What is business travel insurance?

Business travel insurance is there to protect employees, company directors and owners on work-related trips. It adds to the standard protection you’d get from a regular travel policy, making sure it’s better suited to commercial travel.

On top of the usual cover for things like medical emergencies, lost luggage and cancellations, it also steps in to protect your business-specific needs. That means cover for company money, business equipment and even unexpected schedule changes. It’s designed to keep your work on track, no matter what happens.

It can be a real game-changer if you travel for work regularly or head overseas with expensive gear. Knowing you’ve got protection for both you and your business essentials means you can focus on nailing that pitch, making connections and getting the job done.

Why choose business travel insurance?

When work takes you away, the last thing you want is for unexpected hiccups to derail your plans. Business travel insurance is all about peace of mind – knowing you and your work essentials are protected so you can focus on the job at hand. Whether it’s a cancelled flight, lost laptop or a sudden change of schedule, having the right cover means you can bounce back quickly and keep things moving.

It’s also about protecting your investment in the trip itself. Business travel often involves tight deadlines, high costs and valuable equipment – not to mention your own time and expertise. With the right policy, you can handle travel glitches with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got backup if something goes wrong.

  • Stay on track: Minimise disruption so you can keep meetings and projects running smoothly.

  • Protect valuable gear: Safeguard laptops, tools, samples and other business essentials.

  • Be prepared for the unexpected: From cancellations to delays, you’ll have cover if plans need to change.

  • Keep business moving: Some policies can send a replacement colleague if you can’t complete your trip.

What does business travel insurance cover?

Business travel insurance isn’t just about ticking a box – it’s there to protect you (and your work plans) when things go wrong. From medical emergencies to lost tech, here are some of the key things it can include, depending on the insurer and policy:

Typically Covered

  • Emergency medical costs: Covers treatment if you fall ill or have an accident while away, plus getting you home if needed.

  • Trip cancellations: If you can’t travel due to illness or other covered reasons, you could claim back flights and accommodation.

  • Delays and disruptions: Pays towards extra travel or accommodation if flights are delayed or cancelled and meetings are on the line.

  • Business gadgets and equipment: Protection for essentials like laptops and phones if they’re lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. A gadget insurance add-on may be needed with some insurers.

  • Leisure activities: Cover may extend to certain sports like golf, cycling or fishing during downtime.

  • Replacement colleagues: Some insurers will even fly out a co-worker to take over if you have to head home early.

What's not covered

  • Changed your mind? Unfortunately, you can’t usually claim if you just decide not to go.

  • Travelling somewhere risky? You won’t be covered if you head to a country the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says not to visit.

  • Drinking or drugs involved? Accidents that happen while under the influence often aren’t covered.

  • Pre-existing conditions not declared? If you haven’t told your insurer about a medical condition, claims might be rejected.

  • Caught a tropical disease without jabs? You’ll need the right vaccinations, or your claim could be denied.

  • Doing extreme sports? Activities like skiing or scuba diving might not be covered unless you add them on.

If you’re unsure whether a condition or activity is covered, always check with your insurer or refer to your policy documentation.

What are my business travel insurance options?

Business trips aren’t all the same – so why should your travel insurance be? The right policy depends on how often you travel, how long you’re away, and whether you’re flying solo or as part of a team. Here are some of the main options to choose from:

Single trip travel insurance

Great if you’ve just got one work trip on the horizon. A single trip policy covers you from the day you set off until you return home, and then the policy ends.

Annual travel insurance

Perfect for frequent flyers or last-minute work trips. An annual policy covers you for multiple business trips over a whole year. But remember, the length of each trip may have a maximum duration limit.

Long stay travel cover

Ideal for extended overseas assignments. This type of policy can cover one long trip of up to around 18 months – potentially handy if you’ll be based abroad for a while.

Group travel cover

If you’re travelling with colleagues or employees, this policy puts everyone under one plan. It can be easier to manage than separate policies and may work out cheaper too.

How much does business travel insurance cost?

The cost of business travel insurance varies based on factors like your age, medical history, where you are travelling to, and the level of business travel cover you go for. It also depends on whether you’re taking out a policy just for yourself or adding your family too.

Here’s some of the key influences on the cost of your business travel insurance:

  • Your age: Travel insurance can get more expensive as you get older as insurers tend to view older individuals as more likely to make a claim.

  • Pre-existing medical conditions: Health issues may lead to higher premiums, but they don’t necessarily prevent you from getting cover. It’s important to declare any conditions honestly when applying, otherwise your insurer may be able to pay out for claims relating to them.

  • Where you are going: There are five different regions that travel insurance covers. One way to keep costs down is to only select the regions you actually intend to travel to. For example, if you’re only planning business trips within Europe, there’s no need to pay extra for a worldwide policy.

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Answering your questions about business travel insurance

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Page updated on 12th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom