- The best business travel insurance plans
- What is business travel insurance?
- The cost of business travel insurance
- What does business travel insurance cover?
- 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 trip to Europe from Australia can cost between $200 and $400 AUD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical costs, business equipment, and cancellations, but excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and health funds like Medicare or Bupa offer very limited overseas business travel cover.
5. Tips: Choose an annual policy for frequent travel and ensure it covers your specific business equipment value.
6. Other useful info: In Australia, business travel insurance premiums are generally a tax-deductible expense for your business.
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 Australia, 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 residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, providing reliable protection for professional travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Dedicated 24/7 support for business claims. • Emergency replacement of business equipment. • Fast claims via digital platform. • Covers work meetings interruption. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 2,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Mobile app with medical teleconsultation. • Covers business equipment loss. • Annual multi-trip option. • No trip duration limits. |
| Tourist Card | 5,000,000 AUD | 250 AUD | • Upfront payment for medical care. • High limits for laptops and devices. • WhatsApp support channel. • Worldwide coverage included. |
| World Travel | 3,000,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Dedicated business client hotline. • Trip cancellation for urgent work events. • Legal assistance during business trips. • Laptop replacement available. |
| Globe Partner | 2,500,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Crisis management and safety services. • Emergency passport and document replacement. • Rental car coverage. • Business trip continuity support. |
| Globe Traveller | 2,500,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Unlimited worldwide coverage duration. • Premium stability for frequent travelers. • Simple online policy renewal. • Emergency accommodation for work travel. |
• Emergency replacement of business equipment.
• Fast claims via digital platform.
• Covers work meetings interruption.
• Covers business equipment loss.
• Annual multi-trip option.
• No trip duration limits.
• High limits for laptops and devices.
• WhatsApp support channel.
• Worldwide coverage included.
• Trip cancellation for urgent work events.
• Legal assistance during business trips.
• Laptop replacement available.
• Emergency passport and document replacement.
• Rental car coverage.
• Business trip continuity support.
• Premium stability for frequent travelers.
• Simple online policy renewal.
• Emergency accommodation for work travel.
The best business travel insurance may vary according to your needs. 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 policies for freeI compareWhat is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is a policy designed to protect Australians travelling for work-related reasons against risks specific to business trips.
It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, business equipment, lost documents, and personal liability while away for work.
This insurance typically includes higher coverage limits and additional benefits tailored for corporate and self-employed travellers, such as laptop and sample cover, and conference cancelation protection.
Business travel insurance is distinct from leisure travel insurance because it focuses on work-related needs and expenses encountered during business journeys.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important if you are in Australia:
- when travelling with expensive business equipment like laptops or tools.
- for international trips, especially to countries with high medical costs.
- if trip cancellation would cause significant financial or project loss.
- to cover personal liability for accidental damage or injury abroad.
- when a key employee's absence would disrupt business operations.
- if you travel frequently, an annual multi-trip policy is vital.
- when renting a vehicle for business to cover high rental excess.
- for employers to meet their legal duty of care obligations.
The cost of business travel insurance
On average, business travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total trip price, depending on coverage level and destination.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day domestic trip: Sydney to Melbourne | $1,000 | $45 to $85 |
| 1-week international trip: Australia to Singapore | $3,500 | $70 to $180 |
| 2-week business tour: Australia to Europe (3 cities) | $9,000 | $210 to $360 |
| 1-month executive assignment: Australia to USA | $15,000 | $340 to $650 |
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 business trips require higher premiums.
- destination: travel to countries with expensive healthcare or higher risks, like the USA or Middle East, increases costs.
- level of coverage: executive or premium coverage options cost more due to higher benefit limits and special guarantees.
- value of business equipment: coverage for laptops, phones, and electronics will raise the total premium.
- traveller’s age: older business travellers pay higher rates.
- frequency of travel: annual multi-trip policies offer more value for frequent business travellers but have a higher upfront cost.
What does business travel insurance cover?
Business travel insurance is a policy designed to protect professionals and companies during work-related journeys in Australia or abroad. It gives both employees and employers important protections for risks unique to corporate travel.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you cancel before departure for a covered business reason. | We recommend at least $5,000 cover and a deductible below $100. Cancellation due to change of mind, prior-known company events, or visa refusal is usually excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed connection | Pays for extra accommodation or transport if you miss a connecting flight or train. | Look for $1,000 minimum coverage. No deductible should apply. Not covered for self-inflicted delays, unconfirmed reasons, or if airline already provides accommodation. |
| 🎒 Business equipment | Covers loss, theft, or damage of laptops, phones, and other work devices during the trip. | Minimum cover of $5,000 per trip, deductible under $100 is advised. Unattended equipment, technical malfunction, and software loss are common exclusions. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged while on a business trip. | Aim for at least $2,000 cover and no more than a $50 deductible. Unattended baggage, valuables, and delayed reporting are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides compensation for significant flight or transport delays. | We recommend at least $100 after 4 hours with no deductible. Delays under 4 hours, weather, and strikes with no proof are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency hospital or doctor care if you are injured or sick abroad. | At least $2,000,000 cover and deductible under $100 is essential. Chronic illness, elective treatments, and pre-existing conditions are often excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays to return you to Australia if medically necessary. | Cover should be unlimited when possible, or above $500,000 with no deductible. Repatriation for non-medical reasons or refused by doctor/insurer is excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Covers lawyer or court costs if legal trouble arises during your trip. | At least $10,000 is recommended and avoid plans with over $250 deductible. Excludes criminal defense, business disputes, and fines or penalties. |
| 🤝 Personal liability | Covers injury or damage you cause to others or their property during a business trip. | You should have at least $2,500,000 cover and a $100 deductible or less. Excludes intentional damage, injury to colleagues, or damage to business property. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Pays the excess for damage or theft of a rental vehicle used for business. | A minimum of $5,000 cover is advised, deductible below $150. Not covered for unlicensed drivers, off-road use, or if under the influence of drugs/alcohol. |
Cancellation due to change of mind, prior-known company events, or visa refusal is usually excluded.
