- The best long term travel insurance plans
- What exactly is long term travel insurance?
- What is the price of long term travel insurance?
- What is covered by long term travel insurance?
- The conditions of long term travel insurance
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
- FAQ
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance provides extended medical and travel coverage for trips lasting several months to a year.
2. Price: A long-term plan for a US traveler can cost from $50 to over $200 monthly, varying widely.
3. Coverage: It covers major medical emergencies and evacuation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports without add-ons.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: US health plans like Medicare and credit cards offer little to no medical coverage for extended travel abroad.
5. Tips: Verify high medical evacuation limits ($500k+), pre-existing condition clauses, and coverage for planned adventure sports before buying.
6. Other useful info: Ensure your policy allows for extensions while abroad, as travel plans can often change during long journeys.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best long-term travel insurance.
The best long term travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best long term travel insurance policies for U.S. residents, chosen for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and clear terms suited to extended stays.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Tourist Card | 0.5M $ | 33 $, 68 $ for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | 0.7M $ (USA/Canada), 0.3M $ (others) | 55 $ per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.3M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M $ | None mentioned |
|
- Includes telehealth services.
- Direct billing at major hospitals.
- Luggage protection for long stays.
- Support for visa documentation.
- Mobile medical app available.
- 24-hour emergency hotline.
- Policy extensions possible.
- No age-related premium increases.
- Telemedicine for travelers.
- Coverage for digital nomads.
- Quick claim reimbursement.
- Family or group options.
- Mental health coverage included.
- Covers over 180 countries.
- Emergency dental care.
- Routine check-ups possible.
- Pre-existing condition options.
- Simple online enrolment.
- Family premium discounts.
- Suits trips up to 12 months.
- Multi-country coverage.
- Claims in various languages.
The best long term travel insurance depends on your situation. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find the right plan for you and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is specialized coverage for travelers on extended trips, typically lasting six months to several years.
It is designed to provide continuous protection during prolonged stays abroad, including medical emergencies, trip interruption, loss of personal belongings, and sometimes routine care.
This policy is essential for digital nomads, students, expatriates, and anyone planning to live or work internationally for an extended period.
Long term travel insurance is also called extended stay or gap year insurance in the US. It differs from short term policies, which only cover single trips of up to 90 days.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in the US:
- When your international trip lasts for several months or longer.
- If your US health plan provides no coverage abroad.
- When credit card insurance duration limits are too short for you.
- For extended stays like a gap year, sabbatical, or remote work.
- If a long-stay visa requires proof of continuous medical insurance.
- To cover potential high-cost services like medical evacuation.
- When you may need access to routine medical or dental care.
What is the price of long term travel insurance?
On average, long term travel insurance costs between 6% and 10% of the total trip cost.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year teaching in South Korea | $15,000 | $900 to $1,500 |
| 18 months round-the-world trip across 4 continents | $30,000 | $1,800 to $3,000 |
| 6 months as a digital nomad in Europe | $12,000 | $720 to $1,200 |
| 2 years volunteering in Latin America | $25,000 | $1,500 to $2,500 |
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 long term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips increase the total premium.
- destination: countries with expensive healthcare may raise your cost.
- traveler’s age: older travelers are often charged more.
- coverage level: higher coverage limits and more benefits cost extra.
- special options: coverage for adventure sports, chronic conditions, or valuable electronics increases the price.
What is covered by long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance provides continuous protection for journeys lasting from six months to several years.
