- 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?
- Choosing the right business travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover business travel?
- FAQ
business travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Business travel insurance covers work-related risks like equipment loss, trip cancellation, and medical emergencies abroad.
2. Price: A one-week business policy for Europe typically costs between ₹3,500 and ₹10,000, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical costs and lost equipment but excludes pre-existing conditions and unattended personal items.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and health plans like Star Health offer limited or no specific business travel coverage.
5. Tips: For frequent trips, choose an annual plan and ensure coverage matches your business equipment's actual value.
6. Other useful info: Proof of insurance is often required for business visas; premiums may be eligible for GST credit.
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 India, 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 India in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible conditions, ensuring optimal protection during work-related trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹3,000 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₹75,00,000 | ₹5,000 |
|
| Tourist Card | ₹50,00,000 | ₹3,000 |
|
| World Travel | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹7,500 |
|
| Globe Partner | ₹60,00,000 | ₹4,000 |
|
| Globe Traveller | ₹75,00,000 | ₹5,000 |
|
- Business equipment protection.
- Fast emergency claims response.
- 24/7 helpline worldwide.
- Covers trip interruptions.
- Coverage for business belongings.
- Multilingual 24/7 support.
- Mobile app for real-time claims.
- Cashless global treatment.
- Includes business interruption cover.
- Pre-trip consultation.
- Fast support via
- WhatsApp.Worldwide business travel assistance.
- Premium medical and legal support.
- Business liability coverage.
- Concierge services.
- Help with document replacement.
- Digital management of claims.
- Protection for business equipment.
- Repatriation included.
- Option for extended business trips.
- Automatic policy extension available.
- Coverage for missed connections.
- Includes emergency second medical opinion.
- Support for executives.
The best business travel insurance will depend on your individual requirements. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance plans for freeI compareWhat exactly is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is a policy designed to protect professionals traveling domestically or internationally for work-related purposes. It covers risks unique to business trips, such as lost business equipment, emergency medical expenses abroad, trip interruption for urgent work reasons, and missed connections.
Business travel insurance is also called "corporate travel insurance" in India.
This type of insurance differs from leisure travel insurance by offering higher coverage limits and additional benefits relevant to business needs.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important for professionals from India:
- When travelling internationally, as Indian health policies are not valid abroad.
- If visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the USA/Europe.
- When carrying valuable business equipment like laptops or important company documents.
- When your business visa application requires mandatory proof of travel insurance.
- For professionals who undertake multiple business trips within a single year.
- If trip cancellation could cause significant financial loss for your company.
- For personal liability cover in case of accidental injury or property damage.
The price of business travel insurance
On average, business travel insurance typically costs between 2 percent and 5 percent of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (₹) | Indicative price per person (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-day meeting in Mumbai | 15,000 | 300 to 750 |
| 5-day conference in Singapore | 60,000 | 1,200 to 3,000 |
| 10-day business circuit in Europe | 2,00,000 | 4,000 to 10,000 |
| 1-week training in New York | 1,50,000 | 3,000 to 7,500 |
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 business trip, the more expensive the policy.
- destination: countries with high medical costs such as the United States or Western Europe will have higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older business travelers may pay more due to increased health risks.
- coverage limits: higher limits for medical, equipment or interruption claims increase the overall cost.
- number of trips per year: annual business insurance is more cost-effective for frequent travel, while single-trip coverage suits occasional travelers.
- included options: adding cover for laptops, mobile phones, or cancellation protection can raise the premium.
- pre-existing medical conditions: if declared, these can increase the cost or lead to higher deductibles.
What does business travel insurance cover?
Business travel insurance is designed specifically for work-related trips and protects corporate travelers against unexpected events.
