- The best business travel insurance plans
- What exactly 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 business policy for Europe typically costs between €65 and €95 from Ireland.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and business equipment, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and non-essential cancellations.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, HSE, and private health plans like VHI offer very limited business travel protection.
5. Tips: Verify equipment value limits and consider an annual multi-trip policy if you travel frequently for work.
6. Other useful info: Post-Brexit, comprehensive insurance is essential for business travel to the UK, as EHIC coverage is limited.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share here 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 residents of Ireland in 2025. These options stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and streamlined conditions that align well with the needs of business travellers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0M € | 50 € | • Business equipment protection. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Cover for work interruptions. • Fast online claims processing. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M € | 50 € | • Direct payment for hospital expenses. • Laptops and devices covered. • Flexible policy for frequent trips. • Quick digital reimbursements. |
| Tourist Card | 2.0M € | 75 € | • Annual plans available. • Baggage and business materials insured. • Emergency return for work reasons. • Responsive WhatsApp support. |
| World Travel | 1.5M € | 100 € | • Conference and exhibition risks insured. • Laptop replacement. • Ticket change protection. • Global contact centres. |
| Globe Partner | 1.0M € | 50 € | • Extended business trip cover. • Equipment rental included. • Easy group enrollment. • Tailored for SMEs and freelancers. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.0M € | 50 € | • Multi-trip discounts. • Concierge helpline. • Covers additional accommodation for delays. • Business interruption assistance. |
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Cover for work interruptions.
• Fast online claims processing.
• Laptops and devices covered.
• Flexible policy for frequent trips.
• Quick digital reimbursements.
• Baggage and business materials insured.
• Emergency return for work reasons.
• Responsive WhatsApp support.
• Laptop replacement.
• Ticket change protection.
• Global contact centres.
• Equipment rental included.
• Easy group enrollment.
• Tailored for SMEs and freelancers.
• Concierge helpline.
• Covers additional accommodation for delays.
• Business interruption assistance.
The best business travel insurance depends on your trip style and business needs. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to select and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is a policy specifically designed to protect Irish professionals during work-related trips, whether within Ireland or abroad.
It covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and business equipment such as laptops and phones.
This insurance is essential for employees and self-employed individuals conducting meetings, conferences, or training outside their usual workplace.
Business travel insurance differs from standard leisure cover by including higher limits and business-specific guarantees, addressing the needs of work-related travel and protecting critical work tools.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important if you live in Ireland:
- When travelling outside the EU, where your EHIC is not valid.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If you carry valuable business equipment like laptops or specialised tools.
- For frequent business trips, including short journeys to the UK.
- If trip cancellation would disrupt a critical meeting or project.
- For extended work assignments or long-stay projects abroad.
- To cover personal liability for accidents at client sites or events.
The price of business travel insurance
On average, business travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of the total price of your business trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day business meeting in London | €900 | €25 to €45 |
| 1-week conference in Frankfurt | €1,600 | €65 to €95 |
| 2-week training programme in New York | €3,500 | €120 to €180 |
| 1-month project assignment in Singapore | €6,000 | €200 to €350 |
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: a longer business assignment increases the premium.
- destination: travel to countries with high healthcare costs, such as the USA or Singapore, generally results in higher prices.
- traveller’s age: older business travellers usually pay higher premiums.
- level of coverage: including higher limits, business equipment cover, or lower excess will increase the cost.
- included options: cover for expensive equipment, additional risks, or emergency business expenses usually adds to the overall cost.
What Business Travel Insurance Covers
Business travel insurance covers professionals traveling for work, providing specific protection for corporate trips and equipment.
