- The Best Business Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is business travel insurance?
- The price of business travel insurance
- What does business travel insurance cover?
- The Conditions of Business Travel Insurance
- Why take out business travel insurance?
- How can I choose the right business travel insurance?
- Do my current insurance policies cover business travel insurance?
- FAQ
business travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Business travel insurance covers risks specific to work trips, like equipment loss and professional liability.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and business gear but often excludes pre-existing conditions and non-emergency changes.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and health plans like Medicare offer limited coverage, often excluding business-specific risks.
5. Tips: Choose annual plans for frequent travel and ensure coverage matches your business equipment's total value.
6. Other useful info: For US businesses, insurance premiums are often a tax-deductible expense, reducing the overall net cost.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, 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 plans available for US travelers in 2025. These policies are notable for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, supporting professionals with comprehensive protection for frequent and complex trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,000,000 | $100 | • Immediate activation. • Concierge support for travel changes. • Direct payment to hospitals. • Global claims assistance. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1,000,000 | $100 | • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Business equipment included. • Mobile app for claims. • No premium increase by age. |
| Tourist Card | $500,000 | $150, $250 for US/Canada | • Fast claims service. • Flexible cancellation terms. • Trip interruption for work emergencies. • Medical evacuation included. |
| World Travel | $750,000 (US/Canada), $300,000 (others) | $150 per claim | • Business trip delay coverage. • Quarantine hotel coverage. • Psychological support. • Essential document loss assistance. |
| Globe Partner | $300,000 | $100 | • Favorable rates for professionals. • No paperwork for claims. • E-claims tracking. • Long coverage duration per trip. |
| Globe Traveller | $500,000 | $100 | • Coverage for year-long stays. • Stable premium after age 60. • Multi-language support. • Emergency return included. |
• Concierge support for travel changes.
• Direct payment to hospitals.
• Global claims assistance.
• Business equipment included.
• Mobile app for claims.
• No premium increase by age.
• Flexible cancellation terms.
• Trip interruption for work emergencies.
• Medical evacuation included.
• Quarantine hotel coverage.
• Psychological support.
• Essential document loss assistance.
• No paperwork for claims.
• E-claims tracking.
• Long coverage duration per trip.
• Stable premium after age 60.
• Multi-language support.
• Emergency return included.
The best business travel insurance depends on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is specialized coverage that protects professionals during domestic or international work-related trips. It typically covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and business equipment while traveling for meetings or conferences.
This type of insurance addresses the higher risks and costs of business mobility compared to leisure travel.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important for travelers from the US:
- For international trips, where your US health plan offers little coverage.
- When carrying valuable business equipment like laptops or specialized tools.
- For critical meetings where trip cancellation or interruption is costly.
- If traveling to areas with limited medical facilities or instability.
- For frequent business travelers, where an annual policy is cost-effective.
- If your company requires insurance to fulfill its duty of care.
- When your trip has high non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses.
The price of business travel insurance
On average, business travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of your total trip expenses.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2-day business meeting in Chicago | $900 | $25 to $40 |
| 1 week conference in London | $3,000 | $90 to $160 |
| 10 days multi-city tour in Europe | $4,500 | $130 to $220 |
| Annual plan for frequent global travel | $12,000 | $450 to $900 |
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: longer trips generally cost more to insure.
- destination: countries with high healthcare costs, such as the US or Japan, increase the premium.
- traveler age: older travelers may be charged a higher rate.
- level of coverage: broader protection, such as higher medical and equipment limits, raises the price.
- included options: add-ons like business equipment coverage, trip cancellation for work reasons, or cyber protection can increase the overall cost.
What does business travel insurance cover?
Business travel insurance is designed to protect professionals against a wide range of risks related to work travel, before departure, during transport, and while abroad.
