Why Remote Workers Need Trip Interruption Insurance While Travelling
As remote work starts to become the norm, working Canadians now have the flexibility to continue working while in the middle of their travel plans. This is a great option for working Canadians who are out of paid time-off or are in more senior positions that require constant team oversight.
However, most will not account for a trip interruption while travelling and doing remote work at the same time. This is where trip interruption insurance comes in handy.
Trip interruption insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers the cost of unexpected disruptions to your travel plans. It covers events like trip cancellations, delays, or significant interruptions due to unforeseen events like illness or a family emergency.
While many travellers view trip interruption insurance as an optional add-on, we consider it essential for remote workers. Here’s why.
Working While Travelling? Here’s Why Trip Interruptions Hurt
An unexpected trip interruption can hurt any person’s travel plans. Most travel starts with a strict schedule, and any interruption can take this timeline completely off-course.
While it’s possible to adjust and adapt certain plans, time-sensitive factors like hotel reservations and tourism event bookings are not as flexible. Attempting to adjust is not easy, and most importantly, not always possible — especially without incurring late fees or additional charges.
It becomes even more complicated when you factor in your work schedule as well.
For remote workers, trips often involve a significant investment. Not just in terms of travel costs but also in the time and effort put into coordinating. From booking accommodations to scheduling work meetings, every detail matters. When your trip is interrupted, you have to adjust both your travel plans and your work plans while on-the-road.
Trip interruption insurance ensures that if something goes wrong, you aren't left to pay the price. You won’t lose the money spent on non-refundable flights or accommodations, or incur extra charges due to changes in plans. Travel insurance means you’re financially protected from the unexpected.
Unexpected Challenges Remote Workers May Face While Traveling
Delayed Connecting Flight: A remote worker has their connecting flight delayed. This delays their entire schedule by a day, and means they won’t be checking into their hotel on time. It will also disrupt their work schedule, as they won’t be in a hotel by the time they need to start working.
How Travel Insurance Helps: Certain trip interruption policies can help carry the burden of any late fees or cancellation fees. It might also cover the cost of additional accommodations, such as a night at a nearby hotel, meals, and transport costs — as long as it aligns with your policy’s terms.
Delayed Return Flight: A remote worker has their return flight cancelled, which means they won’t be home in time to return to work.
How Travel Insurance Helps: Depending on your policy, trip interruption insurance can cover the accommodations needed for the delay, such as an extra night at a hotel. This allows you to be in a setting suitable to continue working while waiting for your rescheduled flight.
Family Emergency: A remote worker needs to return home urgently due to a family emergency. Last-minute flight changes, hotel cancellations, and booking new accommodations will incur heavy out-of-pocket costs.
How Travel Insurance Helps: Trip interruption insurance can help reimburse the cost of a last-minute flight home and any non-refundable travel expenses you’ve already paid for.
Compromised Work Equipment: A remote worker's laptop that they use for work is stolen while travelling or is damaged during transit. The circumstances are out of their control.
How Travel Insurance Helps: Some travel insurance plans come with optional add-ons that cover the theft or damage of work-related electronics. This coverage can help fund the replacement or rental of new equipment.
Safeguard Your Trip AND Your Career with Comprehensive Travel Insurance
In the age of remote work, travel insurance does more than protect you from unexpected costs, it also protects your bottom line by allowing you to fulfill your work obligations no matter what happens. Regardless of if your trips are work-related or just leisurely, travel insurance is a must-have for your peace of mind.
Get a comprehensive travel insurance plan suited for remote workers today!