The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Long-Term Travel Insurance
Picture this: You’ve just arrived in Bangkok, ready to start your six-month adventure (but didn’t procure long stay travel insurance) across Southeast Asia. The excitement is palpable—until you get food poisoning from your first street food meal. A trip to the hospital costs far more than you expected, and you’re stuck paying out of pocket because you didn’t realize your regular health insurance wouldn’t cover you abroad.
Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, taking an extended trip across South America, or working remotely as a digital nomad, having the right long-term travel insurance is as essential as your passport. From covering medical bills and trip cancellations to ensuring medical evacuation and emergency assistance, the right plan gives you peace of mind while you roam.
What Is Long-Term Travel Insurance?
Long-term travel insurance is designed for travelers who are away for months, whether for work, adventure, or study abroad. Unlike a single-trip travel insurance policy covering just one journey, or multi-trip or annual travel insurance policies protecting travelers taking multiple trips in a year, long-term plans are ideal for those on trips extending six months or more.
Types of Travel Insurance Plans for Long-Term Travelers
✔ Single-Trip Travel Insurance – Covers one trip for an extended period, often up to six or 12 months.
✔ Multi-Trip Travel Insurance (Annual Plan) – Covers multiple shorter trips within a year, with a max duration per trip (typically 30-90 days).
✔ Travel Medical Insurance covers healthcare abroad, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and treatment for accidents or illnesses.
✔ Comprehensive Travel Insurance – One package includes trip cancellation, medical care, baggage protection, and emergency services.
Why Do You Need Long-Term Travel Insurance?
Medical Care and Healthcare Costs Abroad
Most U.S. citizens are shocked to learn that their health insurance doesn’t cover them internationally. A medical emergency abroad can rack up thousands in medical expenses, and without a travel medical insurance policy, you’ll be left paying those hefty medical bills yourself.
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
If you suffer a serious injury and need medical evacuation to a better-equipped hospital—or even a flight home—those costs can skyrocket. An evacuation or repatriation flight can cost over $50,000. Emergency assistance services will coordinate transport and care, so you’re not stranded.
Trip Interruptions and Luggage
Unforeseen events can shorten your journey, leaving you with non-refundable costs. The right travel insurance policy will reimburse you for canceled flights, prepaid hotels, and activities.
✔ Trip Interruption—If you must return home for an emergency, you can be reimbursed for unused travel plans and additional transportation expenses.
✔ Lost Baggage – Compensation if the airline loses your bags.
Trip Cancellation for Long-Term Travel Insurance
Unlike standard travel insurance, which primarily covers shorter vacations, long-term travel insurance can also provide trip cancellation coverage under certain policies. If an unexpected event forces you to cancel your trip before departure, this coverage can help you recover non-refundable expenses, such as:
✔ Prepaid flights – If an illness, injury, or other covered event prevents you from
traveling, your policy can reimburse the cost of your ticket.
✔ Accommodations and deposits – Many long-term travelers book extended stays at hotels, rentals, or student housing. Trip cancellation insurance can cover these upfront costs if you can’t proceed with your trip.
✔ Visas and travel documents – Some policies cover fees related to a France visa application or other necessary documents if your trip is unexpectedly canceled.
✔ Travel disruptions due to natural disasters – If a weather event r makes your destination uninhabitable or unsafe before you leave, trip cancellation coverage can help you recover costs.
Since long-term travelers often book expensive, extended stays, ensuring that trip cancellation is included in your long-term travel insurance policy can provide extra peace of mind before departure.
Choosing the Right Long-Term Travel Insurance Plan
Not all travel insurance companies offer the same level of coverage, so it’s important to compare before commmitting to a plan.
What to Look for in a Travel Insurance Policy
- Medical Coverage Limits – Choose a plan with at least $100,000 in medical coverage ($500,000 for medical evacuation) and deductible options that fit your budget. Also, depending on how much coverage you need, you could consider looking at plans with primary medical insurance, too.
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions—If you have ongoing health issues, look for policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions.
- Adventure Sports Coverage—If you plan to go scuba diving, skiing, or bungee jumping, ensure your insurance options include adventure sports protection.
- Exclusions – Carefully read the disclaimer to understand what’s not covered, like extreme sports or travel to war zones.
Top Recommended Long-Term Travel Insurance Plans
Best Plans for Long-Term Travelers on Squaremouth
📌 Best for Digital Nomads: Seven Corners – Travel Medical USA
✔ Provides customizable travel medical coverage for individuals traveling outside their home country, with policy durations ranging from five to 364 days.
📌 Best for Budget Travelers: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – ExactCare Value
✔ Offers an affordable travel insurance option that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage up to 100% of the trip cost, emergency medical expenses up to
$15,000, and emergency medical evacuation up to $150,000.
📌 Best for Adventure Sports: Tin Leg – Adventure
✔ Designed for travelers engaging in high-risk activities such as trekking, diving, or
skiing, offering primary emergency medical coverage up to $100,000.
📌 Best for Seniors: IMG / iTravelInsured – iTravelInsured Choice
✔ Includes comprehensive coverage for travelers, including those over 65, with benefit such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses
FAQs: Your Long-Term Travel Insurance Questions Answered
💬 Can I buy travel insurance after I’ve already left the USA?
Yes! Some insurance providers, like World Nomads, allow you to purchase a plan after your trip has started. You can learn more about when to buy insurance in our comprehensive guide.
💬 Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Many travel insurance companies now cover medical treatment, trip cancellation, and trip delays due to COVID-19.
💬 What if I need to extend my trip?
Specific long-term travel insurance plans allow extensions but always check before purchasing.
💬 What’s the age limit for long-term travel insurance?
Most policies cover travelers up to 70-75, but some offer senior-specific insurance options with higher age limits.
Bottom Line: Is Long-Term Travel Insurance Worth It?
If you’re traveling for more than a few weeks, long-term travel insurance isn’t just worth it—it’s essential. Whether it’s a medical emergency, trip interruption, or evacuation, the right plan ensures you’re financially protected and can keep traveling stress-free.
Before you jet off, compare travel insurance plans on Squaremouth to find the best fit for your type of travel. Your adventure awaits—travel smart and travel safe! 🚀