The International SOS and Control Risks alliance has created an online map that highlights both key health and security risks to travellers by country.

The map enables users to differentiate both between medical and security risk, and between specific regions in countries.

To use the interactive map, click here

Dr Irene Lai, medical director of information and analysis for International SOS, said, “We created the Travel Risk Map to help travellers align their pre-trip preparations proportionately with the risks they may encounter in a particular location.

“Even in countries with a low medical risk rating and state of the art medical services, travellers may still need assistance with language or navigating an unfamiliar health care system – both of which can be significant barriers to obtaining care.”

The service was launched in 2015, at a time of heightened awareness of traveller security and health issues. Since then, the risk of terrorism has increased and although the Ebola outbreak in Africa is better managed, the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas and in South Korea is cause for concern.

Rob Walker, head of information and analysis at International SOS and Control Risks, summarised the rationale for the interactive dual health and security risk mapping tool, saying, “Our comprehensive overview reveals that in 75 per cent of countries the medical risk is assessed to be at a different level from the travel security risk.

“This range within individual countries highlights the complexities organisations face when preparing staff to travel abroad.

“Organisations are encouraged to review both medical and security issues when preparing their employees for travel and assignment abroad.

“The reality is there are risks everywhere in the world. Understanding what those risks are, and then taking appropriate precautions is the best way to support your staff, enable business growth and deliver on duty of care.”