- The Best Business Travel Insurance Plans
- What is business travel insurance?
- The Price of Business Travel Insurance
- What business travel insurance covers
- The Conditions of Business Travel Insurance
- Why take out business travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right Business Travel Insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover business travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
business travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Business travel insurance covers risks specific to work trips, like lost equipment and professional liability.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between £25 and £45, depending on the coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and business equipment, but often excludes pre-existing conditions without prior approval.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and the NHS offer limited cover, often excluding business equipment and non-EU repatriation.
5. Tips: Check that equipment value and trip cancellation limits are sufficient for your specific business needs.
6. Other useful info: Post-Brexit, ensure your policy has robust medical and repatriation cover for travel within the EU.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best business travel insurance.
The Best Business Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best business travel insurance solutions available for UK residents in 2025. These policies are among the best for their high medical and equipment coverage, low deductibles and straightforward conditions, making them ideal for work-related trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £10M | £50 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £8M | £75 |
|
| Tourist Card | £10M | £50 |
|
| World Travel | £2M | £100 |
|
| Globe Partner | £8M | £60 |
|
| Globe Traveller | £8M | £60 |
|
- Business equipment protection included.
- 24/7 worldwide business support line.
- Covers work trip cancellation.
- Fast digital claims process.
- Mobile claims app for business users.
- High limits for laptops and phones.
- Multilingual business hotline.
- Work-related trip interruption cover.
- On-site legal assistance.
- Upfront payment for healthcare expenses.
- High emergency evacuation cover.
- Flexible business trip duration.
- Equipment replacement service.
- Emergency cash advance.
- Dedicated online claims portal.
- Covers professional liability abroad.
- 24/7 business emergency helpline.
- Includes business trip cancellation.
- Budget-friendly for SMEs.
- Multi-trip business travel up to 12 months.
- Stable premiums beyond age 60.
- Multilingual customer assistance.
The best business travel insurance depends on each traveller’s requirements. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable policy and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is a special type of cover designed to protect individuals travelling for work-related purposes, whether domestically or overseas.
It typically covers medical emergencies, cancellation, lost business equipment, and trip interruption linked to business commitments.
This insurance is essential for employees and self-employed professionals on work trips, and may offer higher limits to suit business needs.
Business travel insurance is sometimes called corporate or commercial travel insurance, and differs from standard policies by its focus on professional risks and equipment.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important for travellers from the UK:
- When you carry valuable business equipment like laptops or samples.
- For travel to countries with high medical costs, such as the USA.
- If you travel frequently for work, requiring an annual multi-trip policy.
- When a trip's cancellation would disrupt a critical business meeting.
- If a work emergency in the UK could require your early return.
- When your role abroad creates a risk of personal liability claims.
- If a colleague must replace you due to your illness or injury.
The Price of Business Travel Insurance
On average, business travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day business trip to Germany | £900 | £22 to £38 |
| 1-week conference in the United States | £2,600 | £65 to £120 |
| 2-week project work in Singapore | £3,500 | £95 to £180 |
| 1-month business assignment in Australia | £5,400 | £135 to £270 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your business travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the assignment, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: countries with costly healthcare such as the United States increase premiums.
- business equipment value: higher coverage for laptops and professional tools raises the price.
- traveller’s age: older business travellers may pay more.
- level of coverage: a premium policy, higher limits, or lower deductible increase the cost.
- additional options: cover for work cancellation, cyber risks, or extended stays can make insurance more expensive.
What business travel insurance covers
Business travel insurance is protection designed for employees, freelancers and business owners while travelling for work.
It supports professional and personal needs during company trips and offers benefits tailored for business requirements.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refund of costs if a work trip is cancelled for an accepted reason before departure. | Go for at least £5,000 cover and a maximum deductible of £75. Known events, pre-existing issues, or voluntary changes are excluded. |
| 🧳 Business equipment loss | Covers loss, theft or damage to laptops, mobiles, documents and other work gear. | Secure not less than £2,500 cover, with a deductible below £50. Unattended items and normal wear are typically excluded. |
| 🕒 Missed connection | Pays for new transport or hotels when missed meetings or flights disrupt your journey. | Choose no less than £500 cover, no deductible needed. Delays under 12 hours or no official proof are not covered. |
| 😷 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency treatment and hospital bills if you are ill or injured abroad. | Minimum cover should be £2M, deductible not over £75. Ongoing conditions, non-emergency care and routine check-ups are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Costs to bring you back to the UK if medically necessary during your business trip. | Look for unlimited cover managed by your insurer. Voluntary returns, or not approved by medical staff, are not covered. |
| 💼 Trip interruption | Refund for unused parts of your work trip if you have to curtail for a covered reason. | At least £3,000 cover is advised and opt for low deductibles. Non-essential business changes or minor disruptions are not valid for claims. |
| ✉️ Personal liability abroad | Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property in a work context. | No less than £1M cover and maximum £100 deductible. Professional liability and incidents involving your own company are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental cover | Pays for urgent dental treatment during your work trip. | Minimum £250 recommended, deductible under £30. Planned treatment, cosmetic work and chronic problems are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses abroad | Pays lawyer fees or bail if needed due to incidents during your work trip. | Get no less than £10,000 for legal and £20,000 for bail. Criminal acts, professional disputes and alcohol-related claims are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Covers the excess for rental car damage during business use. | £2,000 cover minimum, deductible below £50. Using an unlicensed driver, alcohol or reckless driving are not covered. |
Known events, pre-existing issues, or voluntary changes are excluded.