Not covered for self-inflicted delays, unconfirmed reasons, or if airline already provides accommodation.
Unattended equipment, technical malfunction, and software loss are common exclusions.
Unattended baggage, valuables, and delayed reporting are often excluded.
Delays under 4 hours, weather, and strikes with no proof are excluded.
Chronic illness, elective treatments, and pre-existing conditions are often excluded.
Repatriation for non-medical reasons or refused by doctor/insurer is excluded.
Excludes criminal defense, business disputes, and fines or penalties.
Excludes intentional damage, injury to colleagues, or damage to business property.
Not covered for unlicensed drivers, off-road use, or if under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
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 best suited to your company and trips, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of business travel insurance
Business travel insurance is valid only when several important requirements are met. Below are the main conditions that usually apply:
- Purpose of the trip: the journey must be for work-related reasons, not for leisure or personal travel.
- Eligibility of the traveller: the insured must be an employee, contractor, or business owner of the covered company.
- Residency requirement: the traveller must be an Australian resident or have a business registered in Australia.
- Timing of policy purchase: the policy must be taken out before departure from Australia, not after you are already overseas.
- Trip duration compliance: each business trip must not exceed the maximum length set by the insurer, often 30 to 90 days.
- Coverage territory: the trip must be to destinations included in the policy, with some restricted countries excluded from cover.
- Approved business activities: only standard business activities are usually covered, not hazardous work or manual labour.
- Prompt notification of incidents: any claimable event, such as illness, theft, or loss, must be reported to the insurer quickly.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Aussies is relying on complimentary credit card insurance for work trips. These policies often exclude or have very low limits for crucial business items like laptops and work-related cancellations. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure you're properly covered.
Why take out business travel insurance?
While travelling for business, even a minor accident or illness can result in substantial expenses, especially outside of Australia. Without insurance, these costs are your full responsibility.
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 costs |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to policy maximum |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $10,000,000 AU |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Up to 100%, subject to limits |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial, up to a set limit |
- Europe: $450–$650 AU
- North America: $1,200–$2,800 AU
- Asia: $200–$400 AU
- Europe: $350–$550 AU
- North America: $800–$1,500 AU
- Asia: $150–$300 AU
- Europe: $8,500–$15,000 AU
- North America: $25,000–$65,000 AU
- Asia: $3,500–$8,000 AU
- Europe: $280–$420 AU
- North America: $600–$1,200 AU
- Asia: $100–$250 AU
- Europe: $400–$700 AU
- North America: $800–$1,800 AU
- Asia: $150–$350 AU
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 expenses, business travel insurance can also cover other crucial risks: business equipment, trip cancellation or interruption, loss of documents, personal liability, emergency evacuation, legal expenses and repatriation support.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency or lost laptop derail your business trip. Standard insurance often falls short. Get comprehensive cover for medical costs, equipment, and cancellations. With dedicated support like Chapka's 24/7 assistance, you can focus on work, knowing you're protected from financial setbacks.
