A traveller at the airport waiting for a delayed flight. Picture: Unsplash
As December rolls in, many people find their minds wandering towards holiday plans from beachside escapes, family gatherings or simply catching up on much-needed rest.
However, amid this festive frenzy, there’s a crucial aspect often overlooked: travel insurance for business trips.
Whether you’ve traversed local terrain or international borders in the past year, being adequately prepared for the unexpected is non-negotiable.
Karen Botha, Sales Manager at Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC), warned against a common pitfall.
“The biggest mistake we see is travellers relying on free or complimentary cover thinking it’s comprehensive cover.”
She said this misconception could leave business travellers vulnerable when unexpected situations arise.
In preparation for the year, business travel experts share the reasons why travel insurance is important for successful business trips.
The shortcomings of credit card coverage
According to experts, business travel can be incredibly complicated.
“A missed flight doesn’t merely inconvenience the traveller; it jeopardises critical deals and presentations. A nightmare situation unfolds when your luggage fails to arrive alongside you, leaving you with nothing but your worn travel outfit,” it highlighted.
The experts said that in this instance, comprehensive travel insurance can prove invaluable, as it offers luggage delay benefits that can help cover immediate essentials, from a replacement suit to toiletries, allowing you to maintain professionalism amidst unfortunate circumstances.
Health emergencies are no gamble
Botha noted that while we’d prefer to turn a blind eye to health risks during our travels, they remain an ever-present reality. Work assignments can lead you anywhere — from thriving urban centres to remote locales with inadequate medical facilities.
Botha recounts a pivotal case: “A business traveller contracted cerebral malaria in Sierra Leone. The medical facilities were not equipped to deal with the severity of his condition. Fortunately, his travel insurance policy made provision for medical transportation.”
He was airlifted to the appropriate medical facility, a scenario that underlines the life-saving significance of robust travel insurance.
It’s also vital to address pre-existing conditions. She said that many travellers operate under the illusion that they will automatically be covered.
Botha advised that if you know you have a condition, make sure it’s included in your cover. “Without it, even minor flare-ups can turn into a major problem,” said Botha.
Handling airline hiccups
The expert noted that though flight delays may feel like the norm these days and airlines may provide meal vouchers and the occasional hotel stay, they often do little to mitigate cascading disruptions caused by these delays.
“Travel insurance can cover the cost of an onward flight if you miss your connection due to the late arrival of your inbound flight. Take note, the policy only applies when there is at least a three-hour buffer between flights,” explained Botha.
Your laptop deserves proper protection
For business travellers, your suitcase is more than mere luggage; it's essentially your mobile office.
Laptops, essential tools, and trade samples are not just conveniences; they are critical for productivity. Unfortunately, most travel policies impose a single item limit on high-value gear.
“If your laptop is worth R30 000 but the policy caps at R5,000, you’ll be footing the rest of the bill,” warned Botha. She added that it’s essential to ensure everything you carry for work is adequately insured.
“If misfortune strikes, your laptop gets stolen or damaged, quick action is crucial. Report any loss to local authorities immediately. You’ll need a detailed report to process your claim,” she advised.
Customised coverage for unique journeys
Business trips don’t present a one-size-fits-all scenario. Occupations that take you beyond traditional office settings, such as construction sites or field assignments, warrant specialised coverage.
Mummy Mafojane, Productive Operations Manager at FCM, emphasises the need for tailored insurance policies.
“Some business travellers assume their insurance covers everything, but it doesn’t always match the actual nature of their work,” she explained, affirming the importance of coordinating the right policies for every journey.
As Mafojane aptly summarises, “Having the right insurance is about having peace of mind, knowing that when you work and travel, everything’s been thought through.”
She said this assurance frees you to focus on your work rather than potential pitfalls.
“With the right advice and coverage, you can navigate the complexities of business travel seamlessly and safely,” said Mafojane.
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