Unattended items and normal wear are typically excluded.
Delays under 12 hours or no official proof are not covered.
Ongoing conditions, non-emergency care and routine check-ups are excluded.
Voluntary returns, or not approved by medical staff, are not covered.
Non-essential business changes or minor disruptions are not valid for claims.
Professional liability and incidents involving your own company are excluded.
Planned treatment, cosmetic work and chronic problems are excluded.
Criminal acts, professional disputes and alcohol-related claims are excluded.
Using an unlicensed driver, alcohol or reckless driving are not covered.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the business travel insurance most suited for your professional needs, compare offers easily on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Business Travel Insurance
Business travel insurance is governed by specific rules to ensure coverage applies throughout your professional trip.
- UK residency: you must be a resident of the UK at the time you purchase your business travel insurance.
- Policy purchase timing: you must buy your business travel insurance before leaving the UK, not once you are already abroad.
- Work-related travel: the trip must be for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or project work, and not for leisure only.
- Trip duration compliance: your business trip must not exceed the maximum duration specified by your insurance policy.
- Pre-existing conditions: you must declare all medical conditions when applying and get written confirmation of any related coverage.
- Equipment declaration: all business equipment, such as laptops and devices, that you want insured must be listed and valued in your policy.
- Geographic coverage: destinations must be included in your policy and not restricted by UK government travel advice.
- Incident reporting: you must notify your insurer as soon as possible following a major incident, loss, or medical issue.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming your bank's travel insurance covers business trips. These policies often exclude essentials like business equipment or work-related cancellations. For true peace of mind, verify your policy has specific corporate cover, ensuring you're not left financially exposed while working abroad.
Why take out business travel insurance?
Unexpected health issues or accidents can quickly become very costly during business travel, especially when abroad and not covered by the NHS or company plans.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Usually up to £1,500, subject to dental limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to £10,000,000, depending on plan |
- Europe: £150-300
- North America: £800-1,500
- Asia: £100-250
- Europe: £200-400
- North America: £1,200-2,500
- Asia: £150-350
- Europe: £180-350
- North America: £900-1,800
- Asia: £120-280
- Europe: £250-500
- North America: £1,500-3,000
- Asia: £200-450
- Europe: £8,000-15,000
- North America: £35,000-65,000
- Asia: £5,000-12,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Business travel insurance can also include useful protections beyond medical costs: trip cancellation or interruption for work reasons, lost or stolen business equipment, personal liability, emergency assistance and cover for missed connections that can safeguard both employee and employer interests.
Good to know
Protect your business trip from unexpected disasters. A medical emergency in the US can cost over £50,000, and standard policies often won't cover your work laptop. Insurers like Chapka ensure you're covered for both medical crises and lost business equipment, providing complete peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right Business Travel Insurance
Coverage levels and limits in business travel insurance can vary significantly between plans. To protect yourself and your organisation, it is important to compare coverage based on your professional needs and the type of business trips you take.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Insufficient limits could leave you with large medical or equipment bills | Always select at least £2,000,000 for medical costs and check business equipment is covered. |
| 💻 Business equipment cover | Loss or damage to laptops and work devices can disrupt your assignments | Check the per-item and total limits, especially if you carry multiple or high-value devices. |
| 👨💼 Traveller profile | Frequent flyers, consultants, and executives need different benefits | Choose a multi-trip or annual policy tailored to the frequency and length of your business travel. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Businesses often require longer or back-to-back travel | Confirm the maximum duration per trip matches your assignment length, especially for long-term stays. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Business trips often span multiple or risky destinations | Ensure your policy covers all regions you travel to, with worldwide and war-risk coverage if needed. |
| 🛡️ Company/Employer policy | Existing employer insurance may cover some needs but leave gaps | Review your employee benefits and only buy separate cover for what is not already included. |
| 📉 Deductible | Paying a high excess could impact claims for equipment or healthcare | Choose a policy with a reasonable deductible for both medical and equipment claims. |
| 🏢 Work-related incident cover | Policies may exclude cover for company-specific risks or cancellations | Check if cancellation, liability, and interruption cover include business emergencies and work changes. |
| 🕒 24/7 assistance | Fast support is vital if emergencies disrupt business or equipment abroad | Prioritise insurers with strong 24/7 multilingual support and business-focused emergency lines. |
Do my current insurance policies cover business travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can offer you a business travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Business travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Covers emergency healthcare in the UK and EU (with GHIC), but not globally. No cover for business equipment, repatriation, or cancelled meetings. No business equipment, repatriation, or work trip interruption is covered with the NHS. | Travel insurance reimburses up to £10,000,000, covers equipment, cancellations, legal and business support. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare) | Almost Never | Medical costs abroad up to £10,000,000, but excludes trip cancellation and business equipment. Limits for personal accident and no travel interruption. No business asset cover, loss of professional devices, or business emergencies supported. | Travel insurance protects professional devices and cancellations, typically up to £10,000,000, with worldwide support. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | Basic medical and travel accident cover, often below £2,000,000. No equipment or work cancellation. Baggage protection is often limited. No work laptop coverage, document loss, or professional meeting coverage with these cards. | Travel insurance offers higher reimbursement, baggage and equipment cover, up to £10,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (HSBC Premier, NatWest Black) | Limited coverage | Some medical expenses, cancellation, and baggage, up to £10,000. Excludes most business risks, equipment or higher trip limits. No business liability, cyber incident, work laptop, or long business stay reimbursement included. | Travel insurance handles business risks, trip disruptions, and equipment loss, often up to £10,000,000. |
No business equipment, repatriation, or work trip interruption is covered with the NHS.