How to Choose the Right business Travel Insurance
Coverage for business travel insurance can vary in reimbursement, exclusions, or support services. Comparing key criteria helps ensure you select the most suitable plan for your work assignments and actual company needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Workplace travel often means higher possible costs than holiday trips | Choose policies offering at least $2,000,000 for medical and $10,000 for business equipment. |
| 📉 Deductible | High deductibles reduce premium but increase sudden costs in emergencies | Prefer low or no deductible contracts to avoid cash flow issues after an unexpected incident. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some business policies have strict structure or trip prevalidation requirements | Check corporate travel policy rules and confirm eligibility for each trip you plan. |
| 👨💼 Traveller profile | Executive, frequent flyer, or consultant: coverage should reflect your role and duty | Consider an executive-tailored or frequent-traveller plan for specific professional benefits. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Many business plans limit length per trip, such as 90 days, or have annual caps | If you travel for long projects, ensure maximum trip length is sufficient for business tasks. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Travelling to the USA or Canada often needs higher medical and liability cover | Always select worldwide cover, especially if North America is part of your itinerary. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Corporate cards or group policies may have exclusions for high-value work gear | Review actual benefits to avoid assuming all devices or work items are protected. |
| 🧳 Business equipment | Loss or theft of laptops, samples, or documents can disrupt a project | Match coverage level to replacement value of your laptop, tablet, and critical accessories. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Flexible online sign-up and changes help keep pace with urgent or frequent business trips | Favour insurers that allow instant updates, digital claims, and certificate delivery online. |
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 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 public hospital care in certain countries under reciprocal agreements. No coverage for private hospitals, repatriation, business equipment, or personal liability abroad. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to $10,000,000 for medical, evacuation, documents, equipment, and covers more than public care. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa Australia, Medibank Private) | Almost never | May cover emergency hospital or treatment, limited to selected countries and medical needs. No business interruption, equipment, trip cancellation, or personal liability abroad. | Travel insurance offers up to $10,000,000 for emergencies, business losses, liability, and equipment, which private cover cannot match. |
| Classic credit card (NAB, Westpac) | Almost never | Covers some emergency medical (up to $1,000,000), trip delay, accidental injury for leisure trips. No business equipment, high trip value, liability, or work interruption protection. | Travel insurance reimburses $2,000,000–$10,000,000 for business gear, cancellation, liability, and missed connections, not covered here. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, American Express Platinum) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical (max $2,000,000), some trip cancellation, luggage up to $10,000. No cover for most business losses, high-value work gear, or dedicated business legal expenses. | Travel insurance includes up to $10,000,000 for business equipment, legal fees, crisis recovery, and business interruption, usually not included. |
No coverage for private hospitals, repatriation, business equipment, or personal liability abroad.
No business interruption, equipment, trip cancellation, or personal liability abroad.
No business equipment, high trip value, liability, or work interruption protection.
No cover for most business losses, high-value work gear, or dedicated business legal expenses.
Expert advice
Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, are often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. 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 your trip.
FAQ
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, but some countries, such as Russia or certain Schengen states, require proof of insurance for visa approval. For all other destinations, it is not compulsory but highly recommended. For example, if a work trip is disrupted by illness or a lost laptop, having insurance can protect against significant out-of-pocket costs.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
Ideally, purchase business travel insurance as soon as you book your trip or make your first business payment. Early purchase ensures cancellation and amendment benefits apply immediately, protecting you against pre-departure issues like illness or corporate changes. Waiting until travel begins means you might lose out on some essential protections.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
First, compare policies that suit your work needs by using tools like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions to ensure all business risks are covered. Buy your selected policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, often instantly after payment.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to arrange it as soon as possible after payment. Some important benefits—like cover for trip cancellation—may not apply if you wait too long. Early coverage allows for immediate protection against unexpected issues before your departure date.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
Notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident and provide all required documents, such as invoices, receipts, and a completed claim form. In cases of emergency, contact the 24/7 assistance hotline for guidance. Most insurers now allow claims online, which can speed up reimbursement for expenses.
Does business travel insurance cover lost or stolen laptops and business devices?
Most business travel insurance policies include coverage for lost or stolen laptops, tablets, and other work-essential equipment, often up to a specified limit, which can range from $5,000 to $25,000. Always keep receipts and report thefts promptly, as proof will be required to make a successful claim.
Is business travel insurance tax deductible in Australia?
Yes, business travel insurance premiums are generally tax deductible for Australian companies and self-employed professionals, as long as the cover is directly related to work travel. This makes taking out comprehensive protection financially advantageous for business travelers.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, but some countries, such as Russia or certain Schengen states, require proof of insurance for visa approval. For all other destinations, it is not compulsory but highly recommended. For example, if a work trip is disrupted by illness or a lost laptop, having insurance can protect against significant out-of-pocket costs.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
Ideally, purchase business travel insurance as soon as you book your trip or make your first business payment. Early purchase ensures cancellation and amendment benefits apply immediately, protecting you against pre-departure issues like illness or corporate changes. Waiting until travel begins means you might lose out on some essential protections.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
First, compare policies that suit your work needs by using tools like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions to ensure all business risks are covered. Buy your selected policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, often instantly after payment.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to arrange it as soon as possible after payment. Some important benefits—like cover for trip cancellation—may not apply if you wait too long. Early coverage allows for immediate protection against unexpected issues before your departure date.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
Notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident and provide all required documents, such as invoices, receipts, and a completed claim form. In cases of emergency, contact the 24/7 assistance hotline for guidance. Most insurers now allow claims online, which can speed up reimbursement for expenses.
Does business travel insurance cover lost or stolen laptops and business devices?
Most business travel insurance policies include coverage for lost or stolen laptops, tablets, and other work-essential equipment, often up to a specified limit, which can range from $5,000 to $25,000. Always keep receipts and report thefts promptly, as proof will be required to make a successful claim.
Is business travel insurance tax deductible in Australia?
Yes, business travel insurance premiums are generally tax deductible for Australian companies and self-employed professionals, as long as the cover is directly related to work travel. This makes taking out comprehensive protection financially advantageous for business travelers.
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