It is suitable for occasional or frequent business journeys, and typically addresses business-related risks abroad.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds costs if your trip is cancelled or cut short for covered business reasons. | We recommend at least €5,000 cover, deductible under €50. Cancellations due to change of mind or work rescheduling are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency treatment and hospital care if you become ill or injured. | At least €1M cover is advised, deductible below €50. Pre-existing medical conditions and routine care are typically excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Medical evacuation to Ireland if required for serious health concerns. | Cover should be unlimited or minimum €1M, with no deductible. Non-urgent or comfort repatriation requests are not included. |
| 💼 Business equipment | Compensation for loss, theft, or damage of laptops or tools used for work. | Choose €2,500 minimum cover, deductible below €75. Excludes unattended items and normal wear or tear. |
| 🎒 Baggage and personal effects | Covers loss, theft, or damage to luggage and belongings. | Look for €1,500 or more, deductible below €30. Valuables above limits, samples, and business documents are often excluded. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability abroad | Covers accidental injury or damage you cause to others while on business trips. | At least €1M cover is recommended, deductible under €100. Damage caused to colleagues, intentional acts, and professional liability are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation for significant disruption to travel schedule. | €100+ after 4 hours of delay, no deductible. Not covered for delays under 4 hours or lacking proof. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment during business trips. | Ideal policies offer at least €200 cover, max €30 deductible. Routine care and planned dental work are not insured. |
| 💼 Emergency business expenses | Covers extra costs for prolonging your business trip due to emergencies. | At least €1,000 limit, deductible below €50. Planned extensions, luxury upgrades, and non-emergencies are excluded. |
| 🧑💼 Personal accident | Pays a lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability during a business trip. | Minimum €25,000 is suitable, no deductible. Suicide, high-risk sporting activities, and pre-existing conditions are not included. |
Cancellations due to change of mind or work rescheduling are excluded.
Pre-existing medical conditions and routine care are typically excluded.
Non-urgent or comfort repatriation requests are not included.
Excludes unattended items and normal wear or tear.
Valuables above limits, samples, and business documents are often excluded.
Damage caused to colleagues, intentional acts, and professional liability are excluded.
Not covered for delays under 4 hours or lacking proof.
Routine care and planned dental work are not insured.
Planned extensions, luxury upgrades, and non-emergencies are excluded.
Suicide, high-risk sporting activities, and pre-existing conditions are not included.
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.
Compare multiple business travel insurance plans on HelloSafe to ensure your coverage fits professional risks and your company's needs.
The conditions of business travel insurance
To ensure your business travel insurance is valid during work-related trips, several core conditions generally apply for travellers from Ireland.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before starting your business trip from Ireland, not after departure.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Irish resident when taking out and holding the business insurance policy.
- Work purpose declaration: your main travel purpose must be business activities such as meetings, conferences, or assignments, not personal or leisure.
- Trip duration compliance: each trip must not exceed the maximum duration limit specified by the policy, such as 30 or 90 days.
- Premium payment: the entire premium must be paid before your travel insurance cover begins.
- Incident notification: you must inform the insurer quickly in case of accident, illness, loss, or business interruption.
- Destination restrictions: travel to destinations under Irish government advisories or listed exclusions by your insurer is not covered.
- Claims documentation: all claims require appropriate documents such as business trip confirmation, receipts, or police and medical reports.
Watch out!
Relying on your bank card's travel insurance is a common mistake for Irish business travellers. These policies often exclude or have low limits for essential business equipment and may not cover trip cancellations for work-related reasons. Always verify your policy provides adequate corporate-specific protection.
Why take out business travel insurance?
Unforeseen incidents or accidents during business travel can result in substantial medical and logistical costs, often far exceeding those expected during leisure trips.
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%, depending on policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, if medically necessary and included |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, subject to maximum cover |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, within the limits and excess |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often full or partial, level varies by insurer |
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €800 to €1,500
- Asia: €150 to €300
- Europe: €15,000 to €25,000
- North America: €45,000 to €80,000
- Asia: €35,000 to €60,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €15,000
- North America: €35,000 to €65,000
- Asia: €5,000 to €12,000
- Europe: €150 to €350
- North America: €600 to €1,200
- Asia: €100 to €250
- Europe: €200 to €500
- North America: €800 to €1,800
- Asia: €150 to €400
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 also typically protects against other work-related risks: trip cancellation or interruption, business equipment loss, baggage delay, civil liability, personal accident and extended emergency assistance useful for uninterrupted work abroad.
