- The Best business Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is business travel insurance?
- What is 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 to choose the right business travel insurance
- Is Business Travel Insurance Covered by Your Current Policies?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
business travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Business travel insurance covers work-specific risks like lost equipment, trip cancellations, and medical emergencies abroad.
2. Price: A one-week business policy for Europe from the UAE typically costs between 180 and 300 AED.
3. Coverage: It covers medical care and business gear but usually excludes known health conditions and high-risk professional activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: UAE bank cards and health plans like Daman or DHA offer minimal or no international business coverage.
5. Tips: Choose annual policies for frequent travel and verify coverage for high-value business equipment before purchasing.
6. Other useful info: Schengen business visas require proof of medical insurance with a minimum coverage of around 120,000 AED.
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 the UAE, 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 the UAE in 2025. These policies are recommended for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and straightforward conditions, providing reliable protection for work-related trips abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 600,000 AED | 100 AED |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 400,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| Tourist Card | 500,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| World Travel | 600,000 AED | 100 AED |
|
| Globe Partner | 350,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
| Globe Traveller | 400,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
- Dedicated business travel hotline.
- Coverage for laptops and business equipment.
- Fast digital claims process.
- Emergency cash advance included.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Mobile app for instant claims.
- Direct hospital billing.
- Coverage for flight delays and missed meetings.
- Fast-track claims for business trips.
- Laptop and phone protection.
- Upfront payment for medical expenses.
- Dedicated business assistance.
- Access to premium medical network.
- Business liability coverage.
- Concierge services for business travelers.
- Emergency repatriation included.
- Multi-trip and annual plans available.
- Business equipment protection.
- Emergency assistance worldwide.
- Flexible coverage terms.
- Covers frequent business travel.
- Digital policy management.
- Direct settlement with overseas providers.
- Fast travel certificate delivery.
The best business travel insurance depends on your job requirements and trips. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to select the plan that fits your business needs and subscribe quickly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is specialized coverage that protects UAE professionals traveling for work purposes.
It offers financial protection for emergencies such as medical expenses, trip interruption, personal liability, and loss or theft of business equipment during corporate travel.
This type of insurance commonly provides higher coverage limits, 24/7 business assistance, and may include annual multi-trip benefits for frequent work travelers.
Business travel insurance is different from leisure travel insurance due to its focus on business-related risks like equipment or meeting disruptions.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially relevant if you are based in the United Arab Emirates:
- For business trips outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
- When visiting countries with expensive healthcare like the USA or Europe.
- If you carry valuable business equipment like a laptop or phone.
- To meet visa requirements for destinations like the Schengen Area.
- For trips with critical, non-reschedulable business meetings or events.
- When you take multiple business trips from the UAE each year.
- To comply with your company's travel and safety policy.
What is the price of business travel insurance?
On average, business travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-day business meeting in Paris | 4,300 | 90 to 180 |
| 1-week conference in Singapore | 7,000 | 140 to 320 |
| 10-day corporate client visit in the USA | 15,000 | 300 to 650 |
| Annual policy covering 6 worldwide trips | 42,000 | 1,200 to 2,300 |
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 stays and frequent trips over the year raise the cost.
- destination: trips to countries with high medical costs or increased business risk result in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older professionals usually pay slightly more.
- level of coverage: higher limits for medical expenses, equipment, and liability increase the premium.
- selected options: additional coverage for laptops, business interruption, or urgent “work replacement” solutions also raise the price.
What does business travel insurance cover?
