- The best business travel insurance plans
- What 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?
- How to Choose the Right business Travel Insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover business travel?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
business travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Business travel insurance protects professionals and their equipment against risks specific to work-related travel.
2. Price: A one-week business policy for Europe typically costs between $150 and $250 NZD, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and business equipment, but excludes pre-existing conditions and unattended items.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, ACC, and health plans offer minimal or no specific cover for overseas business travel.
5. Tips: For frequent trips, choose an annual policy and ensure equipment coverage matches your devices' total value.
6. Other useful info: NZ employers have a legal duty of care, making adequate business travel insurance a legal necessity.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in New Zealand, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best business travel insurance.
The best business travel insurance plans
The following table presents top business travel insurance options for New Zealand residents, selected for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 3.0M NZD | 100 NZD | • No excess fee for claims. • Superior coverage for business events. • 24/7 digital support. • Extended protection for electronics. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 2.0M NZD | 150 NZD | • Mobile app for instant claims. • Business gear coverage. • Multilingual support always. • Direct payments to hospitals. |
| Tourist Card | 1.5M NZD | 200 NZD | • Fast claim refund option. • Business meeting interruption cover. • Legal advice in English. • 24/7 travel assistance. |
| World Travel | 3.0M NZD | 100 NZD | • Wide-ranging regional coverage. • Crisis response services. • High limits for lost equipment. • Quick digital policy management. |
| Globe Partner | 2.5M NZD | 175 NZD | • Paperless claims process. • Robust personal liability included. • 24/7 phone support worldwide. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.5M NZD | 200 NZD | • Long assignment coverage. • Premium stability for older travellers. • Comprehensive lost documents cover. |
• Superior coverage for business events.
• 24/7 digital support.
• Extended protection for electronics.
• Business gear coverage.
• Multilingual support always.
• Direct payments to hospitals.
• Business meeting interruption cover.
• Legal advice in English.
• 24/7 travel assistance.
• Crisis response services.
• High limits for lost equipment.
• Quick digital policy management.
• Robust personal liability included.
• 24/7 phone support worldwide.
• Premium stability for older travellers.
• Comprehensive lost documents cover.
The best business travel insurance depends on your situation. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is business travel insurance?
Business travel insurance is specialized coverage for professionals travelling for work, designed to protect against risks unique to business trips.
It includes medical expenses abroad, emergency evacuation, coverage for business equipment like laptops, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
Policies cover both domestic and international business travel from New Zealand.
This insurance is different from leisure travel insurance because it extends to business-related emergencies, valuables and work interruptions.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out business travel insurance is especially important for travellers from New Zealand:
- When you travel with valuable business equipment like laptops or tools.
- If visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- When your credit card insurance lacks specific business travel cover.
- To meet an employer's legal duty of care obligations in NZ.
- If you travel for work multiple times per year.
- In case a work emergency forces you to cancel your trip.
- As ACC offers limited overseas cover for accidents, not illness.
The Price of Business Travel Insurance
On average, business travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day conference in Sydney | $1,500 | $60 to $110 |
| 1 week business meetings in Singapore | $3,000 | $120 to $230 |
| 10-day project in New York | $6,000 | $240 to $480 |
| 2 weeks corporate training in London | $7,500 | $300 to $560 |
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 your stay, the higher the cost.
- destination: certain countries, such as those in North America, have higher medical costs.
- age and traveller profile: senior travellers or those with pre-existing conditions pay more.
- level of coverage: business policies with high equipment and liability limits or lower excess values are more expensive.
- covered equipment value: travelling with valuable laptops or presentation devices increases the premium.
- add-ons and business-related risks: cover for conferences, cancellations, or remote work may impact the price.
What does business travel insurance cover?
Business travel insurance is designed for professionals who travel for work purposes within New Zealand or worldwide.
It complements company policies by protecting employees and their essential business equipment while on business trips.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip cancellation | Refund of non-refundable work trip costs if cancelled for a covered reason. | Minimum NZ$2,000 cover. Deductible should not exceed NZ$100. Pre-existing illness, personal reasons, and visa refusal are often excluded. |
| 🚗 Missed departure | Pays extra transport costs if you miss your flight due to events beyond your control. | At least NZ$350 recommended. Deductible should be NZ$0. No cover if delay is not proven or you were late by choice. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your personal and business luggage during the trip. | Minimum cover NZ$2,000. Deductible up to NZ$50 is acceptable. Unattended or fragile items are often excluded. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Protects laptops, work phones, and specialist devices from theft or accidental damage. | Choose NZ$5,000+ in cover. Deductible should be under NZ$150. Wear and tear, unattended items, and old devices are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Urgent treatment and hospitalisation abroad for illness or injury. | Minimum NZ$1M cover, no deductible or under NZ$100. Routine check-ups and pre-existing conditions are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Emergency return to New Zealand if medically necessary. | Unlimited cover is best. Deductible should be zero. Traveller refusal or non-emergency reasons are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment needed during the trip. | At least NZ$300 cover. Deductible best kept under NZ$50. Cosmetic and ongoing care are not included. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Key guarantee. Covers claims if you injure someone or damage their property. | NZ$2M minimum is advised. Deductible not over NZ$100. Business errors and damage to rented items are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensates for long delays in flights or trains causing extra costs. | At least NZ$120 after 4 hours’ delay. Deductible usually zero. Delays under 4 hours or without documentation are excluded. |
| 👨⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers legal fees or bail if you need a lawyer abroad following an incident. | Seek NZ$4,000 legal and NZ$10,000 bail limit. Criminal acts, alcohol, and business disputes are excluded. |
Deductible should not exceed NZ$100.