It supports employees and employers by reducing financial impact if issues occur while traveling for business.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip cancellation | Cost reimbursement if a business trip is cancelled for specified reasons. | A minimum cover of ₹2,00,000 and a maximum deductible of ₹2,000 are ideal. Trip cancellation due to changes of mind or normal work rescheduling is not covered. |
| 🛫 Missed connection | Pays for expenses if you miss a connecting flight, train, or other transport. | Select at least ₹50,000 cover. There should be no deductible over ₹1,000. Delays under 6 hours, lack of documentation, or personal lateness are not covered. |
| 💼 Business equipment | Covers loss, theft, or damage to laptops, mobile phones, and work documents. | Opt for ₹2,00,000 cover, with deductible capped at ₹2,000. Unattended and already damaged equipment or normal wear and tear are usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost or stolen baggage or contents during a business trip. | A minimum cover of ₹1,00,000 and deductible below ₹2,000 are recommended. Valuables and cash above specific limits are often excluded. |
| ⏱️ Business interruption | Covers losses from missed meetings or delays causing lost income or extra business costs. | At least ₹50,000 with minimal or no deductible is ideal. Losses from pre-planned events or normal business fluctuations are generally not eligible. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed compensation for long delays (usually over 4 hours) causing added expenses. | ₹5,000 after 4 hours, with no deductible, is good. Travel delays under 4 hours or without official proof are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical emergency (abroad) | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical treatment while on business trips. | Look for ₹25,00,000 minimum, deductible under ₹2,500. Routine or planned care and pre-existing medical conditions are commonly excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for medical repatriation to India if needed. | Opt for ₹25,00,000+ with no deductible for emergencies. Personal-choice or non-emergency evacuations are almost always not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Pays for accidental damage or injury you cause to others during business travel. | A minimum cover of ₹10,00,000 is recommended. Deductibles should not exceed ₹5,000. Professional errors and deliberate acts are excluded. |
| 👨⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers costs for lawyers, bail, or legal services while on a work trip. | ₹2,00,000 for legal expenses, deductible under ₹1,000. Criminal acts and incidents under the influence of alcohol are excluded. |
Trip cancellation due to changes of mind or normal work rescheduling is not covered.
Delays under 6 hours, lack of documentation, or personal lateness are not covered.
Unattended and already damaged equipment or normal wear and tear are usually excluded.
Valuables and cash above specific limits are often excluded.
Losses from pre-planned events or normal business fluctuations are generally not eligible.
Travel delays under 4 hours or without official proof are not covered.
Routine or planned care and pre-existing medical conditions are commonly excluded.
Personal-choice or non-emergency evacuations are almost always not covered.
Professional errors and deliberate acts are excluded.
Criminal acts and incidents under the influence of alcohol 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 company and travel needs, easily compare policies on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of business Travel Insurance
Business travel insurance covers you during work-related trips, but certain conditions need to be met for the policy to apply.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before starting your business trip from India.
- Purpose of travel: your journey must be primarily for business, such as meetings, conferences, or assignments, not for leisure.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Indian resident or employee of a company based in India.
- Trip duration limits: each trip must not exceed the maximum duration allowed, which varies by policy, such as 30 or 90 days.
- Business equipment coverage: you must provide proof of loss or damage for claims on laptops, phones, or documents.
- Incident reporting: you must notify the insurer promptly in case of accident, illness, theft, or lost business materials.
- Covered destinations: travel must be to countries and regions included in your policy’s terms, avoiding restricted or embargoed locations.
- Supporting documentation: you must show tickets, itineraries, or employer letters to demonstrate the trip’s business purpose when making a claim.
Watch out!
A costly mistake for Indian professionals is assuming a work laptop is covered under 'baggage loss'. Standard policies often exclude it. Business travel insurance offers specific 'Business Equipment' coverage, protecting you from personal liability if company property is lost or stolen abroad. Check your policy details carefully.
Why take out business travel insurance?
Unexpected health issues while traveling for business can result in major expenses, especially outside India. Without adequate insurance, these costs can disrupt business objectives and strain finances.
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 |
| Fully covered if emergency and approved |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to the policy maximum, often 100% |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, after deductible if any |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Typically 100%, subject to policy limit |
- Europe: ₹25,000 to ₹30,000
- North America: ₹45,000 to ₹60,000
- Asia: ₹15,000 to ₹22,000
- Europe: ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000
- North America: ₹12,00,000 to ₹18,00,000
- Asia: ₹4,00,000 to ₹6,00,000
- Europe: ₹8,50,000 to ₹11,00,000
- North America: ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- Asia: ₹4,50,000 to ₹7,00,000
- Europe: ₹18,000 to ₹25,000
- North America: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000
- Asia: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
- Europe: ₹22,000 to ₹28,000
- North America: ₹40,000 to ₹55,000
- Asia: ₹14,000 to ₹20,000
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.
