Tour East partner can provide medical reassurance
By: Ian Stalker
Tour East Holidays has teamed up with a firm that can provide travellers with medical counselling around the clock, a move the company says should reassure those wanting to see the world but are uneasy about doing so because of health concerns.
Tour East’s Steve Hope told a recent Baxter Media webcast that the company has partnered with Nursesimple, a Canadian firm that has those who purchase its service able to receive virtual advice from nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Agents booking travel with Tour East can purchase Nursesimple service for clients as well, giving them “a virtual nurse in their back pocket. It really gives another level of peace of mind,” Hope told viewers.
Hope added those deciding to buy Nursesimple’s service can be confident of receiving “unbiased health advice.”
Nursesimple says it uses “medical triage guidelines” when providing advice to travellers.
Travellers can buy single-trip or monthly Nursesimple service for $15, while an annual rate is available for $150.
Nursesimple notes that those buying its product can consult with Nursesimple staff in English or French before, during and after their trip.
Those speaking with Nursesimple staff before they leave can discuss their medical history, receiving advice on any possible health issues they may encounter during their journeys.
“This is really intended as a personalized service,” Hope stated.
Both Tour East and Nursesimple stated during the webcast that Nursesimple’s service isn’t an alternative to travel insurance and recommended that those purchasing the medical advice also get that insurance.
A Nursesimple staffer told the webcast that if there’s a need for a client to receive a “diagnosis in destination or while travelling we would be able to direct you to those types of resources.”
Tour East Holidays offers agents who buy a Nursesimple product 20% commission, with agents able to make bulk purchases of it that Hope said can be lucrative.
Meanwhile, Hope told webcast viewers that Tour East Holidays sends people to the likes of South America, Asia and Africa, and offers numerous off-the-beaten path experiences in such locales as Bhutan and Rajasthan.
Group tours and private guided tours are available, as are pre- and post-cruise stays.
Tour East Holidays will customize itineraries, Hope continued.
Hope said Tour East works “really closely with our (travel) agent partners.”
Health concerns are expected to feature prominently when international travel rebounds in a major way and Hope noted that Tour East Holidays has received the Safe Travels stamp, something which uses WTTC safety guidelines.
More information can be found at TourEast.com.