It covers medical emergencies, business equipment, trip changes or interruptions, and liability, offering specific support for the needs of business travelers.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid expenses if a covered event prevents departure. | A minimum of $5,000 is advised, with no deductible above $50. Business preferences, known events, and late notice are often excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra cost if you miss your trip start due to valid and documented reasons. | Look for coverage of $500+ and no deductible. Lateness, unapproved carriers, or self-caused delays are not covered. |
| 💼 Business equipment loss | Covers loss, theft, or damage to business electronics or samples during the trip. | At least $2,500 per trip, max deductible $100. Wear and tear, unreported loss, or items left unattended are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Compensates for lost or heavily delayed checked luggage. | A minimum of $1,500 is recommended, deductible under $50. Negligence, high-value items, or commercial goods could be excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays fixed amount for expenses if travel is delayed due to covered reasons. | Seek $150+ after 6 hours, no deductible. No cover for delays under 6 hours, or without written proof. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care needed during the business trip. | Aim for $250,000 minimum, no deductible over $100. Routine care, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for evacuation to nearest suitable care. | Favor unlimited coverage when possible. Non-emergency travel, elective transfers, or traveler refusal may be excluded. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability abroad | Covers damages or injury caused to others during work travel. | Minimum $500,000 cover, deductible under $100. Intentional acts, business partners, or rentals may be excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Reimburses urgent dental treatment abroad. | Recommend at least $300 and deductible below $50. Planned or cosmetic procedures and lack of prior authorization are excluded. |
| 👔 Business trip interruption | Refunds unused trip costs or extra expenses if work duties force you home early. | Choose a limit of $5,000+ and as little deductible as possible. Voluntary or minor reasons, or lack of proof, are excluded. |
Business preferences, known events, and late notice are often excluded.
Lateness, unapproved carriers, or self-caused delays are not covered.
Wear and tear, unreported loss, or items left unattended are excluded.
Negligence, high-value items, or commercial goods could be excluded.
No cover for delays under 6 hours, or without written proof.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded.
Non-emergency travel, elective transfers, or traveler refusal may be excluded.
Intentional acts, business partners, or rentals may be excluded.
Planned or cosmetic procedures and lack of prior authorization are excluded.
Voluntary or minor reasons, or lack of proof, are excluded.
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 plan best suited to your needs and your trips, it is recommended to compare multiple offers on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Business Travel Insurance
Business travel insurance is only valid if certain conditions are met, which are specified in your policy.
- Purpose of trip: the travel must be for work, business meetings, conferences, or approved corporate activities, not leisure or vacation.
- Policy purchase timing: you must buy the insurance before your trip begins, usually at least one day before departure.
- Employment status: coverage typically applies only to active employees, executives, or authorized contractors of the insured company.
- Trip duration limits: your trip must not exceed the maximum number of covered days listed in your policy, often 90 or 180 days.
- Covered destinations: travel must not include destinations under US State Department travel warnings or sanctions at the time of departure.
- Notification of incidents: any loss, injury, or incident must be reported to the insurer within the time frame required by the policy, usually 24 to 72 hours.
- Official documentation: you must provide proof of employment, travel itinerary, and supporting documents for claims such as receipts or medical records.
- Compliance with company policy: the trip must be authorized and compliant with your employer’s travel and insurance guidelines for claims to be valid.
Watch out!
Many travelers assume their work laptop is covered under standard baggage protection. However, these policies often have low limits and exclude high-value electronics. Specific business travel insurance is crucial, offering dedicated coverage for equipment to avoid major out-of-pocket replacement costs if it's lost or stolen.
Why take out business travel insurance?
When traveling for business, even a simple accident or illness can lead to very high bills outside the US.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100% of the actual cost |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% of the medical bill |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100%, after deductible if any |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial coverage, often up to policy limits |
- Europe: $800 to $1,200
- North America: $1,500 to $2,500
- Asia: $300 to $600
- Europe: $600 to $1,000
- North America: $1,200 to $2,000
- Asia: $200 to $500
- Europe: $400 to $800
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $150 to $400
- Europe: $500 to $900
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $200 to $500
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.
Other guarantees that may be included in business travel insurance are also useful: trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance, and business equipment protection.
Good to know
Your US health plan likely won't cover you abroad. An unexpected illness could cost thousands. Protect yourself from massive medical bills and get peace of mind. Plans from insurers like AVA Assurances can offer upfront payment for hospitalizations, so you're not out-of-pocket.
How can I choose the right business travel insurance?
Not all business travel insurance plans offer the same coverage: reimbursement limits, deductibles, and conditions can differ considerably.