In addition to medical costs, business travel insurance often includes valuable guarantees: business equipment protection, trip interruption, cash loss, personal accident, liability, document replacement and 24/7 assistance, all crucial to maintain business continuity during international assignments.
Good to know
Your credit card or health plan won't cover a lost business laptop or a medical emergency in Europe. Avoid lakhs in out-of-pocket expenses and protect your trip's ROI. A dedicated policy, like those from ACS, ensures you're covered for professional risks, not just personal ones.
Choosing the right business travel insurance
The protection offered by business travel insurance varies widely: reimbursement ceilings, required documents, and specific exclusions can differ by policy.
That is why it is crucial to compare each plan’s criteria to make sure the guarantees truly match your professional needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🪙 Reimbursement limits | High limits are vital due to more expensive trips and costly claims. Business trips abroad often require higher ceilings for medical, liability, and evacuation. | Select a plan with at least ₹50,00,000 coverage for major trips outside India. |
| 📉 Deductible | The deductible affects the portion payable by you before the insurer pays. Frequent business travellers should avoid high deductibles to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. | Prioritize plans with moderate or low deductibles, especially for high-value equipment. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Corporate travel is subject to claims for delays, work interruptions, or schedule changes. Check for flexibility in trip extension, cancellation, and pre-existing illness terms. | Review business-specific conditions regarding cancellation, equipment, and extension scenarios. |
| 👔 Traveller profile | Coverage depends on whether you are an employee, manager, or self-employed. Large firms may need multi-employee contracts, while individuals require tailored terms. | Choose annual multi-trip plans if you travel at least four times a year for work. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Trip length limits or extensions are common in business plans. Ensure the coverage aligns with both planned and possible extended stays abroad. | Pick a policy that allows for easy extension if your business trip overruns unexpectedly. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | Regional rules and costs vary, especially for Europe, USA, and Asia. Some policies exclude war zones or high-risk areas. | Verify your plan’s international network and claim process in all destination countries. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Corporate credit cards or personal insurance may offer partial protection. Overlaps can affect claims and overall costs. | Review all employer or card benefits and fill only the real gaps with a standalone policy. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Laptops, documents, and gadgets are key to business travel. Standard travel insurance often excludes or limits these. | Check equipment coverage limits and conditions for theft, accidental loss, and in-transit damage. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Fast enrollment is critical for last-minute work trips. Digital access to policy and claims is convenient on business travel. | Select insurers with digital services, fast e-policy issuance, and 24/7 claim reporting tools. |
Business trips abroad often require higher ceilings for medical, liability, and evacuation.
Frequent business travellers should avoid high deductibles to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Check for flexibility in trip extension, cancellation, and pre-existing illness terms.
Large firms may need multi-employee contracts, while individuals require tailored terms.
Ensure the coverage aligns with both planned and possible extended stays abroad.
Some policies exclude war zones or high-risk areas.
Overlaps can affect claims and overall costs.
Standard travel insurance often excludes or limits these.
Digital access to policy and claims is convenient on business travel.
Do your current insurance policies cover business travel?
It is normal to wonder if your existing insurance, such as credit card insurance or public health insurance, can provide you with business travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often inadequate.
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 (ESIC, Ayushman Bharat) | Never | Emergency care only in India, no coverage for medical treatment abroad or repatriation. No protection for business equipment, cancellation, assistance abroad, or liability during overseas travel. | Travel insurance covers up to ₹1,00,00,000 for global medical, business equipment, trip cancellation, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Star Health, Max Bupa) | Almost Never | Limited emergency medical abroad, typically up to ₹5,00,000, excludes travel-related and professional risks. Does not cover business equipment, trip interruption, lost business documents, or missed connections. | Travel insurance covers higher medical limits, plus business equipment, document loss, trip interruption, and liability abroad. |
| Classic credit card (SBI Elite, HDFC Millennia) | Almost Never | Medical emergency up to ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, baggage delay, very limited trip protection. No coverage for business equipment, business liability, or business interruption loss. | Travel insurance offers up to ₹1,00,00,000 for business losses, equipment protection, and global legal assistance. |
| Premium credit card (HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus) | Limited coverage | Medical up to ₹15,00,000, baggage up to ₹75,000, some trip cancellation and accident cover. No comprehensive cover for business interruption, lost contracts, business cash, or emergency travel support. | Travel insurance provides much higher limits for business trips and includes support for lost documents, cash, equipment and more. |
No protection for business equipment, cancellation, assistance abroad, or liability during overseas travel.
