Planning an extended trip? Long-term travel insurance is essential for those embarking on a long-term journey. Whether you're studying abroad, working temporarily overseas, taking a gap year, or simply traveling for an extended period, long-stay travel insurance provides the coverage you need for both medical and travel-related emergencies.
When I first moved to the US unsure about my permanent stay, I purchased a long-term travel insurance policy from Heymondo. It not only saved me money but also provided coverage for any medical emergencies I might encounter. However, as soon as I decided to live in the US permanently, I switched to insurance with more comprehensive medical coverage.
So, if long-stay travel insurance is what you're looking for, keep reading. We have compared the best long-term travel insurance plans: Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing. Let us help you choose the one that suits your needs the most.
What is long-term travel insurance?
Long-term travel insurance is specifically designed for individuals going on lengthy trips, lasting a minimum of 90 days and up to one or two years (depending on the insurer). It provides coverage for medical expenses and other travel-related incidents, such as emergency medical care, trip delays, baggage loss, and repatriation. However, it's important to note that it does not cover routine medical care for individuals permanently living abroad.
Long-term travel insurance vs. annual, multi-trip travel insurance
Although they may sound similar, long-term travel insurance and annual, multi-trip travel insurance cater to different needs. Long-term travel insurance is suitable for trips lasting three months or more, while annual travel insurance covers multiple shorter trips within one year, with trip durations restricted to 30-90 days. If you're planning a single, long-term trip or multiple trips within a year, each lasting longer than 90 days, long-stay travel insurance is the best choice.
Who is insurance for long-term travel for?
Long-term travel insurance is beneficial for various reasons, including extended trips, working abroad, taking a gap year, and more. Here are some common scenarios where long-term travel insurance proves useful:
- Extended trips
- Working abroad temporarily
- Gap years
Long-stay travel insurance coverage comparison
When selecting long-term travel insurance, coverage is a crucial factor to consider. Here's a comparison of the coverage offered by Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing:
Note: This table may vary based on individual circumstances and chosen coverage options.
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Long-stay travel insurance price comparison
If you're curious about the cost of long-term travel insurance based on trip length and specific coverage, refer to the following chart:
Note: Prices quoted are based on a 30-year-old American citizen residing in Pennsylvania, requiring worldwide coverage.
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Please keep in mind that long-term travel insurance prices are influenced by factors such as age, nationality, and place of residence. The above chart serves as an approximate cost estimate.
Best long-term travel insurance
Each of the four long-term travel insurance plans we compared has its strengths. Let's take a closer look at them:
1. Heymondo, the best long-term travel medical insurance
Heymondo offers the highest coverage for emergency medical expenses and evacuation and repatriation. It even provides coverage for COVID testing required by a doctor. One standout feature is that Heymondo pays your medical expenses directly and upfront, eliminating the need to file claims after your trip. While it may not be the cheapest option, the convenience it provides makes Heymondo the top choice for long-term travel medical insurance.
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2. World Nomads, the best gap year travel insurance
If you're seeking adventure during your gap year, World Nomads is the perfect choice. Along with comprehensive overall coverage, their Standard plan includes coverage for adventure sports and activities. From trekking to hockey, you can explore new experiences while staying protected. World Nomads offers a $0 deductible for medical expenses, but it may be slightly more expensive compared to other plans.
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3. Travelex, the best travel insurance for long-term travel
Travelex's Travel Select plan is the most affordable option for trips lasting more than six months. It offers excellent coverage for travel-related incidents, such as trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage loss. However, its medical coverage is relatively limited compared to other plans. If you're looking for more medical coverage at a similar price, Heymondo might be a better fit.
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4. SafetyWing, the best insurance for digital nomads
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is not only cost-effective but also provides substantial coverage for medical expenses and baggage loss. It stands out as the best insurance option for digital nomads. The automatic renewal feature every four weeks saves time and ensures continuous coverage. However, there is a $250 deductible for medical expenses, and trip cancellation coverage is not included. If a lower deductible or trip cancellation coverage is crucial for you, consider Heymondo, World Nomads, or Travelex.
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What does long-term travel insurance cover?
The best long-term travel insurance generally includes coverage for the following:
- Emergency medical expenses: Vital coverage for medical emergencies while traveling, ensuring you won't have to pay out of pocket for hospitalization or medical transportation.
- Evacuation and repatriation: Covers transportation costs in case you need to be moved to a hospital or returned to your home country in the event of a severe illness or accident.
- Trip delay: Reimburses expenses incurred due to travel delays, such as accommodation and meals.
- Baggage loss: Provides reimbursement for lost or damaged valuables, sparing you the burden of replacing them.
Is long-term travel insurance worth it?
Absolutely! Long-term travel insurance is highly beneficial for extended trips, temporary work abroad, studying abroad, or taking gap years. Heymondo stands out in terms of medical coverage, offering the highest emergency medical and evacuation and repatriation coverage. Their flexibility in policy duration also makes them a great choice. Travelex, on the other hand, provides the cheapest long-term travel insurance for trips lasting more than six months, despite having relatively limited medical coverage.
In conclusion, the best long-stay travel insurance for you depends on your specific needs and trip type. If you have any questions regarding long-term travel insurance, feel free to comment below, and we'll be happy to assist you!