No business asset cover, loss of professional devices, or business emergencies supported.
No work laptop coverage, document loss, or professional meeting coverage with these cards.
No business liability, cyber incident, work laptop, or long business stay reimbursement included.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance policies often exclude key situations like trip interruption due to a relative's illness. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not generally mandatory for most destinations, but it can be required for entry to specific countries such as Russia, Cuba, or for certain types of work visas. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended for anyone travelling for business, as an unexpected illness or accident during a conference or business meeting abroad can disrupt both your trip and your company’s operations.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your work trip is confirmed, before making any non-refundable bookings. This ensures coverage for trip cancellation, delays, or any issues that might occur before departure. Early insurance provides financial benefits and peace of mind, especially for costly business commitments.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans and prices through HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Check all guarantees and exclusions with a focus on business-specific needs, such as coverage for professional equipment and trip interruption. Then you can purchase your policy online and will receive a certificate that is often required by employers or for visa applications.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, provided you have not already left the UK. However, full cover for trip cancellation and certain pre-departure events begins only once the policy is active. For maximum protection and benefits, arrange cover as soon as business travel plans are confirmed.
How do I make a claim on my business travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims line or visit their online claims portal, usually available 24 hours a day. Provide supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of business purpose or equipment value. Prompt notification and proper paperwork speed up claims, ensuring business impact is minimised.
Are laptops and business equipment covered by business travel insurance?
Most business travel policies include specific cover for laptops, mobile phones, documents, and professional tools, often with higher limits than standard travel insurance. Check your policy’s equipment limit, the excess applied, and any exclusions for unattended or lost business assets. Itemising equipment can simplify and strengthen claims.
Does business travel insurance cover travel disruption due to strikes or missed connections?
Yes, business travel policies usually cover missed flights, travel delays, and additional accommodation or transport costs, including missed connections due to airline strikes or severe weather. Always check the policy terms for the delay threshold and specific limits, which can range from £500 to £2,000 depending on the insurer.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not generally mandatory for most destinations, but it can be required for entry to specific countries such as Russia, Cuba, or for certain types of work visas. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended for anyone travelling for business, as an unexpected illness or accident during a conference or business meeting abroad can disrupt both your trip and your company’s operations.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your work trip is confirmed, before making any non-refundable bookings. This ensures coverage for trip cancellation, delays, or any issues that might occur before departure. Early insurance provides financial benefits and peace of mind, especially for costly business commitments.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans and prices through HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Check all guarantees and exclusions with a focus on business-specific needs, such as coverage for professional equipment and trip interruption. Then you can purchase your policy online and will receive a certificate that is often required by employers or for visa applications.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, provided you have not already left the UK. However, full cover for trip cancellation and certain pre-departure events begins only once the policy is active. For maximum protection and benefits, arrange cover as soon as business travel plans are confirmed.
How do I make a claim on my business travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims line or visit their online claims portal, usually available 24 hours a day. Provide supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of business purpose or equipment value. Prompt notification and proper paperwork speed up claims, ensuring business impact is minimised.
Are laptops and business equipment covered by business travel insurance?
Most business travel policies include specific cover for laptops, mobile phones, documents, and professional tools, often with higher limits than standard travel insurance. Check your policy’s equipment limit, the excess applied, and any exclusions for unattended or lost business assets. Itemising equipment can simplify and strengthen claims.
Does business travel insurance cover travel disruption due to strikes or missed connections?
Yes, business travel policies usually cover missed flights, travel delays, and additional accommodation or transport costs, including missed connections due to airline strikes or severe weather. Always check the policy terms for the delay threshold and specific limits, which can range from £500 to £2,000 depending on the insurer.
On the same topic
