Taking the team international is a bold move. Whether it’s a strategy session in a Tuscan villa or a team-building trek through the Andes, crossing borders adds a layer of complexity and risk that your standard office policy won’t cover.
While choosing the right hotel and curated activities is the fun part, risk management is what ensures the retreat is remembered for the breakthrough ideas, not a logistical nightmare.
Before you book those flights, run through this essential travel insurance checklist to protect your team and your company’s bottom line.
1. Business Travel Insurance (BTA)
Don’t rely on personal travel insurance or the basic coverage provided by a credit card. A comprehensive Business Travel Accident (BTA) policy is designed for corporate needs.
- Medical Emergencies: Covers hospital stays and treatment abroad.
- Emergency Evacuation: If a team member needs a medevac or a flight home due to a crisis, the costs can reach six figures without coverage.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Protects your investment if a global event or a family emergency forces a change of plans.
2. General Liability (Global Extension)
Most domestic general liability policies stop at the border. If your company is held responsible for property damage or a third-party injury during a workshop in Tokyo, you need an International General Liability extension.
Pro Tip: Check if your policy covers “hired and non-owned auto” if your team plans on renting cars or vans locally.
3. Workers’ Compensation (Foreign Voluntary)
If an employee is injured while working, yes, even during a “mandatory” team dinner, they are usually entitled to workers’ comp. However, standard state-side policies often have gaps when it comes to international claims.
- Foreign Voluntary Workers’ Compensation (FVWC) fills these gaps and often includes “repatriation of remains,” a somber but necessary consideration for international travel.
4. Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion (KRE)
It sounds like something out of a spy movie, but depending on your destination, KRE insurance is a standard corporate precaution. It provides access to professional crisis response teams who handle negotiations and logistics, ensuring your team’s safety is managed by experts.
The Bottom Line
Travel Insurance isn’t just a “check the box” task, it’s a safety net that allows your team to focus on what matters: bonding, innovating, and returning home safely. A little bit of boring paperwork now prevents a massive headache later.