Surely the TMCs’ next step is to ensure medical needs are catered for as well?
many barriers, not least of which is data privacy notes Amanda Murphy, product marketing manager – UK and Ireland, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). “Data privacy is a concern with some consumer apps, as is the ability of these apps to work with any relevant insurance companies,” says Murphy. “They must also be compliant with the Health Insur- ance Portability and Accountability Act, ensuring customer’s data and privacy is protected.” However, CWT has also partnered with
ISOS. “Travellers using the app can access features such as click-to-call for assistance, country guides for trip preparation, push- notifications for alerts and the ability to speak with a doctor,” says Murphy. Simon Dugan, director of sales at Ian
Allan Travel, adds: “Our experience has shown a reticence from travellers to fully complete a traveller profile with informa- tion required to make a booking, leading us to question if there would be any appetite or more apprehension to provide medical information to a TMC.” He says the TMC does collaborate with both iJET and ISOS. “The healthcare area of an organisation’s duty of care should fall to the employer to source a specialist with trained healthcare professionals,” he adds.
THE SOFT SELL
Another sticking point for TMCs to further explore medical apps is that, legally speak- ing, they may not be allowed to advise or sell insurance, Dugan adds, due to Finan- cial Services Authority regulations. How- ever, with the growing number of apps on the market, he believes Ian Allen Travel could include links to apps for travellers to download within information packs, with disclaimers. For John Harvey, group marketing direc- tor at HRG, the question is about policy. “The use of apps in travel management is gathering pace,” he says. “What clients look for
is consistency, compliance
and control. Therefore, as this area is new, it will become an increasing part of the mix of a client’s technology/traveller experience strategy.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
“As a global TMC we are involved in
policy design and policy management with every client.” Healthcare technology, as a value-added service, could therefore be a consideration, he says. A further barrier to business travellers using medical apps is also in part due to a lack of a ‘sexy’ image, according to Charlotte Lamp Davies, vice-president at technology consulting firm Data Art. But she is keen to point out that “TMCs are not responsible for the health of the traveller”. However, she adds: “Technologies shaping health provision for business travel, such as new apps, will increas- ingly be a part of the offering of travel insurance companies. Upselling apps is an excellent opportunity for them.” Yet she notes awareness is still low among corpo- rate travellers. Data Art, which specialises in both travel and healthcare, also believes the industry is just a few years away
from implants
and artificial intelligence. “There is a strong focus on developing wearable technology,” she says. “Within three years there will be an increased take-up as new apps and wearables are developed. However, in the very near future, health technology for business travellers will move beyond apps.” It seems many travel buyers are unaware
of the wealth of medical app options available to employees – a condition that could, perhaps, be alleviated by some TMC treatment.˜
for travellers Health/medical apps
— International SOS Assistance Travel security analysis and medical information app.
— iJet ‘Mission-critical’ intelligence and assistance pre-trip, on location and in an emergency.
— Echo 112 App sending your location to local emergency services and currently working on releasing an application programming interface (API). Also offers Medical ID, a mini-medical file with information mainly used in case of emergency.
— Now GP Claimed to be the world’s first healthcare app to diagnose and deliver medication on the go.
— Trekkable Travel solutions tailored towards wheelchair users.
BBT JULY/AUGUST 2016 21 IN BRIEF
■ VIRGIN TRAINS has launched a free Netflix-style streaming service, allowing passengers to watch TV shows and films using their own devices. The new app, Beam, will give travellers access to around 200 hours worth of films, TV programmes, magazines and games.
■ UBER has secured $3.5 billion of funding from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The US-based ride-sharing app said the investment was a “vote of confidence” in the business and will help its global expansion plans.
■EUROSTAR is launching £25 one-way tickets to Paris and Brussels, but only to travellers who hand over their Facebook details. The cross-channel operator has unveiled website Snap, which lets users buy the cheapest fares but only if they log in via the social network site and don’t mind what time they travel.
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