It is designed to support travelers during extended stays abroad, covering major medical, logistic, and legal risks throughout the entire period overseas.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds non-refundable trip costs if you cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered event. | Minimum $5,000 coverage, deductible should not exceed $100. Exclusions often include change of mind, work changes, and known events when booking. |
| ? Baggage and belongings | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. | Aim for at least $2,500 cover, with deductible below $50. Cash, electronics above single-item limits, and unattended baggage are typically excluded. |
| ? Emergency medical | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent hospital or outpatient care if you get sick or injured abroad. | Minimum $500K, best above $1M, with a deductible under $50. Pre-existing conditions, experimental care, and cosmetic or elective treatments are usually excluded. |
| ? Medical evacuation/return | Key guarantee. Transport to the nearest suitable hospital or your home country for major medical reasons. | This should be unlimited or above $500K. Insurer must arrange all transport. Returns for convenience, minor issues, or traveller refusal of evacuation are not covered. |
| ? Emergency dental | Urgent dental care for pain relief or treatment during travel. | Minimum $1,000 cover, deductible maximum $50. Routine check-ups, orthodontics, and cosmetic dental care are not included. |
| ?⚖️ Personal liability | Covers your liability if you accidentally cause injury to others or damage property abroad. | $250K at minimum, deductible not above $100. Damage to family members, rented vehicles, or due to illegal acts/excess alcohol are not covered. |
| ?️♂️ Adventure sports | Injury or accidents during specified leisure sports and adventure activities. | Ensure $25,000 minimum, higher for frequent sports use. Professional competitions, excluded sports, or activities not listed on the policy are not covered. |
| ? Mental health | Mental health consultations and psychological support during your stay. | Choose plans with at least $5,000 annual cover, low or no deductible. Pre-existing psychological conditions, substance abuse, or therapy beyond limits are often excluded. |
| ? Routine medical care | Some plans cover basic check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care abroad. | If included, minimum $1,000 cover and low deductible. Elective procedures, fertility treatments, and experimental care will be excluded. |
| ⏳ 24/7 emergency assistance | Immediate support by phone or app for logistics, translation, or urgent claims. | This should always be included and unlimited. Non-emergency convenience calls and certain administrative services may be excluded. |
Exclusions often include change of mind, work changes, and known events when booking.
Cash, electronics above single-item limits, and unattended baggage are typically excluded.
Pre-existing conditions, experimental care, and cosmetic or elective treatments are usually excluded.
Returns for convenience, minor issues, or traveller refusal of evacuation are not covered.
Routine check-ups, orthodontics, and cosmetic dental care are not included.
Damage to family members, rented vehicles, or due to illegal acts/excess alcohol are not covered.
Professional competitions, excluded sports, or activities not listed on the policy are not covered.
Pre-existing psychological conditions, substance abuse, or therapy beyond limits are often excluded.
Elective procedures, fertility treatments, and experimental care will be excluded.
Non-emergency convenience calls and certain administrative services may be 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 long term travel insurance best suited to your profile and your journey abroad, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
To activate your long term travel insurance and ensure your coverage is valid, certain conditions must be met according to US requirements.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before your departure from the United States and before your trip starts.
- US residency: you must usually be a legal resident of the United States when applying for long term coverage.
- Trip duration compliance: your journey must not exceed the maximum length covered by your policy, which can vary from 6 months to 2 years.
- Continuous coverage: you must keep your coverage active throughout your trip, renewing or extending the policy before it expires.
- No ongoing travel: you must not already be traveling or outside the US when purchasing a new long term travel insurance.
- Incident notification: you are required to notify the insurer promptly about claims, medical incidents, or travel changes that may affect your policy.
- Supporting documentation: you must provide necessary documents, such as receipts or official reports, for all claims during your trip.
- Destination restrictions: travel to regions under US State Department travel bans or advisories may be excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming you can buy long-term travel insurance after leaving the U.S. Most policies require purchase before departure. Waiting until you're already abroad severely limits your options and can leave you completely uninsured for your entire extended trip.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Medical expenses and unexpected incidents can quickly become overwhelming during extended trips, especially without proper financial protection abroad.
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%, often from the first dollar |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, subject to policy limits |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, less deductible if any |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, usually up to policy limit |
- Europe: $200 to $400
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $100 to $300
- Europe: $150 to $300
- North America: $600 to $1,200
- Asia: $80 to $200
- Europe: $100 to $250
- North America: $400 to $800
- Asia: $50 to $150
- Europe: $200 to $500
- North America: $800 to $1,500
- Asia: $100 to $300
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.