Good to know
Standard insurance won't cover your work laptop, and your EHIC is limited outside the EU. A minor accident or theft could derail your trip. A policy from an insurer like Chapka protects your business equipment and covers high medical costs worldwide, ensuring you're always covered.
How to choose the right business travel insurance
Coverage amounts, reimbursement ceilings, and exclusions differ in business travel insurance policies. Comparing professional-specific criteria helps ensure your insurance covers work-related risks, equipment, and trip disruptions for business needs in every destination.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Business trips may involve higher costs, especially for medical emergencies or liability claims | Seek at least €1,000,000 medical cover for destinations with expensive healthcare. |
| 📉 Deductible | Out-of-pocket costs on each claim can quickly impact business cash flow or reimbursement process | Choose low deductible plans to reduce unpredictability in business travel budgets. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy exclusions and requirements may affect claim acceptance, particularly for work activities | Review exclusions for business events, equipment, and work trips before buying. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age may influence eligibility, insurance premiums, and access to comprehensive business coverage | Ensure no upper age surcharge for key senior staff or frequent business travellers. |
| 👤 Traveller profile | Employees, freelancers, and business owners may all need coverage that matches work roles | Use tailored business cover for teams, individuals, or frequent professional travellers. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Business assignments may unexpectedly extend beyond initial plans | Check the maximum covered trip duration and flexibility for extensions if needed. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Risk levels and required benefits vary by destination country for business assignments | Confirm that all countries visited for business, including USA and Asia, are included. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Laptops, phones, and devices are essential for business trips and need higher-value protection | Select a policy with sufficient sum insured for work equipment, including replacements. |
| 🖥️ Digital claim process | Quick and efficient claims handling is vital for business continuity and minimal disruption | Choose insurers with digital claim submission and fast processing for business travellers. |
Do my current insurance policies cover business travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or 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 (HSE) | Never | Emergency medical care in EU/EEA with EHIC, no business equipment, no repatriation, actual costs only. No coverage for laptops, business interruption, liability, or trip cancellation. | Travel insurance reimburses up to €5,000,000 for medical, business equipment, work interruption, and liability worldwide. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Never | Only emergency public healthcare within EU/EEA, excludes business items, private treatment and no repatriation. No business interruption, work equipment cover, or worldwide trip cancellation. | Travel insurance covers up to €5,000,000, paying for business equipment and emergency business costs everywhere. |
| Private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Irish Life Health) | Almost Never | Some worldwide emergency medical up to €500,000, no business-specific cover, limited baggage protection. No cover for laptops, business interruption, extra business expenses, or trip delay. | Travel insurance insures up to €5,000,000 with laptops, interruption, liability and emergency work costs included. |
| Classic credit card (AIB Visa Classic, Bank of Ireland Mastercard Classic) | Never | Basic medical to €300,000, no business equipment, no trip extension, limited duration, often no emergency repatriation. No laptop cover, business extension, or emergency work reimbursement for travelers. | Travel insurance pays up to €5,000,000 for both health and business tools, with global business support. |
| Premium credit card (AIB Platinum, Ulster Bank Premier) | Limited coverage | Medical up to €1,000,000, baggage €1,500, accident up to €50,000, no business extension, no specialized business support. No specialist business cover, limited equipment reimbursement, and no business interruption included. | Travel insurance can cover €5,000,000 for business extensions, business gear, liability, and project delays worldwide. |
No coverage for laptops, business interruption, liability, or trip cancellation.
No business interruption, work equipment cover, or worldwide trip cancellation.
No cover for laptops, business interruption, extra business expenses, or trip delay.
No laptop cover, business extension, or emergency work reimbursement for travelers.
