Zurich wants to introduce an enhanced business travel product locally next year after the global company last week said it had improved its commercial offering to reflect challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The insurer says companies have a greater obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workforces as employees are exposed to more complex risks when travelling.

“Although the pandemic has significantly reduced business travel for now, it is slowly re-starting as companies in some industries have to look after their assets, equipment and customers abroad and deliver on projects,” Global Head of Accident & Health (A&H) Drazen Jaksic said.

“Implementing a multinational business travel solution is now more important than ever as it can help prevent employees from being harmed and protect the business from the financial consequences.”

Australia currently has a ban on all overseas travel, unless an exemption is granted, while domestic flights between states and territories are also affected by border closures.

The Federal Government has indicated international travel may first be allowed with New Zealand and other countries with low levels of COVID-19 transmission.

“In Australia, Zurich is monitoring the local travel restrictions closely and is looking forward to bringing the benefits of the enhanced global commercial A&H travel solution to our customers in 2021,” Head of Accident & Health – Commercial Nicole Yates told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Zurich says its Business Travel Solution includes alerts, three-way communication between the traveller, employer and Cover-More’s World Travel Protection, and one-touch “emergency button” capability to request immediate assistance.

A Travel Assist portal also allows risk managers to receive updates on emerging issues, information on COVID-19 spread, and advice on travel and safety procedures.