Business travel insurance is designed to protect UAE professionals on international and domestic business trips. It offers comprehensive coverage tailored for work-related risks, business equipment, and meetings, ensuring business continuity.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Covers non-refundable trip costs if the journey is canceled for covered business reasons. | At least AED 10,000 cover and a deductible no higher than AED 100 are recommended. Cancellations due to changes in work schedule or known business events are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays fixed compensation for flight or train delays disrupting work schedules. | Minimum AED 500 after four hours, deductible should be avoided. Claims without official delay documentation and short delays are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage protection | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including work equipment. | AED 10,000+ coverage recommended, deductible should not exceed AED 50. Unattended luggage, software loss, and valuables above policy limits are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays medical and hospital bills if you fall ill or are injured. | Minimum AED 200,000 cover and a deductible under AED 100 are best. Pre-existing conditions, routine checks, and cosmetic care are not included. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Emergency return to UAE for serious illness or injury. | AED 500,000 or more is advised with minimal deductible. Non-urgent transport and failure to follow medical advice are usually excluded. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Covers loss, theft, or damage of laptops, mobile phones, or work-specific gear. | AED 7,500 minimum with low deductible is best. Wear and tear, unattended devices, and non-business personal items may not be covered. |
| 💼 Business interruption | Compensation for expenses or lost revenue if a trip is extended due to emergencies. | AED 5,000+ daily is appropriate for business interruption, low deductibles are better. Pre-planned trip extensions and personal reasons are not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage property during your trip. | At least AED 150,000 cover. Avoid deductibles above AED 150. Intentional acts and professional liability incidents are excluded. |
| 💰 Emergency cash advance | Immediate funds if you lose access to cash or cards abroad during a business trip. | AED 2,000 to 10,000 cover advised. Situations not classed as emergencies and currency restriction issues are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Covers legal expenses relating to business disputes or incidents during travel. | At least AED 10,000 cover for lawyer fees is suggested, deductible under AED 100. Criminal acts and business contract disputes are often not covered. |
Cancellations due to changes in work schedule or known business events are excluded.
Claims without official delay documentation and short delays are not covered.
Unattended luggage, software loss, and valuables above policy limits are excluded.
Pre-existing conditions, routine checks, and cosmetic care are not included.
Non-urgent transport and failure to follow medical advice are usually excluded.
Wear and tear, unattended devices, and non-business personal items may not be covered.
Pre-planned trip extensions and personal reasons are not covered.
Intentional acts and professional liability incidents are excluded.
Situations not classed as emergencies and currency restriction issues are excluded.
Criminal acts and business contract disputes are often not covered.
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 work travel needs, easily compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of business travel insurance
Business travel insurance is valid only when several important conditions are fully respected before and during your professional trip.
- Timing of policy purchase: you must acquire the insurance before leaving the UAE and starting your business journey.
- Residency status: you need to be a UAE resident at the time of application and throughout the insured period.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage is limited to the exact dates and periods stated in the policy, with strict maximum days per trip.
- Purpose of trip: your travel must be for work or professional activities, not for tourism or family visits.
- Ongoing travel exclusion: the policy is valid only if purchased before you are already abroad for business.
- Destination eligibility: trips to countries under UAE government warning or embargo are not covered by most insurers.
- Incident reporting: any loss or incident must be reported to the insurer as soon as possible, in line with policy rules.
- Proof of loss or claim: claims require original receipts, reports, boarding passes, or official documents confirming business travel and circumstances.
Watch out!
A common mistake for UAE professionals is relying solely on bank card travel insurance. These policies often lack essential business coverage for expensive equipment, trip cancellation due to work reasons, or professional liability, leaving you financially exposed during critical business trips.
Why take out business travel insurance?
Business travel often involves unexpected incidents and health issues, with costs abroad that can affect both the traveler and the organization.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to AED 1,000,000 per claim, often reimbursed at 100% |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to AED 2,000,000, usually reimbursed at 100% |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to AED 1,000,000, depending on the chosen policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Corresponding to AED 1,000,000, typically at 100% coverage |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to AED 25,000 for dental emergencies |
- Europe: AED 800 to AED 1,200
- North America: AED 1,500 to AED 2,500
- Asia: AED 400 to AED 800
- Europe: AED 50,000 to AED 100,000
- North America: AED 80,000 to AED 150,000
- Asia: AED 30,000 to AED 70,000
- Europe: AED 25,000 to AED 45,000
- North America: AED 60,000 to AED 120,000
- Asia: AED 15,000 to AED 35,000
- Europe: AED 600 to AED 1,000
- North America: AED 1,200 to AED 2,000
- Asia: AED 300 to AED 600
- Europe: AED 500 to AED 900
- North America: AED 1,000 to AED 1,800
- Asia: AED 250 to AED 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.
