Usually business travel insurance has the same typology, like in the case of general insurances: there is a possibility to choose a single or an annual policy. However, the annual policy is more widespread, actually it is hard to find a single insurance policy in this case. A travelling businessman is supposed to have many journeys in a year. Companies also prefer the annual contract. Despite it is more expensive, in the long term it is quite profitable when employees set out on either numerous short trips or extended, long journeys.

There are some companies, which simply do not provide business travel insurance, at all, while others are specialized in the business sector, and have annual contracts covering more than 30, maybe 40 trips per year. There is also a difference if you go on a European or worldwide business trip, as these have different policies.

It is very important to find out if the policy your company bought for your business trip has a proper coverage. You may end up with something left out, thus you have to pay for things from your own budget. If you are self-employed it is essential to look for a good insurance policy before you go on a business trip.

This type of policy covers many situations like travelling to conferences, participating in training seminars, workshops, important meetings with international partners, launching new products on the world market etc.

How does business travel insurance differ from other types of insurance? Here are the most important characteristics:

- Special cancellation policy: curtailment or cancellation for different reasons, more precisely in emergency cases (a business colleague has to be substituted urgently, flight delay, accommodation problems etc.)

- Coverage regarding work equipment, also for the delay of these: notebooks, mobile phones, PDAs. However, they are subject to a limit of a certain amount of money.

- Sport equipment coverage, as well as winter sports coverage (check out the list of sports and activities insured by the agency)

- Coverage regarding health care and medical assistance: paying medical bills, ensuring adequate medical treatment, bringing you home if necessary.

- Non-stop emergency assistance

- Group policy and discounts in case of multi-trip packages.

- Full coverage for luggage and ensuring emergency budget for replacing the lost, or stolen items. This includes emergency delivery or the costs of hiring the necessary items.

- Emergency budget: if your money or travelling checks are lost or stolen, you are covered by a limited amount of money, for the essentials.

- Business vehicle liability: whether it is a personal car, the company's vehicle or a hired auto.

- Liability coverage, from your business partners as well as employees.

Usually, business travel insurance includes such facilities as free policy for children, discount for family members of the employees, options regarding winter sports or other activities (even adventure sports).

Business travel policy is usually a very good option for those who travel several times in a year. Many usual travellers upgrade their existing contracts to enjoy the facilities offered by business travel insurance and to save money.

A company who has many employees and executives often travelling abroad should consider the risks of such business trips. However many small companies do not opt for proper business insurance, for money saving reasons, but the fact is that they can end up with more serious budgetary problems if something goes wrong. Lawsuits and/or the replacement of expensive equipment are often more costly than an initial insurance coverage. Many self-employed businessmen wrongly consider that equipment and office tools are already insured by the general home policy. To avoid falling in such a trap it is highly recommended to combine standard and business insurance policies.

While choosing the right policy you also have to shop around and see whether your business is included in the basic business coverage. As industries differ very much from one another, some high risk businesses benefit from no insurance at all. Therefore, you have to check out if your business needs special coverage, and estimating the costs of overall insurance should be included in the planning phase, long before setting up the whole business.

To reduce the risks of a business travel to a minimum, you should plan your trip carefully. This refers to the thorough research regarding airline offers, transportation and accommodation options, as well as supplementary costs, like loaning equipment, organizing events etc. But the most important thing you should consider is to find the insurance which best suits your needs during your business trips!