The Travel Insurance You Didn’t Know You Needed
It’s December. The out-of-office replies are piling up, holiday playlists are taking over the airwaves, and most of us are already halfway on holiday in our heads. Whether you’re daydreaming of a beachside escape or finally catching up on some well-earned downtime, there’s one thing you’ve already probably sorted: travel insurance. It’s part of the deal when you’re heading out on a family trip.
But what about the business trips you’ve managed this year—or the ones you’ll be taking when January rolls around? How prepared are you for the unexpected?
Karen Botha, Sales Manager at Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC), sees the gaps all too often. “The biggest mistake we see is travellers relying on free or complimentary cover thinking it’s comprehensive cover,” she explains.
When credit card coverage falls short
Business travel is rarely straightforward. When something goes wrong, the stakes are often much higher than on holiday. A missed flight isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a deal at risk. Imagine arriving for your presentation, but your luggage doesn’t. That carefully selected outfit for tomorrow’s meeting? Still circling somewhere between airports. While credit card coverage might offer some protection, it often falls short of what business travellers really need. A comprehensive travel insurance policy’s luggage delay benefit can cover immediate essentials – from a replacement suit to basic toiletries – ensuring you can maintain a professional appearance even when your bags go AWOL.
Your health shouldn’t be a gamble
Something we’d rather not think about: getting seriously ill abroad. Work travel can take you anywhere – from gleaming urban hubs to high-risk, remote locations. Even if you’re someone who takes every precaution, health emergencies happen.
Botha recalls a critical 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, and he was immediately airlifted to a suitable medical facility in a neighbouring country.”
Think about that for a moment. Without proper insurance, you’re not just facing staggering medical bills – you’re gambling with your life. Even less dramatic situations, like needing emergency medical care or a prescription in a foreign country, can quickly spiral into expensive ordeals.
And if you have a pre-existing condition? Don’t assume you’re automatically covered. “If you know you have a condition, make sure it’s included in your cover,” Botha advises. “Without it, even minor flare-ups can turn into a major problem.”
When airlines shrug their shoulders
Flight delays are practically a given these days. Yes, airlines will help with the basics – a meal voucher here, maybe a hotel room there. But what about those domino-effect disasters? The missed connections, the emergency rebookings, the cascade of disrupted plans?
That’s where proper travel insurance steps in. “Travel insurance can cover the cost of an onward flight if you miss your connection due to the late arrival of your inbound flight,” says Botha. Just remember, you need at least a three-hour buffer between flights to qualify.
Your laptop is worth more than you think
When you’re travelling for work, your bag is more than just a suitcase – it’s your mobile office. Your laptop, trade samples, or specialist tools aren’t just packed for convenience; they’re essential to getting the job done. But here’s the catch: they’re not always as insured as you think. “Most travel policies have a single item limit for expensive gear,” says Botha. So, if your laptop is worth R30,000 but the policy caps at R5,000 you’ll be footing the rest of the bill.”
Trade samples? Covered under most travel policies. Tools in use? That might be another story. Botha suggests double-checking your insurance to ensure all your work essentials are protected. And if something goes wrong – your laptop is stolen or damaged – you’ll need to act quickly. “Report any loss to local authorities immediately. You’ll need a detailed report to process your claim,” she advises.
When one size doesn’t fit all
Not all policies are built for every type of traveller. If your work takes you beyond the usual office setup – whether to a construction site, a remote field project, or anywhere involving physical labour – you need more than standard coverage.
This is where a good travel management company (TMC) becomes your safety net. “Some business travellers assume their insurance covers everything, but it doesn’t always match the actual nature of their work,” says Mummy Mafojane, Productive Operations Manager at FCM. “Our role is to make sure the right policies are in place – whether you’re headed to a boardroom or a hands-on project site.”
“Having the right insurance is about having peace of mind, knowing that when you work and travel, everything’s been thought through,” says Mafojane. “With the right advice and coverage, you can focus on what really matters: doing your job.” “We don’t just book your flights and hotels,” Mafojane adds. “We ensure you’re protected every step of the way. From selecting the right insurance coverage to providing 24/7 support, we focus on making business travel as seamless and safe as possible.
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