BUSINESS TRAVELLERS PUTTING THEMSELVES AT RISK NOT USING TRAVEL ASSISTANCE APP PROVIDED BY ORGANISATIONS
- Only 18% of business travellers have downloaded medical and security app despite half having access to one
- 53% of business travellers say travelling for business comes with more risks now
- 20% say they would feel safe knowing the app could track their whereabouts if needed
Travel assistance apps are an extra layer of protection for business travellers, providing real-time security alerts and immediate access to security and medical help, but despite half (49%) of travellers having access to an app, only one in six (18%) business travellers have downloaded it.
The new Opinium survey* of 500 UK business travellers, commissioned by World Travel Protection, a leading global travel risk management organisation, finds that while over half (53%) of business travellers say work travel comes with more risks now, they seem reluctant to utilise new technology.
The minimal uptake is also surprising as one in five appear aware of the app’s benefits saying it would give them piece of mind and they would feel safe knowing the app could track their whereabouts (20%). One in five (19%) also say their family would feel comforted knowing they had this level of support when travelling.
Kate Fitzpatrick, Regional Security Director, EMEA, at World Travel Protection: “As we’ve seen from recent floods and wildfires, nowhere is 100% safe. Having expert help at the touch of a button can make a significant difference in the impact an incident has on travel disruption. If an assistance app is available, business travellers really should ensure it’s downloaded on their phone.”
According to the survey, only 5% of travellers say their organisation requires their travelling teams to use a travel assistance app. Organisations can improve utilisation rate and combat app fatigue by regularly sharing the benefits of a travel risk app with their travelling teams before departure.
Kate Fitzpatrick continues: “Our security experts and risk managers can stay in contact with travellers via our market-leading Travel Assist App. Its geolocation capabilities mean we can locate a user with pinpoint accuracy in an emergency. We can also monitor emerging or evolving nearby risks to ensure the traveller is aware of potential disruptions while avoiding alerts of irrelevant incidents farther away. With a simple press of the ‘emergency’ button, travellers can also immediately reach our team of medical and security experts if they find themselves in danger.”
She explains, “For those worried about privacy, users can control sharing to within a 5km radius of their location. By doing this and keeping a version of location sharing on, but masking their precise location, individuals can still be identified as potentially at risk if a situation occurs.”
*Opinium online survey conducted with 500 people, who travel for business at least once a year in the UK, from 1 – 8 February 2024.
About World Travel Protection
For 30 years, World Travel Protection (WTP) has taken care of corporate and leisure travellers across the globe by providing access to 24-hour emergency assistance.
In addition to support services for medical, travel, and security emergencies, WTP – part of the Zurich Insurance Group – educates and trains businesses to mitigate exposure to inherent risks associated with travelling abroad. Emergency assistance encompasses medical case management, evacuation and repatriation together with providing access to virtual care services (telehealth) and security intelligence.
A key foundational component of a leading assistance provider is its global network. WTP’s GlobalCare Network ensures our customers have access to over 85,000 providers worldwide.
Millions of travellers place their trust in WTP each year for assistance across 200 countries. For more information, visit www.worldtravelprotection.com.
Awards Won:
- Winner: APAC EMMA Awards 2022, International Health, Wellbeing or Security Management Provider of the Year – Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM)
- Winner: 2022 ITIJ Awards – International Assistance Company of the Year
- Highly Commended: EMEA EMMA Award 2022, International Health, Wellbeing or Security Management Provider of the Year – Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM)
World Travel Protection is a trading name of Cover-More Insurance Services Limited.
