Understanding Travel Assistance Programs in Employee Benefits

If you have group life or disability insurance through your job, you might also have access to a travel assistance program. This benefit can provide crucial support during emergencies while traveling, whether for work or vacation. Many employees are unaware of this feature, but understanding its offerings and how to utilize them can be invaluable for you and your family when away from home.​

Why You Should Review All Your Employee Benefits

While most employees focus on their salary and health insurance, additional benefits like travel assistance can be extremely beneficial. Employers often collaborate with insurance companies to provide these services, which can include medical assistance, legal support, and travel aid.​

Reviewing your benefits is important because:

1. You'll be aware of the resources available to you.​

2. You can utilize services that might save you money and stress during emergencies.​

3. You can plan ahead for safer and more convenient travel experiences.​

What Travel Assistance Programs Typically Include

While services can vary between providers, most travel assistance programs offer:​

1. Emergency Medical Assistance: If you become ill or injured while traveling, you can receive medical referrals, help with replacing prescriptions, and even emergency transportation if necessary.​

2. Legal and Safety Support: Should you encounter legal issues in another country, the program can connect you with local attorneys. Additionally, it can assist during situations involving political unrest or natural disasters.​

3. Help with Lost Belongings: If you lose important documents like your passport or visa, or your luggage goes missing, travel assistance services can expedite replacements.​

4. Travel Planning and Communication: Some programs offer aid with booking flights, arranging transportation, and even language translation services while you're abroad.​

Principal’s Travel Assistance Program

Principal Financial Group offers a travel assistance program as part of its group life insurance policies. This program assists employees and their families with various travel-related issues, including:​

• Medical Assistance: Access to referrals and support if medical care is needed.​

• Help with Lost Items: Guidance on replacing lost passports, driver's licenses, or other important documents.​

• Pre-Trip Information: Insights into your travel destination, including cultural norms and electrical outlet types.​

• Transportation Services: Coverage for emergency medical transportation, such as medical evacuation, up to $200,000 per beneficiary (including the employee and eligible dependents) per event.​

Please note: No reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses will be accepted. 

Who Can Use It?

Principal’s travel assistance covers employees, spouses, and children when traveling more than 100 miles from home for up to 120 consecutive days. Even if your family travels without you, they remain covered. Accessing the service can be done by:​

1. Visiting the website: To plan trips and obtain real-time travel information.​ principal.com/travelassistance

2. Calling the 24/7 hotline: At 888-647-2611 (U.S.) or 630-766-7696 (outside the U.S.).​

Examples of Travel Assistance in Action

Imagine you're on a family vacation abroad and suddenly fall ill. Instead of scrambling to find a reputable doctor, you can call travel assistance for a recommended hospital and potential direct billing options.​

Alternatively, suppose you're on a business trip and misplace your passport. Travel assistance can guide you through obtaining emergency travel documents promptly, helping ensure you don't miss your flight home.​

Final Thoughts

Travel assistance programs are a crucial yet often overlooked employee benefit that can enhance safety and reduce stress during travel. Reviewing and understanding these benefits can greatly improve your experience in unexpected situations.

This is just one example of the benefits you might have without knowing! Some dental plans also offer discounts on hearing aids, providing additional savings and health support. Look out for more insights into the hidden perks of your employee benefits coming soon!

References

Cigna. (2020). Travel assistance services. Retrieved from https://www.cigna.com

Guardian Life. (2019). Understanding your travel benefits. Retrieved from https://www.guardianlife.com

MetLife. (2021). Travel assistance: A valuable addition to your benefits package. Retrieved from https://www.metlife.com

Principal. (2024). Principal travel assistance overview. Retrieved from https://www.principal.com