Pre-existing illness, personal reasons, and visa refusal are often excluded.
No cover if delay is not proven or you were late by choice.
Unattended or fragile items are often excluded.
Wear and tear, unattended items, and old devices are not covered.
Routine check-ups and pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Traveller refusal or non-emergency reasons are not covered.
Cosmetic and ongoing care are not included.
Business errors and damage to rented items are excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or without documentation are excluded.
Criminal acts, alcohol, and business disputes 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 best suited to your company’s needs and employee trips, easily compare options on HelloSafe.
The conditions of business travel insurance
Business travel insurance in New Zealand is only valid when certain conditions are met. These requirements help ensure correct coverage for work-related trips:
- Purpose of travel: your primary purpose for the trip must be business, not holiday, study, or personal affairs.
- Timing of purchase: you must arrange and pay for the policy before leaving New Zealand for your business trip.
- Employer connection: you must be a business owner, employee, or contractor whose trip is authorized for work.
- Residency status: you must be a resident or citizen of New Zealand at the time of subscription.
- Trip duration limit: your travel cannot exceed the maximum days covered per trip, often 30 or 90 days depending on the policy.
- Approved destination: you must avoid traveling to countries under government travel bans or strong warnings from NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Claim procedure: in case of incidents, you need to follow the insurer’s claim process, including timely notification and documentation.
- Disclosure requirements: you must fully declare all pre-existing health conditions and the value of business equipment to ensure proper coverage.
Watch out!
A common mistake for Kiwi business travellers is assuming pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered. You must declare them to your travel insurer. Non-disclosure can void your policy, leaving you liable for huge overseas medical costs. Always check your policy's specific requirements before you fly.
Why take out business travel insurance?
When travelling for business, there are many risks that can quickly lead to high expenses, especially when you are far from New Zealand.
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% with limits around $1,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% with limits around $1,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to 100% with limits around $1,000,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often 80% to 100%, maximum $2,000 per year |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually 100%, with high limits up to $500,000 |
- Europe: $450
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $280
- Europe: $380
- North America: $950
- Asia: $220
- Europe: $320
- North America: $800
- Asia: $180
- Europe: $280
- North America: $650
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $45,000
- North America: $85,000
- Asia: $35,000
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.
Business travel insurance can also cover many other important situations: lost or stolen luggage, business equipment, trip cancellation, personal liability abroad and 24/7 business assistance. These guarantees are essential to protect your company and your finances when unexpected events occur.
Good to know
Your work trip to the US could end with a $90,000 medical evacuation bill. Protect your business from huge overseas costs and lost equipment. A dedicated policy from an insurer like Chapka provides comprehensive cover, letting you focus on your work, not a financial crisis.
How to Choose the Right business Travel Insurance
Coverage and reimbursement amounts can differ significantly between business travel insurance policies. Understanding and comparing key criteria is important, as business trip risks and requirements for New Zealand travellers are often unique.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Ensures major medical or liability claims are fully covered | Always check policy limits for key risks and select limits matching your total trip and equipment value. |
| 📉 Deductible | You pay this portion of each claim, affecting out-of-pocket expenses | Low or zero deductible for medical and business equipment claims can keep unexpected costs manageable. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Conditions may restrict coverage for missed flights or early returns | Review timeframes and exclusions to ensure you can access full benefits for business changes or disruptions. |
| 👤 Traveller’s profile | Some policies are not suitable for self-employed, contractors or frequent flyers | Choose plans designed for your business status, including contractors, executives, and support staff. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Longer assignments may exceed standard business policy limits | For assignments over one month, require extended-stay or annual business insurance for full coverage. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Regional exclusions or limitations may apply | Check that all business destinations, including high-risk or remote areas, are covered on your policy. |
| 💻 Business equipment | Coverage limits and exclusions for laptops, phones, and work tools | Select higher equipment coverage if you travel with expensive work devices or specialist tools. |
| 🏢 Existing corporate cover | Some employers or bank cards provide partial travel benefits | Identify gaps in employer cover and supplement with standalone business travel insurance as needed. |
| 🔗 Claims and assistance | Fast claim handling is vital for business continuity | Prioritise 24/7 emergency assistance and digital claims options for rapid support and reimbursements. |
Do my current insurance policies cover business travel?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can protect you like business travel insurance, but unfortunately these solutions are 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 (ACC, Health New Zealand) | Never | Covers accidental injury in NZ only, rarely reimburses treatment abroad, up to $50,000 for overseas accident. No business equipment, liability, cancellation, or repatriation protection. | Travel insurance offers worldwide medical, cancellation, and evacuation up to $5,000,000 NZ, including business-specific needs. |
| Private health insurance (Southern Cross, nib) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad possible, typical medical maximums $300,000 - $500,000, but no baggage or business cover. No trip cancellation, equipment, or interruption protection. | Travel insurance covers comprehensive health, business equipment, and interruption up to $5,000,000 NZ. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ Visa, Westpac Mastercard) | Never | Some basic travel accident or medical, usually capped at $100,000 - $250,000, minimal repatriation. No business, no liability, limited or no business travel claims. | Travel insurance gives specialist business support, business cover, and much higher limits up to $5,000,000 NZ. |
| Premium credit card (ASB Platinum, BNZ Advantage) | Limited Coverage | May include travel medical up to $300,000, baggage, or delays. No business liability or equipment, and always maximum trip durations apply. No tailored business coverage or 24/7 business support. | Travel insurance is designed for full business cover, gear, interruption, and up to $5,000,000 NZ, with few exclusions. |
No business equipment, liability, cancellation, or repatriation protection.
