To wrap up 2025, we asked the WYSE Travel Confederation Travel Safety Sector panellists to reflect on 2025, as well as new opportunities on the horizon and key priority areas for the coming year.
On a positive note, one of the most uplifting accomplishments of 2025 was launching Teacher Lounge and guiding our transition into a dedicated platform for educator support. This shift has allowed us to better curate resources and services that meet teachers where they are, in the specific contexts in which they work. From cultural preparation to professional development and day-to-day guidance, we’re now able to tailor support more intentionally and holistically. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m energized by the opportunity to expand these efforts and deepen how we accompany teachers throughout their international journey.
On a more serious note, a central priority for 2026 is the launch of our new housing services for educators. Housing has increasingly become a safety and security issue, especially as rental costs rise and teacher salaries remain stagnant in many communities. Ensuring that international teachers can access safe, stable, and affordable accommodation is essential to their well-being and their ability to focus on their classrooms. Our commitment for the coming year is to provide a more comprehensive housing support structure, one that helps educators navigate unfamiliar systems and environments, avoid unsafe situations, and settle into communities with confidence.
Jimmy Brazelton
Executive Director
Teacher Lounge
Linda Langin
President
CareMed International Travel Insurance
Linda Langin
On a positive note during 2025, we saw outbound and inbound US student travel stabilize after years of unpredictable global conditions. However, following this period of instability, we now see students becoming much more risk-conscious, asking sharper questions about coverage details, exclusions, and emergency support. They expect real-time help and seamless digital tools. Mental health is no longer a bonus feature; it’s a baseline requirement. As a result, we have raised the bar on communication, transparency, 24-hour crisis support and responsiveness.
To continue our commitment to student safety, in 2026 we will be increasing our tools and resources to include: pre-departure orientation materials that includes information on health literacy and understanding local healthcare systems, strengthening student safety protocols around mental health, crisis response and travel advisories and building strong partnerships with insurance providers that can assist us in offering integrated solutions, not just policies.
As an insurance broker, our mission has always been to provide security where it matters most. On a positive note during 2025, we at DR-WALTER were able to expand our portfolio for student travel inbound Germany. As the German healthcare system is complex, many international students need specific advice to find the right insurance cover. At German-student-insurance.com, DR-WALTER offers suitable solutions depending on age, type of study, and individual circumstances: Statutory health insurance (if the requirements are met) and private comprehensive insurance (for students who are not eligible for statutory insurance.
Supporting students with digital tools is key and we will expand our cooperation with air doctor to our B2B business, providing seamless access to telemedicine and mental health support.
Further the implementation of our new “My Safety Manager” has proven to take administration workload from our partners by providing an insurance portal with many helpful features.
Looking ahead to 2026, our goal is not just to offer comprehensive coverage, but to deliver real value through high-quality advice. We believe that personal, well-informed consultation remains essential—especially when clients are far from home and navigating unfamiliar systems.
At the same time, we will continue to invest heavily in digital tools. From intuitive onboarding processes to smart policy management and real-time support, digitalization will help us stay close to our clients wherever they are in the world. A smooth and efficient claims handling process is another cornerstone of our strategy. In critical moments, speed, clarity, and empathy make all the difference. By optimizing workflows and working closely with our partners, we aim to ensure that claims are handled fairly and without unnecessary complexity.
Finally, product development will be a central focus. We will carefully review how our insurance solutions can best support people abroad – taking into account different lifestyles, countries, and individual risks. Our ambition is to create products that truly reflect the realities of people living internationally.
Claudia Reichstein
Head of International Programs
DR-WALTER Insurance Brokers