Travel insurance is vital for business travellers

Travel insurance, with medical cover, is absolutely vital for business travellers visiting the United States (US), one industry expert has advised.

According to Bupa, the US is a destination that travellers cannot overlook because of the rising cost of medical treatment. Those without cover could find themselves lumped with costly bills, the organisation advised.

Bupa'S Business Travel Cover product offers travel, legal and medical protection for employees during and after each trip they make to the States.

Consumers of this insurance product benefit from a 24-hour worldwide helpline, staffed by multi-lingual travel co-ordinators and medical staff.

The range of cover options include insurance for baggage, business equipment, money and travel costs for replacement colleagues for up to 180 days for any single trip.

Natasha Heasmen, international manager of Bupa Travel Services at Bupa, said: "In today's society, with the rising cost of medical fees overseas, you need the protection.

"When you are travelling to the States and worldwide, you need to know your insurance is protecting you to get you home, it is vitally important for business travellers."

Research by InsureandGo, recently found that travel insurance is not just important for business travellers – skiers also need to ensure they are covered before hitting the slopes.

The study revealed that 13 per cent of people who have skied or snowboarded – an estimated one million people – have done so whilst drunk.

Furthermore, two per cent – the equivalent of 174,000 skiers and snowboarders – admitted to being very drunk – 20,000 more than admitted to this last year - and 18 per cent said they have had an accident whilst doing this – equivalent to 186,000 people – and three per cent said it was a serious accident.

Between the 10th and 12th February this year the Business Travel Show was held at Earls Court, London, informing business men and women about the need to cover themselves while travelling for work.

It is regarded by some as the leading event for anyone who buys or manages company travel or books business trips and sources meeting venues over the internet, the phone or through an agent.

The exhibition is held annually over three days and showcases hundreds of business travel products and services from suppliers together with over 30 hours of education in the expert led conference opportunities.

However, businesses do not need to attend this event to obtain information about travel insurance as there is a wide range of information on the internet.

Ms Heasmen concluded: "[In the States] you could be looking at a bill for £40,000 upwards for treatment and that's just the medical treatment, not getting you home either.

"The important thing is getting you home and that is where travel cover comes into play, we'll bring you home on an air ambulance if necessary."