Addressing Duty of Care Challenges in Global Mobility with International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI)

In this iPMI Global Insights article, we address how iPMI providers can ensure the safety and security of their global expatriate customer base in a dangerous, and unpredictable global environment.

iPMI providers may ensure the safety and security of their global expatriate customer base by:

Partnering with Security Service Providers: IPMI providers are collaborating with leading companies in the security domain to enhance their ability to address the complex security needs of expatriates living and working in potentially volatile regions.

This includes providing:

• Real-time alerts to members about security risks such as earthquakes, riots, or terror attacks.
• Travel risk management assistance, including help with establishing a travel risk management framework and preventive measures.
• Medical support, such as 24/7 hotline support, communication with healthcare providers, emergency medical services, and repatriation.
• Crisis protection, like evacuation services during terror attacks, natural disasters, and political crises, as well as support for robbery, assault, and theft.

Developing Advanced Technology Platforms: Some providers have introduced cutting-edge solutions to provide real-time alerts and comprehensive support to their members. Features of this platform include:

• Automated real-time alerts about worldwide security incidents based on a user's GPS location.
• Customizable alert and communication processes tailored to fit corporate policies.
• Multilingual support.
• Proactive status checks after security incidents to ascertain the safety of travellers.

Providing Crisis Support Services: IPMI plans may offer crisis support services to assist customers during emergencies. These services may include:

• A travel intelligence app with location-specific alerts related to terrorism, severe weather, etc.
• An emergency hotline.
• Access to travel documents and important itinerary information.
• 24/7/365 assistance to facilitate responses to urgent and emergency situations, such as emergency medical evacuations.

Offering In-House Crisis Management: Some IPMI providers utilize in-house rescue teams to support members in areas of conflict or natural disaster locations. This allows them to provide fast and effective responses to these situations.

Ensuring Staff Expertise and Flexibility: IPMI providers are staffing their teams with experienced professionals who are trained to handle diverse situations and provide support in multiple languages and currencies. This ensures that expatriates can receive assistance even in remote or hazardous locations. Some providers also prioritize flexibility and the ability to transition to a home service environment quickly without disrupting service to their clients.

In addition to these measures, IPMI providers should emphasize the importance of:

Understanding Geopolitical Landscapes: It is crucial for providers to stay informed about the geopolitical landscape, especially in high-risk locations, to effectively manage the health and care of their expatriate clients.

Providing Clear Travel Advice: Providers should offer clear travel advice to expatriates, particularly those traveling to high-risk areas.

Maintaining Strong Communication: Establishing effective communication channels is essential to promptly inform customers about risks and keep them updated as situations evolve.

Remaining Customer-Centric and Flexible: When market dynamics change due to global events, providers must prioritize customer needs and adapt their products and services accordingly. This includes offering flexible coverage options and repatriation assistance.

Summary

In conclusion, we may summarise with the following bullet points: 

• Partnerships with Security Experts: IPMI providers collaborate with security firms to offer real-time alerts (e.g., for earthquakes, riots), travel risk management, medical support (including emergency services and repatriation), and crisis protection (like evacuation during terror attacks or natural disasters).
• Advanced Technology Platforms: Providers utilize platforms offering real-time security alerts based on GPS location, customizable communication tailored to corporate policies, multilingual support, proactive safety checks after incidents, and access to a global network of medical providers.
• Comprehensive Crisis Support: Services include travel intelligence apps with location-specific alerts, emergency hotlines, access to travel documents, and 24/7 assistance for urgent situations like medical evacuations.
• In-House Expertise and Response: Some providers employ in-house rescue teams for rapid response in conflict zones or disaster areas. They also staff experienced professionals trained to handle diverse situations, offering support in multiple languages.