Alongside medical expenses, long term travel insurance usually includes trip interruption or cancellation, lost or damaged luggage, personal liability, emergency evacuation, mental health support, and 24/7 travel assistance.
Good to know
Your US health plan won't cover you abroad. An unexpected appendectomy could cost over $15,000. Don't risk financial ruin; get comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage. A provider like ACS ensures you're protected for the long haul, wherever your journey takes you.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement amounts, and exclusions for long term travel insurance often differ greatly from one plan to another. Comparing key criteria is essential to protect your health, finances, and belongings during an extended stay abroad.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Reimbursement limits | High limits are important as serious incidents abroad can lead to expensive care. | Select coverage above $250,000 for medical expenses, and check that benefits extend for the entire trip duration. |
| ? Deductible | A lower deductible reduces your out-of-pocket payments for each claim. | Choose plans with a deductible no more than $100 for major benefits, especially for medical and evacuation. |
| ? Policy conditions | Eligibility, renewability, and start date influence when and how your coverage applies. | Always check extension and renewal terms, and buy coverage before you leave the US for best protection. |
| ? Traveller’s age | Some long term policies include age-based pricing or exclusions for seniors. | Verify age limits and age-related premium increases, especially if over 60 or traveling with elderly relatives. |
| ? Traveller profile | Needs vary for gap year, expat, student, or family travelers. | Look for family or group plans and specialized coverage if traveling long-term for work, study, or with children. |
| ?️ Trip duration | The longer your trip, the more important it is to verify policy eligibility. | Confirm coverage is valid for your full journey, and check if you can renew without new medical checks while abroad. |
| ? Geographic area | Not all plans cover every country, or all international locations. | Verify destinations are covered and that there are no exclusions for any countries you will visit or reside in. |
| ?️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or domestic insurance rarely protect you abroad for long stays. | Understand your current limits and gaps; never rely on basic card insurance alone for long term travel. |
| ⚽ Planned activities | Risky sports or adventure activities may require special coverage on long trips. | Always declare activities like diving, trekking, or winter sports if planned, to avoid coverage exclusions. |
Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
It is normal to wonder if your current insurance, such as a credit card or public health insurance, is enough for long term travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | long term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | May cover emergencies only within the United States, with no international care. Does not cover: hospitalization abroad, evacuation, baggage loss, trip interruption, ongoing care. | Travel insurance offers up to $1,000,000 for medical, plus repatriation, routine care, and full trip interruption abroad for months or years. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna) | Almost Never | Limited emergency care, often capped at $10,000–$100,000 and for short trips only. Does not cover: long trips, trip cancellation, lost baggage, mental health, adventure sports. | Travel insurance provides continuous worldwide cover up to $1,000,000, including mental health, continuity, and emergencies for over 6 months. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Covers accidents on flights or public transport. Maximums are $10,000–$20,000 for accidents, no medical abroad. Does not cover: long stays, hospitalization, evacuation, routine or sports care, cancellation. | Travel insurance offers robust $500,000–$1,000,000 coverage for medical, baggage, and long-term stays worldwide with 24/7 support. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage for up to $10,000, but no medical abroad or stays over 90 days. Does not cover: extended medical, routine care, evacuation, mental health, continuous coverage for months. | Travel insurance protects with up to $1,000,000 for health emergencies, long-term routine care, evacuation, and multi-country stays. |
Does not cover: hospitalization abroad, evacuation, baggage loss, trip interruption, ongoing care.
Does not cover: long trips, trip cancellation, lost baggage, mental health, adventure sports.
Does not cover: long stays, hospitalization, evacuation, routine or sports care, cancellation.
Does not cover: extended medical, routine care, evacuation, mental health, continuous coverage for months.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often excludes trip interruptions for a relative’s illness. Read the fine print to avoid surprises abroad. For true peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to buy dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip and needs.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory when certain countries require proof of coverage for long-stay visas or residency, such as France or Germany. In most destinations, insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, a year-long stay in Asia or South America exposes you to costly emergencies and evacuation needs that standard US health insurance does not cover.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase a long term travel insurance policy is right after confirming your trip but before your departure date. Buying early ensures your coverage is active for unexpected situations before and after departure. It also makes you eligible for trip interruption or cancellation benefits, which are valuable for costly, non-refundable reservations.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
1/ Compare plans by visiting HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions, with extra attention to long term-specific benefits and limits.
3/ Purchase your preferred plan easily online and submit payment details.
4/ Receive the certificate by email, which you may need for visa applications or border entry.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can usually purchase long term travel insurance after booking. However, buying before you depart is best to cover any trip interruptions, cancellations, or changes. If you wait until already abroad, most insurers will enforce waiting periods and may exclude coverage for events already known or underway.
How do I file a claim with long term travel insurance?
To file a claim, promptly contact your insurer’s claims hotline or online portal. Collect any necessary documentation, such as receipts, police reports, or hospital records. Submit these documents following the insurer's guidelines. Claims are usually processed online or through their app, and many insurers offer support from a dedicated claims team.
Does long term travel insurance cover routine check-ups and vaccinations?
Some long term travel insurance plans include limited coverage for routine medical care, such as check-ups and vaccinations. Always check your policy details, as routine care and preventive visits are often subject to annual limits and exclusions. Higher-tier policies are more likely to include this benefit, especially for extended stays.
Can I extend my long term travel insurance policy if my trip is prolonged?
Most long term travel insurance providers allow you to extend your coverage if your trip is longer than originally planned. You must typically request the extension before your current policy expires. The insurer may ask for additional medical information and payment for the extra period.
Is mental health coverage included in long term travel insurance?
Many comprehensive long term travel insurance policies now include coverage for mental health care, counseling, or telehealth support while abroad. Benefits and coverage limits vary, so it is important to review this aspect before purchase, especially for extended stays away from home.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory when certain countries require proof of coverage for long-stay visas or residency, such as France or Germany. In most destinations, insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, a year-long stay in Asia or South America exposes you to costly emergencies and evacuation needs that standard US health insurance does not cover.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase a long term travel insurance policy is right after confirming your trip but before your departure date. Buying early ensures your coverage is active for unexpected situations before and after departure. It also makes you eligible for trip interruption or cancellation benefits, which are valuable for costly, non-refundable reservations.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
1/ Compare plans by visiting HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions, with extra attention to long term-specific benefits and limits.
3/ Purchase your preferred plan easily online and submit payment details.
4/ Receive the certificate by email, which you may need for visa applications or border entry.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can usually purchase long term travel insurance after booking. However, buying before you depart is best to cover any trip interruptions, cancellations, or changes. If you wait until already abroad, most insurers will enforce waiting periods and may exclude coverage for events already known or underway.
How do I file a claim with long term travel insurance?
To file a claim, promptly contact your insurer’s claims hotline or online portal. Collect any necessary documentation, such as receipts, police reports, or hospital records. Submit these documents following the insurer's guidelines. Claims are usually processed online or through their app, and many insurers offer support from a dedicated claims team.
Does long term travel insurance cover routine check-ups and vaccinations?
Some long term travel insurance plans include limited coverage for routine medical care, such as check-ups and vaccinations. Always check your policy details, as routine care and preventive visits are often subject to annual limits and exclusions. Higher-tier policies are more likely to include this benefit, especially for extended stays.
Can I extend my long term travel insurance policy if my trip is prolonged?
Most long term travel insurance providers allow you to extend your coverage if your trip is longer than originally planned. You must typically request the extension before your current policy expires. The insurer may ask for additional medical information and payment for the extra period.
Is mental health coverage included in long term travel insurance?
Many comprehensive long term travel insurance policies now include coverage for mental health care, counseling, or telehealth support while abroad. Benefits and coverage limits vary, so it is important to review this aspect before purchase, especially for extended stays away from home.