No specialist business cover, limited equipment reimbursement, and no business interruption included.
Expert advice
Be aware: bank cards and health insurance often exclude trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not usually a legal requirement, but it may be mandatory if a destination country requires proof of insurance for visa purposes, such as for Russia or China. For most business destinations, it is not compulsory but is strongly recommended. For example, if your work computer is lost or you face a medical emergency during a US trip, business cover can prevent serious financial loss.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
The best time to purchase business travel insurance is as soon as your business trip is confirmed, ideally before you confirm bookings or make significant payments. Buying early ensures you’re protected against cancellation fees, work-related delays, or last-minute emergencies that may affect your business itinerary.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
1/ Compare business travel insurance policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions specific to business trips, such as cover for business equipment or trip interruption.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy securely online.
4/ Receive your certificate by email, which may be needed for visa applications or company records.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my travel?
Yes, you can usually buy business travel insurance after booking, up to your departure date. However, arranging it before booking offers greater protection for trip cancellations or last-minute work changes. Securing insurance early also ensures your company’s assets and business commitments are covered from the start.
Does business travel insurance include cover for laptops and work equipment?
Most business travel insurance policies specifically include cover for laptops, mobile phones, and business tools, but always check the maximum limits and exclusions. High-value equipment may require additional cover. To qualify for reimbursement, make sure to follow security recommendations such as never leaving valuable items unattended.
What should I do if I need to make a claim on business travel insurance?
If you need to claim, notify your insurer’s assistance team as soon as possible and collect all relevant evidence, such as receipts, proof of purchase, or police reports for stolen items. Submit a claim online or via the insurer’s app. Most insurers process straightforward claims within a few weeks if your documentation is clear and complete.
Does business travel insurance cover extended or remote working stays?
Some insurers now offer cover for extended business stays, “workations,” or remote work arrangements abroad. It’s important to check your policy’s trip duration limits and ensure coverage remains active for business activities. If you frequently travel or work remotely, consider an annual multi-trip business policy for seamless coverage.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not usually a legal requirement, but it may be mandatory if a destination country requires proof of insurance for visa purposes, such as for Russia or China. For most business destinations, it is not compulsory but is strongly recommended. For example, if your work computer is lost or you face a medical emergency during a US trip, business cover can prevent serious financial loss.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
The best time to purchase business travel insurance is as soon as your business trip is confirmed, ideally before you confirm bookings or make significant payments. Buying early ensures you’re protected against cancellation fees, work-related delays, or last-minute emergencies that may affect your business itinerary.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
1/ Compare business travel insurance policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions specific to business trips, such as cover for business equipment or trip interruption.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy securely online.
4/ Receive your certificate by email, which may be needed for visa applications or company records.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my travel?
Yes, you can usually buy business travel insurance after booking, up to your departure date. However, arranging it before booking offers greater protection for trip cancellations or last-minute work changes. Securing insurance early also ensures your company’s assets and business commitments are covered from the start.
Does business travel insurance include cover for laptops and work equipment?
Most business travel insurance policies specifically include cover for laptops, mobile phones, and business tools, but always check the maximum limits and exclusions. High-value equipment may require additional cover. To qualify for reimbursement, make sure to follow security recommendations such as never leaving valuable items unattended.
What should I do if I need to make a claim on business travel insurance?
If you need to claim, notify your insurer’s assistance team as soon as possible and collect all relevant evidence, such as receipts, proof of purchase, or police reports for stolen items. Submit a claim online or via the insurer’s app. Most insurers process straightforward claims within a few weeks if your documentation is clear and complete.
Does business travel insurance cover extended or remote working stays?
Some insurers now offer cover for extended business stays, “workations,” or remote work arrangements abroad. It’s important to check your policy’s trip duration limits and ensure coverage remains active for business activities. If you frequently travel or work remotely, consider an annual multi-trip business policy for seamless coverage.
On the same topic
