Stevens Point, WI | Affirming the economy is on the upswing, 76 percent of travel managers said their travel activity increased for the first half of this year compared to the same time period in 2009. At the same time, travel managers have numerous concerns about their travelers overseas, one of these being their medical well-being. This information comes from a recent survey conducted by Travel Guard® North America (www.travelguard.com) of more than 100 corporate travel managers. Travel Guard is one of nation’s leading providers of travel insurance and assistance services and offers a comprehensive medical, security and personal assistance program called Premier Assist that’s designed for international business travelers, expatriates and students traveling overseas.

More than half of those surveyed – 53 percent – said that the medical well-being of their international travelers was of greater concern to them than it was five years ago.

In addition, 37 percent of respondents felt that a global pandemic could impact their travelers in the next year, while 36 percent expressed concern that fallout from a recurrence of volcanic ash over the Atlantic could impact international travelers. The occurrence of an earthquake, tsunami or other natural disaster was cited as a potential likelihood by 32 percent of respondents.

As for the international business travelers themselves, 43 percent said their number one concern is being stranded during their travels, while 30 percent said getting sick or injured during their travels was their biggest worry.

“The survey certainly affirms what we’ve been seeing and hearing from our corporate travel partners – business travel is on the rebound both domestically and internationally,” said John Rose, president of Travel Guard’s Business Travel Services, part of Travel Guard North America.

“From volcanic ash clouds to earthquakes, health advisories to the political unrest in many corners of the globe, this year has given us multiple reminders why organizations should have a comprehensive travel risk management program in place that incorporates extensive international security and medical assistance services for overseas travelers and expatriates. It’s really the best approach for organizations to meet the moral, fiduciary and legal Duty of Care responsibilities owed their employees who are either traveling to or stationed in all corners of the world.”

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 and .

This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard.

Erin McKeon
Account Supervisor, MMG Mardiks
+1 212 219 7560