In addition to medical expenses, business travel insurance can cover business equipment, trip cancellation, business interruption, lost luggage, liability during business activities and emergency assistance services. These guarantees help maintain work continuity during unexpected events.
Good to know
Your bank card or local health plan offers limited protection abroad. Avoid massive out-of-pocket costs for medical emergencies or lost business equipment. An appendectomy in the US can exceed AED 100,000. A dedicated policy from an insurer like Mondialcare ensures you're fully protected.
How to choose the right business travel insurance
Coverage levels, reimbursement ceilings, and other terms differ widely between business travel insurance plans. Comparing key criteria is essential for UAE professionals to ensure their chosen policy meets business requirements and personal protection needs when travelling.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Business travel often involves expensive cities and higher risks, so low limits may be insufficient. | Always select medical and equipment coverage that matches business trip values and destinations. |
| 📉 Deductible | Deductibles are paid out of pocket before insurance applies, affecting expense risk. | Lower deductibles are recommended to reduce unexpected costs after claims. |
| 👨💼 Traveller profile | Business traveler needs differ from leisure travelers, especially for equipment and liability. | Specify your job role and travel purpose to tailor policy guarantees for professional risks. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies may limit single or total trip length, which affects frequent or extended business assignments. | For repeated or long trips, prefer annual or multi-trip policies with zero or flexible maximum duration. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | Medical and incident risks differ by country, and coverage must match your business regions. | Ensure policy is valid for every country you visit, not just general regions. |
| 🛡️ Business equipment | Work laptops, phones, and documents may not be covered under standard travel insurance plans. | Opt for plans with high business equipment limits and check theft and accidental damage conditions. |
| 🚑 Medical and repatriation | Healthcare and evacuation costs abroad can be substantial and differ by region. | Confirm that coverage includes high medical ceilings and full repatriation to the UAE if needed. |
| 🏢 Employer coverage | Some employers provide limited travel insurance, which may not cover all risks or business activities. | Always compare your employer’s coverage with a standalone plan to avoid any protection gaps. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Fast online sign-up is valuable for last-minute travel or urgent business changes. | Choose insurers with instant digital enrolment and policy documents for flexibility and compliance. |
Is Business Travel Insurance Covered by Your Current Policies?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances such as credit card insurance or public health system can provide you with business travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not sufficient.
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 (Dubai Health Authority) | Never | Emergency medical within UAE or GCC only, limit: AED 10,000. No international cover, business equipment or repatriation, no trip interruption or liability guarantees are included. | Travel insurance covers up to AED 1,000,000 with worldwide medical cover, repatriation, equipment and business-specific guarantees included. |
| Private health insurance (Daman Health, AXA UAE) | Almost Never | Selected countries only, medical emergencies to AED 50,000–100,000, excludes business equipment and interruption. No luggage, trip cancellation, cash advance or business activity coverage is included in these plans. | Travel insurance often insures up to AED 1,000,000, covering business interruptions, lost tech and all key risks for corporate trips abroad. |
| Classic credit card (Emirates NBD Standard, ADCB Classic) | Never | Accident and medical emergencies up to AED 5,000–10,000, no repatriation or business equipment. No professional liability, business interruption, laptop or phone protection, or trip change coverage is included. | Travel insurance routinely reaches AED 1,000,000 for all business needs, including lost work tools, crises and urgent business assistance. |
| Premium credit card (FAB World Elite, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Medical and baggage protection to AED 100,000–200,000, no business equipment, limit on trip cancellation. No business-specific interruption, loss of revenue, urgent cash advance or professional liability guarantees are covered. | Travel insurance provides up to AED 1,000,000 for all medical, repatriation, equipment loss and dedicated business travel benefits worldwide. |
No international cover, business equipment or repatriation, no trip interruption or liability guarantees are included.
