Protecting Yourself Beyond Insurance

The two are complementary – and prevention is always preferable. A K&R policy is not a reason to take risks that could otherwise be avoided. It is a financial safety net for situations where risk cannot be fully eliminated. 

Research your travel destinations thoroughly before agreeing to go. Government travel advisories, security briefings from your employer and reporting from organizations that track regional security conditions all provide useful information. Understanding the specific risks associated with a destination – whether that is criminal kidnapping, political detention or opportunistic crime – allows you to make informed decisions about whether and how to travel. 

Maintain a low profile online. For anyone with an elevated risk profile, this means actively limiting the personal and professional information available about you in public-facing channels. It also means being disciplined about travel disclosure: never post travel plans, departure dates, hotel names or itineraries before a trip. Share where you’ve been after you’ve returned safely, never where you’re going before you leave. The gap between announcing a trip and making it creates exactly the window that targeting criminals exploit. 

Use secure communication methods and establish verification procedures for any situation involving meeting an unfamiliar person. This is especially important for ground transportation in high-risk countries. Before traveling, agree on a code word with your travel coordinator or employer. When a driver arrives – at an airport, a hotel or anywhere else – require them to provide the code word before you get in any vehicle. If they cannot provide it, do not get in the car. Contact your coordinator immediately. A legitimate driver will always be able to confirm the code. This one practice, consistently applied, eliminates the vulnerability that the airport chauffeur technique exploits. 

Travel with a minimal digital footprint where possible. Use devices that contain only the information necessary for the trip. Be cautious about using public Wi-Fi networks, which can be monitored. Avoid discussing travel details, business matters or personal information in hotel lobbies, airport lounges or other public spaces where conversations can be overheard.