Travel Insurance For a Business Trip: What You Need To Know

While business travel certainly has its glamorous side, things like buying travel insurance still have to be done just as if you were going on holiday. Here are some suggestions to help you chose your travel insurance and keep to its requirements.

Why buy travel insurance for a business trip?

Just because you are working rather than on holiday doesn't mean that you are less likely to get ill or have your luggage go missing. Your travel insurance will give you the peace of mind that you are covered if anything should happen so that you can get on with the job in hand. If you're carry expensive work equipment, such as laptops, you'll want to know that you're not going to be left liable if anything does go wrong.

What should I be looking for?

It's important not to just buy on price alone as many of the cheapest policies not only have large excesses but also many exclusions. If you have to claim on one of these type of policies, you may find that it is useless.

If you travel regularly, whether it's for work or for play, think about an Annual Multi Trip policy that will cover you for a whole year and get your business trips and holidays covered in one go.

What can I do to keep within the requirements of my insurance?

1. Never leave your luggage or business equipment unattended and make use of the hotel safe. If the worst happens, you will need to file a police report as soon as possible to be able to make your claim.

2. If you are going somewhere exotic that requires you to get vaccinations or take preventative medication before you arrive, make sure you have done so. Ask your travel agent if you aren't sure or check the NHS's list of worldwide travel vaccinations. Aside from getting very sick, you are likely to be liable for all costs if you have failed to get the required jabs or medication before leaving.

3. If you are considering not declaring a medical condition because it may cost you extra on your premium, be careful. If you get sick and it has anything to do with an illness you failed to declare, you will have to pay all your medical bills on your own. Essential Travel can offer travel insurance to those up to the age of 85, regardless of whether or not they have pre-existing medical conditions.

4. If you are flying anywhere remotely unstable, keep an eye on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website as insurance policies are likely to be void if you enter a war zone.

What can I do to minimise the risk of loss or theft?

1. Use suitcase locks and implement the combination codes to create another barrier for thieves.

2. Keep all valuables and documents with you at all times or use the hotel safe while you are at your destination. Photocopy essential documents and keep another copy handy.

3. Be vigilant on long business trips when you are tired and more likely to misplace a laptop bag or case.

When is the best time to buy your travel insurance?

Most people leave booking their travel insurance policy until the last minute. But if you book your insurance after an airline strike is announced, adverse weather disrupts flights, your travel provider goes bust, any strike, political riot, natural disaster or a no-travel warning is issued for a particular destination, you will not be covered by most policies purchased after the announcement was made public. It pays to be organised.