Ensuring the safety of employees during travel is more important than ever for businesses operating globally. This post explores the top travel risk management companies, providing insights on selecting the best partner for your corporate needs. You’ll find comparisons of industry leaders, key features of their services, and how they can help safeguard your business during travel.
Why Travel Risk Management is Critical for Businesses
The Rising Importance of Travel Risk Management
Globalisation and emerging risks such as pandemics, political instability, and natural disasters make travel risk management essential. Companies have a “duty of care” to protect employees while they travel, and neglecting this can lead to legal and reputational risks.
Key Features of Effective Travel Risk Management
A strong travel risk management programme includes:
- Real-time tracking of employees
- Emergency response capabilities
- Comprehensive risk assessments
- Medical evacuation services when required
24/7 monitoring ensures quick action and support during emergencies, keeping employees safe and reducing organisational risk.
Top Travel Risk Management Companies to Consider
When safeguarding corporate travellers, several leading travel risk management companies excel in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to varying industry needs. These companies offer services ranging from medical evacuation to political risk management and real-time travel monitoring.
Leading Travel Risk Management Companies Worldwide
International SOS
Known for its in-house medical network and worldwide presence, International SOS is preferred by multinational corporations. However, its reliance on its internal network can sometimes limit flexibility, as external providers may not collaborate as efficiently due to competition with their own services.
Everbridge
Focuses on critical event management, offering real-time threat detection and emergency response solutions, making it ideal for large organisations looking for comprehensive crisis management tools.
Control Risks
A key player in political and security risk management, Control Risks provides expertise in crisis management and security consulting. Their global reach and specialisation make them particularly strong in handling political instability.
NGS – Northcott Global Solutions
NGS provides a flexible and highly responsive travel risk management service across multiple industries. NGS partners with a network of vetted global medical and security providers, ensuring that clients receive the best and quickest support during emergencies. Unlike companies that rely on their in-house services, NGS remains unbiased, selecting the fastest, most effective provider available for each situation.
NGS’ client-first approach and its ability to choose from a wide range of trusted third-party providers means that clients receive tailored solutions, ensuring faster and more effective responses in emergency situations compared to organisations like International SOS that rely heavily on their own network.
How to Choose the Right Travel Risk Management Partner
When selecting a travel risk management provider, it’s important to evaluate certain key factors to ensure you are getting the best solution for your business.
Factors to Consider:
- Global Reach: Does the company have a network capable of supporting your global operations?
- Industry Expertise: Is the provider experienced in your specific sector, such as oil & gas, construction, or financial services?
- 24/7 Support: Does the company offer round-the-clock support to respond to emergencies at any time?
- Crisis Management: How robust is the provider’s crisis response? Are they equipped to handle evacuations, natural disasters, or medical emergencies?
By evaluating these elements, you can choose a partner that aligns with your company’s risk profile and operational footprint. The best travel risk management company will be one that not only provides real-time travel safety but also offers industry-specific solutions to mitigate risks effectively.
Key Features to Look for in a Provider:
Risk Alerts & Tracking
Ensure real-time updates on potential risks and locations of your travellers.
Medical Support & Evacuation
Access to emergency medical services and evacuation in critical situations.
Crisis Response & Comms Systems
Systems that allow instant communication and crisis management.
Insurance & Emergency Assistance
Offer comprehensive travel insurance and 24/7 emergency support.
How Travel Risk Management Companies Mitigate Real-World Risks
NGS Medical Repatriation Case Study (USA):
An expatriate in the USA suffered a severe, life-threatening medical condition that required immediate repatriation to their home country. Due to the unstable nature of the patient’s condition, NGS acted swiftly to stabilise the patient and arranged a medical evacuation through a specialised air ambulance. This required careful coordination between medical providers in both the USA and the patient’s home country, ensuring a seamless handover for continuous care.
Lessons Learned from Real-Life Scenarios
Preparedness
The success of this repatriation relied on NGS’ proactive approach, utilising vetted providers and ensuring the availability of critical medical resources at every step.
Risk Assessments
Accurate risk assessments and rapid mobilisation were key to the smooth execution of the evacuation, highlighting the importance of thorough, up-to-date planning.
Reliable Support
NGS’ ability to coordinate medical care and transportation in a time-critical situation demonstrated the value of having reliable, scalable support systems in place for businesses with global operations.
Leveraging Technology for Traveller Safety
Modern travel risk management companies utilise advanced technology to enhance traveller safety and improve response times during crises. Tools such as real-time tracking systems, geofencing, and mobile apps allow organisations to monitor employees’ locations globally, providing a clear overview of potential threats.
These technologies enable companies to detect risks early, such as sudden political unrest or natural disasters, and facilitate faster responses by alerting both travellers and risk management teams. Mobile apps also act as essential communication channels, connecting travellers directly with support teams, offering immediate access to medical help, or coordinating evacuations if required.
By using technology, companies streamline their risk management protocols, ensuring that communication is efficient, traveller locations are known, and emergencies are addressed without delay, ultimately minimising risk exposure. This is vital in keeping employees safe, regardless of where they travel.
How NGS Stands Out Among Travel Risk Management Companies
Tailored Solutions for Every Industry
NGS provides bespoke travel risk management solutions, particularly for high-risk industries like oil & gas, mining, and construction. We focus on creating customised plans based on the specific needs of each client, ensuring our services seamlessly integrate with existing corporate travel solutions. By conducting thorough risk assessments, NGS ensures that your organisation is prepared for any eventuality, meeting the compliance standards of ISO 31030 for travel risk management. This alignment ensures that businesses are not only protected but also meet global best practices.
The Importance of 24/7 Support and Global Reach
NGS’ commitment to 24/7 support through its global network ensures fast, reliable responses during emergencies. Whether you are facing a medical crisis, a natural disaster, or political unrest, NGS is equipped to provide immediate solutions. Our adherence to ISO 31030 guidelines further guarantees that our processes and responses are of the highest international standard, offering both immediate crisis support and long-term strategic benefits for your organisation.
Final Thoughts: Why Travel Risk Management is Non-Negotiable
Key Takeaways
Travel risk management is essential for maintaining the safety of employees and ensuring business continuity. In an unpredictable global landscape, having a robust system in place to monitor risks, respond to crises, and provide emergency assistance is non-negotiable. Look for key features in a provider, such as real-time tracking, 24/7 support, and a strong global network to ensure your organisation is fully protected.
Book a Consultation with Us Today
Assess your current travel risk management strategy to identify gaps and areas for improvement. NGS offers tailored solutions to meet your organisation’s specific needs. Book a consultation today to see how we can help you safeguard your team and ensure operational resilience wherever your business takes you.
