In November 2026, Crum & Forster’s Accident & Health division and ViaSafely announced annual travel protection as a voluntary employee benefit. The November 5 release describes fixed-cost payroll deductions and distribution through bswift, participating brokers and marketplace channels, including access outside normal open enrolment. It does not provide evidence of take-up or claims performance.

Explain which contract applies

Employees should be able to distinguish this offer from the employer’s business travel programme and any international medical or expatriate cover. Use examples such as a holiday, a client visit and a long assignment to show which policy and assistance contact may apply. Confirm the answer against the policy rather than assuming that travel protection sold at work covers work travel.

Test deductions and service

Before launch, reconcile the date an employee elects cover, the date a deduction begins and the effective date under the policy. Test missed deductions, cancellations and departure from employment. Clarify who will answer questions about cover and who will deal with a disputed deduction. If enrolment is available during the year, the same checks need to work outside the annual enrolment cycle.

If the vendor and payroll files disagree, employees need a named contact who can confirm the effective date before they travel.

Ask what gap the offer fills and how that will be measured. An employer can track complaints and cancellations as well as take-up, and check whether the benefit duplicates other cover. Show employees the total annual cost and a clear contact for assistance. Payroll distribution can make a useful product easier to buy, but the employer still needs to establish where it fits in the wider protection programme.

Sources

Crum & Forster – ViaSafely employee benefit