RBC Insurance today launched PATH, a free mobile app that enables its travel insurance clients to access information such as travel alerts, stored policy information and a geolocator to find the nearest doctor or medical facility in an emergency situation.

A recent RBC Insurance travel survey found that 14 per cent of respondents reported having been to a doctor's office or hospital to be treated for an illness while travelling. Another seven per cent of those surveyed said that they had experienced a situation where they needed medical help during a trip, but did not know where to go.

Information and advice

"Our idea was to help our clients access emergency medical assistance anywhere in the world and receive up-to-date travel information and advice on the go," said Stacey Hughes-Brooks, head of Travel, RBC Insurance. "With the PATH app, RBC Insurance clients are only one click away from finding the help they need while travelling."

Created by students

PATH is the brainchild of students participating in the RBC Amplify program. In the spring of 2016, students from various academic disciplines were assembled in teams of four, and presented with the opportunity to solve business and industry challenges. PATH was one concept that was derived from the student program and saw its way through to the production phase, says the insurer.

"PATH exemplifies our commitment to providing best-in-class mobile solutions to our clients and becoming a digitally enabled insurer," Hughes-Brooks.

The app is available in the Apple App store and for Android users on Google Play and can be found by searching RBC PATH.