Health and travel safety risks

Actually, International SOS has been publishing a "Health Risk Map" since 2010. The focus was on the health risks in the various countries. Now, for the first time, the assessment of the travel safety risk of the individual countries is also included in the map. For 2016, the map will therefore be renamed the "Travel Risk Map," the first integrated map for health and travel safety risks.

Differences

Serious differences within individual countries illustrate how difficult it is for companies to adequately prepare their employees for international travel. Companies are encouraged to consider both medical and safety issues when preparing employees for travel and international projects abroad.

In a recent Ipsos Global Advisor survey on international travel, participants were asked about their travel arrangements. The results show that eight out of ten travelers feel their safety could be at risk while traveling. At the same time, however, only four out of ten respondents inquire before their trip about the crime level at the respective destination, about areas that should be avoided if necessary, about safety standards of public transportation or the booked accommodation.

In addition, the results show that 71 percent of traveling executives have already experienced medical problems during a trip abroad. Only 15 percent, however, said they checked the quality of local healthcare in advance. Dr. Gerard Blanc, Regional Medical Director, International SOS, says:

"Even in countries with low health risk and a modern healthcare system, there are times when travelers need assistance. Language barriers or a health care system with which one is unfamiliar may already prevent adequate care."

Learn more about the "Travel Risk Map 2016" with an interactive search function on http://www.internationalsos.com/travelriskmap