International SOS and iJet International upgraded their mobile apps this year while a new Healix app features distress signals with photos and audio. A "panic button" may not beat a phone call in an emergency, but apps can offer translation, destination training and document storage. Providers now also are exploring client customization and third-party integration.

Customizing an app can be a big project. "Mass app customization at the scale of our client base is incredibly complicated," said International SOS chief digital officer Rich Gallagher. "But we're now working with our leading clients who are guiding us." Clients may . . .

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