That is why it is essential to review key criteria, so your policy truly matches your business needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Coverage caps may leave you responsible for costs if set too low | Prioritize a policy with at least $500,000 medical and $10,000 equipment coverage. |
| 💰 Deductible | Out-of-pocket cost can affect claim value and budget planning | Aim for low or waived deductibles, especially for medical and business equipment. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Eligibility and completeness of coverage often depend on timing and declaration | Check policy activation timelines and disclose all work activities in advance. |
| 👔 Employee status | Coverage can differ for executives, staff, or self-employed professionals | Ensure the plan includes all traveler categories and matches corporate requirements. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some plans are limited to 30 or 90 days per trip | For frequent or extended assignments, choose annual or long-stay business policies. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Regions with high medical costs need higher insurance limits | Confirm worldwide protection and check for country-specific exclusions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Your bank card or company policy may overlap or leave significant gaps | Review current benefits to avoid duplicate or insufficient coverage. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Devices or presentations are often excluded or capped | Select a plan with generous, named equipment protection for all essential devices. |
| 📝 Reason for cancellation | Not all business-related reasons are standardly covered | Select a policy that covers job-related trip cancellations and work emergencies. |
Do my current insurance policies cover business travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances such as credit card insurances 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Covers emergency medical up to $50,000, sometimes evacuation. No baggage, cancellation, liability, or business equipment coverage. No 24/7 assistance, weak abroad guarantees. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 and includes business equipment, cancellation, delays, and full repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna) | Almost Never | May include international care to $500,000-$2,000,000. No trip cancellation, baggage, or business risks. No luggage or work support. | Travel insurance adds trip interruption, high legal and business coverage, and claims up to $1,000,000 per person. |
| Classic credit card (Chase, Capital One) | Never | Covers basic trip delay, emergency medical up to $10,000-$50,000, basic baggage. No business gear, higher coverage, or job reasons. No liability or trip cancellation for work. | Travel insurance offers much higher limits, dedicated business protection, legal support, and business-specific claims. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Limited Coverage | Possible trip delay, cancellation up to $20,000, medical to $100,000, lost bags. Not designed for business. No business equipment, employer liability, or trip extension for work. | Travel insurance provides high-limit protection for business trips, with policy terms adapted to professionals and their gear. |
No baggage, cancellation, liability, or business equipment coverage. No 24/7 assistance, weak abroad guarantees.
No trip cancellation, baggage, or business risks. No luggage or work support.
No business gear, higher coverage, or job reasons. No liability or trip cancellation for work.
Not designed for business. No business equipment, employer liability, or trip extension for work.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance may not cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is mandatory for some countries that require proof of coverage for visa issuance. In the US and most destinations, it is not mandated by law but is strongly recommended. For instance, if you experience a medical emergency or travel delay while abroad, having insurance can be crucial for support and reimbursement.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
The best time to purchase business travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. This ensures coverage for unexpected cancellations or changes before your departure. Early purchase also guarantees financial protection throughout your business trip, from start to finish.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find policies for business needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review coverages and exclusions specific to professional travel.
3/ Purchase online: Select and buy your chosen business travel insurance directly on the insurer’s site.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you get immediate access to your insurance certificate for visa or business needs.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, up until your departure date. However, some benefits, like trip cancellation protection, may be limited if insurance is bought after booking, so earlier is generally better.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as an incident occurs, and follow their procedure. Provide supporting documents, such as receipts or police reports, to validate your claim. Claims can often be submitted online or through a mobile app for faster processing.
Does business travel insurance cover COVID-19 related incidents?
Many policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellations, or quarantine costs. Always check policy terms for specific COVID-19 coverage, such as limits or exclusions, as these can vary by insurer and destination.
Is business equipment, like laptops, covered by business travel insurance?
Most comprehensive business travel insurance plans include coverage for laptops and professional equipment. Make sure the policy limit matches the value of what you bring, and read the conditions about theft, damage, or loss during your business trip.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is mandatory for some countries that require proof of coverage for visa issuance. In the US and most destinations, it is not mandated by law but is strongly recommended. For instance, if you experience a medical emergency or travel delay while abroad, having insurance can be crucial for support and reimbursement.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
The best time to purchase business travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. This ensures coverage for unexpected cancellations or changes before your departure. Early purchase also guarantees financial protection throughout your business trip, from start to finish.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find policies for business needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review coverages and exclusions specific to professional travel.
3/ Purchase online: Select and buy your chosen business travel insurance directly on the insurer’s site.
4/ Receive the certificate: After purchase, you get immediate access to your insurance certificate for visa or business needs.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, up until your departure date. However, some benefits, like trip cancellation protection, may be limited if insurance is bought after booking, so earlier is generally better.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as an incident occurs, and follow their procedure. Provide supporting documents, such as receipts or police reports, to validate your claim. Claims can often be submitted online or through a mobile app for faster processing.
Does business travel insurance cover COVID-19 related incidents?
Many policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellations, or quarantine costs. Always check policy terms for specific COVID-19 coverage, such as limits or exclusions, as these can vary by insurer and destination.
Is business equipment, like laptops, covered by business travel insurance?
Most comprehensive business travel insurance plans include coverage for laptops and professional equipment. Make sure the policy limit matches the value of what you bring, and read the conditions about theft, damage, or loss during your business trip.