No trip cancellation, equipment, or interruption protection.
No business, no liability, limited or no business travel claims.
No tailored business coverage or 24/7 business support.
Expert advice
Heads up, Kiwis. Your bank card or health insurance often excludes trip interruptions for a relative’s illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. 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 universally mandatory, but some countries require proof of coverage for visa issuance or entry, especially for work-related stays. Even when not legally required, it is strongly recommended. For example, a business trip to the USA could result in significant liabilities or high medical costs where having insurance is crucial for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed and before you make any bookings or payments. Early purchase ensures that you are protected against unexpected events such as trip cancellation, sudden illness, or work emergencies that may occur before departure, making the coverage fully effective.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing multiple policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review a range of offers. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, especially those pertaining to business activities or valuable equipment. Then, purchase your selected policy securely online and receive your insurance certificate by email for immigration or company documentation.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy business travel insurance after booking your flights or accommodation, but it’s important to do so before your trip begins. Buying early maximizes your coverage, especially for trip cancellation or interruption benefits which may not apply if insurance is acquired after an incident or close to the departure date.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after the incident, following their specific process, typically online or by phone. Provide supporting documents such as receipts, police reports, or medical certificates relevant to your claim. Claims are usually processed efficiently when all requested information and documentation are submitted clearly and promptly.
Does business travel insurance cover my work equipment?
Most business travel insurance plans include cover for business essentials like laptops, smartphones, and other work equipment up to the stated policy limits. Always check the sub-limits and conditions, especially for high-value items or situations, such as leaving equipment unattended, which may not be covered.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by business travel insurance?
Pre-existing medical conditions are usually excluded from standard business travel insurance policies. Some insurers may offer cover if these conditions are declared in advance and accepted after medical assessment, sometimes for an extra cost. Always disclose your full medical history to avoid claim denials related to existing conditions.
Is business travel insurance mandatory?
Business travel insurance is not universally mandatory, but some countries require proof of coverage for visa issuance or entry, especially for work-related stays. Even when not legally required, it is strongly recommended. For example, a business trip to the USA could result in significant liabilities or high medical costs where having insurance is crucial for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase business travel insurance?
It is best to purchase business travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed and before you make any bookings or payments. Early purchase ensures that you are protected against unexpected events such as trip cancellation, sudden illness, or work emergencies that may occur before departure, making the coverage fully effective.
How do I purchase business travel insurance?
Start by comparing multiple policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to review a range of offers. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, especially those pertaining to business activities or valuable equipment. Then, purchase your selected policy securely online and receive your insurance certificate by email for immigration or company documentation.
Can I purchase business travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy business travel insurance after booking your flights or accommodation, but it’s important to do so before your trip begins. Buying early maximizes your coverage, especially for trip cancellation or interruption benefits which may not apply if insurance is acquired after an incident or close to the departure date.
How do I make a claim on business travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after the incident, following their specific process, typically online or by phone. Provide supporting documents such as receipts, police reports, or medical certificates relevant to your claim. Claims are usually processed efficiently when all requested information and documentation are submitted clearly and promptly.
Does business travel insurance cover my work equipment?
Most business travel insurance plans include cover for business essentials like laptops, smartphones, and other work equipment up to the stated policy limits. Always check the sub-limits and conditions, especially for high-value items or situations, such as leaving equipment unattended, which may not be covered.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by business travel insurance?
Pre-existing medical conditions are usually excluded from standard business travel insurance policies. Some insurers may offer cover if these conditions are declared in advance and accepted after medical assessment, sometimes for an extra cost. Always disclose your full medical history to avoid claim denials related to existing conditions.
On the same topic