No luggage, trip cancellation, cash advance or business activity coverage is included in these plans.
No professional liability, business interruption, laptop or phone protection, or trip change coverage is included.
No business-specific interruption, loss of revenue, urgent cash advance or professional liability guarantees are covered.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it is always 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 mandatory for all destinations, but some countries may require proof of insurance for visa approval or business entry, such as for Schengen business visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended for UAE professionals. For example, a manager on a trip to the UK who experiences a medical emergency would face high costs without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your trip dates are confirmed to ensure all benefits start immediately and cover trip cancellation risks before departure. Early purchase can protect both the traveler and employer from unforeseen events, providing financial security and peace of mind throughout the business trip.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing insurance plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform, tailored for UAE residents. Carefully check that guarantees such as business equipment and professional liability meet your needs, and review all exclusions. Purchase your selected plan online, and you will instantly receive your insurance certificate for your records or employer.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance even after booking your flights and accommodation, but always do so before your trip begins. Buying insurance after booking ensures coverage for last-minute issues, but purchasing earlier offers broader protection, including trip cancellation and pre-departure emergencies.
How do I make a claim with business travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide details such as your policy number and supporting documents (e.g., receipts, reports). Most UAE policies offer digital claims portals for fast submission. Retain all evidence of your loss or expenses and follow the insurer’s claims process for prompt reimbursement.
Does business travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern business travel insurance policies from UAE providers include coverage for COVID-19–related medical expenses, trip delays, or cancellations due to illness or quarantine. However, it’s essential to verify the specific terms before purchase, as some basic plans may not cover pandemic-related disruptions.
What type of business equipment is covered?
Specialized business travel insurance typically covers laptops, mobile phones, projectors, and other work devices against theft, accidental damage, or loss up to specified limits. Always check individual policy limits and exclusions—especially for unattended equipment—and report any loss promptly to maximize your claim potential.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not mandatory for all destinations, but some countries may require proof of insurance for visa approval or business entry, such as for Schengen business visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended for UAE professionals. For example, a manager on a trip to the UK who experiences a medical emergency would face high costs without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your trip dates are confirmed to ensure all benefits start immediately and cover trip cancellation risks before departure. Early purchase can protect both the traveler and employer from unforeseen events, providing financial security and peace of mind throughout the business trip.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing insurance plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform, tailored for UAE residents. Carefully check that guarantees such as business equipment and professional liability meet your needs, and review all exclusions. Purchase your selected plan online, and you will instantly receive your insurance certificate for your records or employer.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase business travel insurance even after booking your flights and accommodation, but always do so before your trip begins. Buying insurance after booking ensures coverage for last-minute issues, but purchasing earlier offers broader protection, including trip cancellation and pre-departure emergencies.
How do I make a claim with business travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide details such as your policy number and supporting documents (e.g., receipts, reports). Most UAE policies offer digital claims portals for fast submission. Retain all evidence of your loss or expenses and follow the insurer’s claims process for prompt reimbursement.
Does business travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern business travel insurance policies from UAE providers include coverage for COVID-19–related medical expenses, trip delays, or cancellations due to illness or quarantine. However, it’s essential to verify the specific terms before purchase, as some basic plans may not cover pandemic-related disruptions.
What type of business equipment is covered?
Specialized business travel insurance typically covers laptops, mobile phones, projectors, and other work devices against theft, accidental damage, or loss up to specified limits. Always check individual policy limits and exclusions—especially for unattended equipment—and report any loss promptly to maximize your claim potential.
On the same topic
