Below is a look at some of the topics that have arisen from the August 2024 Travel Safety Sector Panel meeting.

If you would like to contribute to any of these topics, our Membership team would be delighted to hear from you.

Natural disasters, student safety and mental health challenges

Linda Langin, president of CareMed International Travel Insurance, said the recent earthquake in Japan meant they may have to evacuate up to 500 students in the affected area.

But she also talked about how the insurance sector is increasingly focused on technology-based solutions, with a particular emphasis on improving claims processing and customer experience through platforms such as Salesforce.

Claudia Reichstein, Director of international programmes at DR-WALTER Insurance Brokers, agreed in that they are also developing tech solutions like telemedicine apps and online claim services to improve efficiency and service quality. She emphasized that the demand for accessible mental health services is growing, prompting the development of telehealth solutions within the insurance industry.

Visa challenges and participant support

The panel discussed the varying impact of visa restrictions on different program types, with work and travel programs showing some signs of improvement compared to other categories.

Sarah McNamara, Senior vice president, AuPairCare, discussed how visa policy changes could impact J1 programs, particularly the au pair sector but also reported an increase in visa denials in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Turkey, and Thailand, impacting business operations.

Jimmy Brazelton, Managing director of Geovisions, noted a decrease in visa denials for work and travel programmes, although there’s been an increase in visa denials for trainees.

He also noted growing concerns about misrepresentation and participant misconduct in work and travel programmes. Balancing participant support with programme integrity remains a challenge.

It also noted that the State Department recently updated cancellation policies, allowing sponsors more flexibility in specific instances. However, many sponsors are still reluctant to terminate a placement because of the potential repercussions.

Overall outlook

The insurance and student travel industries are undergoing exciting transformations. Technology is driving innovation in insurance, offering improved customer experiences and streamlined processes.

While challenges such as visa restrictions and participant behaviour persist, the overall outlook for student travel remains positive.