Travel Guard® North America Survey: Corporations Offering Travel Safety Programs, But Uncertainties Exist

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In the ten years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the persistence of terrorism, riots, kidnappings and rising street crime continue to concern security and risk managers of America's companies. However, in a recent survey of security and risk managers* conducted by Travel Guard North America® (www.travelguard.com), one of the nation's leading providers of travel insurance and assistance service plans, less than a quarter of those surveyed felt that their companies were "very prepared" to handle emergencies involving employees traveling internationally.

According to the survey, general street crimes are of the most concern, followed by terrorism, kidnappings, identity theft and illness / hospitalization. While 32 percent of those surveyed reported that their companies are engaging in more business travel this year as compared to 2010, and 66 percent of those surveyed have a travel safety and security program in place, a considerable amount of uncertainty about these programs still exist.

For example, while many of those surveyed noted that their companies use dedicated phone lines, email addresses and other communication methods to stay connected with traveling employees in the event of an emergency situation, nearly a quarter were not sure what exact systems and programs were in place at their company. Additionally, 22 percent of respondents were unsure as to what internal department at their company is responsible for the safety of traveling employees.

"In today's world, security and risk managers are faced with a lot of concerns about how their travelers will fare when it comes to handling and resolving emergencies that their employees may encounter," said John Rose, president of Business Travel Services at Travel Guard North America. "There is truly a duty of care obligation and a growing need for employers to thoroughly address the safety, health and overall well-being of their most precious commodity -- their employees."

For companies facing these concerns, Travel Guard North America offers customizable medical, security, and personal assistance plans designed for international business travelers, expatriates, and students traveling abroad. These comprehensive travel insurance plans are for companies seeking a way to provide employees with complete 24/7 global coverage and travel assistance in all cases of medical and security emergencies – from emergency medical or security evacuations to, lost passport assistance and flight rebooking services.

"Travel Guard helps security and risk managers centralize and streamline their travel safety programs so every employee is as prepared and educated as possible on how to stay safe before embarking on any business trip, particularly those abroad," Rose added.

*Those surveyed were attendees of the 2011 American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) International conference.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allow clients to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

Domestic travel insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states.  

Contact:
Travel Guard
Carol Mueller / Shannon Semmerling
[email protected]
[email protected]
800-826-7791, Ext. 13050/13085

MMG Mardiks
Ashley Norman / Korin Lamourt
[email protected]
[email protected]
212-219-7560 ext. 6777/6764

SOURCE Travel Guard North America