurance policy that covers all your employees, and protects your company in the event an employee falls ill or is injured while on business. A supplemental group travel insurance policy can include, but is not limited to:
-Medical emergency
-Cancellation or trip interruption
-Flight connection missed due to airline schedule
-Travel delays due to weather
-Hijacking
-Delayed baggage (emergency replacement)
-Return of a minor
-Visitor health insurance
-Accidental death, injury, dismemberment benefit
-Repatriation of remains, in case of death
With concerns over maintaining health and wellness internationally, like the rise of interest in the dangers of Zika virus, it is imperative that your company be prepared.
For employers who have a Blue Cross Blue Shield or Blue Care Network plan, you may consider the convenience of a Blues Partner in Travel Insurance like GeoBlue. GeoBlue provides access to an extensive network of providers while traveling along with many other benefits including a handy app. The innovative mobile app provides access to members’ GeoBlue card, appointment requests, reviews of doctors and hospitals, invaluable translation service, and security tools to keep your employees safe while abroad.
GeoBlue Traveler provides group supplemental medical benefits and services for international business travelers for trips lasting up to 180 days. A travel insurance plan works just like your existing medical plan and pays providers directly, eliminating the burden of out-of-pocket expenses and hassle of seeking reimbursement.
Please contact your dedicated Account Manager with questions regarding group Travel Insurance coverage. For an individual quote, click here.
Sources:
https://www.ustravel.org/answersheet
http://acendas.com/2015/12/30/2016-business-travel-forecast-and-trends/
