Travel and Health Protection on International Postings – What Are Employers’ Responsibilities?

The Employer’s Duty of Care

The employer's duty of care is a legally established obligation (§ 618 German Civil Code - BGB) and requires employers to take all reasonable measures to protect the health, life, and well-being of their employees—even outside of the regular workplace and especially during international travel.

Legal Background

In addition to the German Civil Code, the duty of care also stems from employment-related obligations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and international standards (e.g., ISO 31030 on travel risk management). In practice, this means:

• Informing employees about health, safety, and political risks in the destination country
  
• Organizing suitable international health insurance
  
• Providing emergency plans, points of contact, and repatriation options
  
• Ensuring access to medical care (vaccinations, preventive services, access to doctors)
  
• Protecting against work-related stress, overload, and isolation
  

Who Bears Responsibility?

Responsibility lies solely with the employer—not the traveling employee. The employee must be able to rely on the company’s protective measures and preparation. If an accident or serious illness occurs abroad and it becomes clear that the employer failed to provide adequate protection, legal consequences may follow—such as claims for damages or recourse.

Travel Alert System: Real-Time Digital Safety

A key tool for fulfilling the duty of care is premote’s travel alert system. It offers companies a smart solution for risk assessment and real-time employee alerts.

How does the travel alert feature work?

• Automated safety alerts for political unrest, natural disasters, pandemics, accidents, etc.
  
• Employee location tracking in risk areas
  
• Real-time notifications via email or app
  
• Clear global risk maps and hazard assessments
  
• Immediate contact options with affected employees
  

How premote supports Employee Protection

By integrating premote into your travel risk management, companies can effectively meet their legal obligations. premote assists with:

• Early crisis or health threat alerts in destination countries
  
• Targeted communication with affected employees
  
• Rapid decision-making during evacuations or travel cancellations
  
• Documentation of duty of care for insurers and authorities
  

International Health Insurance: A Core Element of Health Protection

A suitable international health insurance plan is a critical part of preparation. It protects not only the employee from excessive medical costs but also the company from financial and legal risks. Especially outside Europe, comprehensive insurance is essential, as statutory health insurance usually provides little or no coverage.

Key features of a good international health insurance plan:

• Coverage for outpatient and inpatient treatment
  
• Repatriation to the home country if medically necessary
  
• Telemedicine and interpreter services
  
• Coverage for infectious diseases, accidents, or sudden complications
  
• Optional: psychological support or crisis assistance
  

Work and Travel: Duty of Care Also Applies to Non-Traditional Assignments

The duty of care applies not only to traditional business trips but also to other international work contexts—such as work and travel, voluntary service, international internships, or research assignments. In all these cases, the company must take appropriate measures, especially regarding international health insurance and associated risks.

Conclusion: Taking Employer Obligations on International Travel Seriously

Companies that actively protect their employees not only fulfill legal requirements but also strengthen their employer brand. In times of skilled labor shortages, responsible practices play a crucial role in employer attractiveness. A well-defined travel safety and health strategy sends a clear message: We care—even abroad.

An employer’s legal duty of care does not stop at the national border. Companies sending employees abroad must ensure comprehensive protection—from providing risk information to securing robust international health insurance. The combination of responsibility, foresight, and concrete action is not just legally required—it’s a hallmark of a modern corporate culture.