Does not cover business equipment, trip interruption, lost business documents, or missed connections.
No coverage for business equipment, business liability, or business interruption loss.
No comprehensive cover for business interruption, lost contracts, business cash, or emergency travel support.
Expert advice
Be aware! Critical situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness are often excluded from bank card and health insurance contracts. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not generally mandatory for all trips; however, some countries require proof of insurance for visa issuance, particularly for Schengen and several European nations. Even when not compulsory, it is highly recommended, as emergencies such as lost laptops, medical issues, or sudden cancellations can lead to significant disruption and expense during a business trip.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
You should purchase business travel insurance as soon as your business trip is booked, ideally before any payments are made for flights or hotels. Early purchase ensures coverage for cancellation, trip interruption, and emergencies that may arise before departure, providing both financial protection and peace of mind.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
First, compare business travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find the best fit for your needs. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions relevant to business travelers, such as equipment coverage and liability. Complete your purchase online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately via email.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my tickets?
Yes, you can buy business travel insurance even after booking your tickets, but it is better to do so before starting your journey. Purchasing early gives you maximum protection, including for trip cancellations or delays, and ensures your coverage starts from the intended start date of your business trip.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
To file a claim, promptly contact your insurer’s helpline or use their online/mobile claim portal. You’ll need to submit supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or proof of business loss. Keeping digital copies of important documents can greatly speed up the claim process and help achieve a timely reimbursement.
Does business travel insurance cover loss of laptops or business equipment?
Most business travel insurance policies offer dedicated coverage for loss, theft, or damage to business equipment including laptops, smartphones, and important business documents. Be sure to check the coverage limit and list of exclusions, and always report incidents to both local authorities and your insurer as soon as possible.
Can I get group business travel insurance for my employees?
Yes, many insurers in India provide group business travel insurance that covers multiple employees under one policy. This approach often leads to cost savings, unified policy management, and broader coverage, making it a practical and economical solution for organizations with frequent business travel requirements.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not generally mandatory for all trips; however, some countries require proof of insurance for visa issuance, particularly for Schengen and several European nations. Even when not compulsory, it is highly recommended, as emergencies such as lost laptops, medical issues, or sudden cancellations can lead to significant disruption and expense during a business trip.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
You should purchase business travel insurance as soon as your business trip is booked, ideally before any payments are made for flights or hotels. Early purchase ensures coverage for cancellation, trip interruption, and emergencies that may arise before departure, providing both financial protection and peace of mind.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
First, compare business travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find the best fit for your needs. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions relevant to business travelers, such as equipment coverage and liability. Complete your purchase online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately via email.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my tickets?
Yes, you can buy business travel insurance even after booking your tickets, but it is better to do so before starting your journey. Purchasing early gives you maximum protection, including for trip cancellations or delays, and ensures your coverage starts from the intended start date of your business trip.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
To file a claim, promptly contact your insurer’s helpline or use their online/mobile claim portal. You’ll need to submit supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or proof of business loss. Keeping digital copies of important documents can greatly speed up the claim process and help achieve a timely reimbursement.
Does business travel insurance cover loss of laptops or business equipment?
Most business travel insurance policies offer dedicated coverage for loss, theft, or damage to business equipment including laptops, smartphones, and important business documents. Be sure to check the coverage limit and list of exclusions, and always report incidents to both local authorities and your insurer as soon as possible.
Can I get group business travel insurance for my employees?
Yes, many insurers in India provide group business travel insurance that covers multiple employees under one policy. This approach often leads to cost savings, unified policy management, and broader coverage, making it a practical and economical solution for organizations with frequent business travel requirements.
