Why is long-term travel insurance important?
Long-duration trip insurance is designed for individuals embarking on extended journeys for work, study, retirement, or adventure. Unlike short-term travel insurance, which covers brief vacations, this plan provides continuous protection for months or even over a year.
Extended travel insurance coverage safeguards travelers against unforeseen medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost baggage, and other potential risks. Ideal for digital nomads, expatriates, international students, and retirees, long-term travel insurance ensures financial security and peace of mind. With flexible coverage options, it allows travelers to explore the world confidently, knowing they are well protected throughout their journey.
What are the best long-term travel insurance plans?
When selecting long term travel insurance, it's essential to choose a plan that provides comprehensive coverage for extended stays. Here are some of the best long-term travel insurance plans:
Trawick International long term travel insurance
- Safe Travels Advantage covers non-U.S. residents and citizens traveling to the USA or beyond, offering essential medical and travel protection.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days, it can be renewed.
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition is covered up to policy maximum for ages up to 89 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $150,000.
- Safe Travels USA provides coverage for non-U.S. residents and citizens traveling outside their home country, including the United States.
- Coverage ranges from a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days and is renewable.
- Limited Coverage for an unexpected recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered 100% up to $1,000,000.
IMG long term travel insurance
- Cheapest visitor health insurance for visiting the US.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewable up to 2 years.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the maximum limit for individuals up to 70 years of age.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to maximum limit.
- Most popular visitor medical insurance among senior travelers visiting USA.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days, it can be renewable up to 24 months.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the policy maximum for individuals aged up to 70 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $1,000,000.
- First class medical insurance for Non US residents traveling to the USA.
- Offers medical maximum coverage up to $8,000,000.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the policy maximum for individuals aged up to 70 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to maximum limit.
- Ideal visitor medical insurance for parents visiting USA and foreign tourists to the United States.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days, it can be renewable up to 24 months.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the policy maximum for individuals aged up to 70 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $1,000,000.
- Border entry protection covered up to $500 maximum limit.
WorldTrips long term travel insurance
- Atlas America Insurance offers coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewed.
- Covers Acute onset of pre-existing condition up to policy maximum under age 80, Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum for Emergency Medical Evacuation.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $1,000,000 lifetime maximum.
Seven Corners long term travel insurance
- Travel Medical Choice is available for non-U.S. residents traveling to the United States.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days and it can be renewed.
- Covers Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition are covered up to 79 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $500,000.
Global Underwriters long term travel insurance
- Coverage for travelers seeking long-term holiday plans, available for all ages, for travel both within and outside the U.S.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days, it can be renewable up to 36 months.
- Coverage for the sudden recurrence of pre-existing conditions up to $20,000 ($2,500 for individuals aged 65 and older).
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $250,000.
- The minimum purchase required for this plan is 90 days.
- Diplomat America Insurance is for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents visiting the United States.
- Coverage available from 15 days to 365 days, it can be renewed.
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition Covered up to 70 years.
- Emergency medical evacuation covered up to $250,000.
TravelInsure insurance long term travel insurance
- WorldMed Inbound is available for non-US residents visiting the US.
- WorldMed Outbound is available for people traveling to the US from outside the country.
- Coverage available from 5 days to 364 days, it can be renewed.
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition covered up to $200,000.
- The Repatriation of Remains coverage in both Plan A and Plan B are available for $25k.
How much does long term travel insurance cost?
Long term travel insurance cost rages from $20 to $343 for a month. The cost depends on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible, visitors coverage type (Fixed vs comprehensive coverage), and any visitors insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. For an average traveler, there are cheap travel insurance plans at less than a dollar a day.
For example here we are showing cost for 50 year old traveler with duration of one month.
| Plan Name |
Plan max range |
Age 40 |
Age 60 |
| Safe Travels Advantage |
$25,000 - $150,000 |
$20 - $58 |
$39 - $102 |
| Visitors care |
$25,000 - $100,000 |
$21 - $45 |
$40 - $75 |
| Safe Travels Elite |
$25,000 - $175,000 |
$26 - $76 |
$50 - $134 |
| Patriot America Lite |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$72 - $130 |
$153 - $289 |
| Patriot America Plus |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$77 - $139 |
$164 - $311 |
| Visitors Preferred |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$77 - $144 |
$148 - $301 |
| Atlas America |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 |
$78 - $154 |
$177 - $378 |
| Travel Medical Basic |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$80 - $138 |
$167 - $314 |
| Safe Travels USA |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$80 - $157 |
$147 - $295 |
| Diplomat America |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$125 - $214 |
$229 - $301 |
| WorldMed |
$500,000 - $2,000,000 |
$160- $182 |
$303 - $343 |
Source:
American Visitor Insurance®
What are the key benefits of best long-term travel health insurance?
- Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Covers unexpected medical expenses, hospitalization, and emergency treatments during your extended trip.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Ensures transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or repatriation if necessary.
- Trip Interruption & Cancellation: Provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Some plans offer waivers for pre-existing medical conditions if purchased within a specific time frame.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage Protection: Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and essential belongings.
- Flexibility for Extended Travel: Coverage for months to a year or more, with options to renew or extend as needed.
- Multi-Destination Coverage: Ideal for travelers visiting multiple countries during their long-term stay.
- Adventure Sports & Activities Add-ons: Optional coverage for outdoor and adventure activities, depending on the plan.
- Peace of Mind & Financial Security: Ensures protection against unexpected expenses, allowing you to travel worry-free.
Who should buy affordable long-term travel insurance?
Long-term travel insurance is ideal for individuals planning extended stays abroad. It provides crucial protection against medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost belongings, and other travel risks. Digital nomads, expatriates, and international students benefit from reliable medical and travel coverage tailored to their unique needs.
Senior travelers, retirees, missionaries, and volunteers also gain peace of mind with insurance that safeguards against health and travel-related risks. Adventure travelers, backpackers, and frequent business travelers enjoy uninterrupted coverage for emergencies and disruptions. In essence, the best long-term travel insurance ensures financial security, allowing travelers to focus on their journeys without worry.
How long can I be covered under long-term travel insurance?
Long-term travel insurance can provide coverage for several months to a year, with some plans offering renewal options for extended stays. The duration depends on the insurer and policy selected, ensuring flexibility for travelers on extended trips.
How long does "Long-Term" mean?
In travel insurance, "long-term" refers to coverage lasting several months to a year or more. Most long-term travel insurance plans provide coverage for 6 to 12 months. Some extended travel insurance coverage plans even offer multi-year International long-term health insurance coverage for expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees traveling abroad.
Can I renew or extend my long-duration trip insurance policy while traveling?
Yes, many long-term travel medical insurance plans allow you to renew or extend your policy while traveling. The ability to extend depends on the insurer’s terms, the duration of your current policy, and whether there has been a lapse in coverage.
To ensure uninterrupted protection, it's best to check the renewal options before purchasing and extend your policy before it expires while you’re still covered.
What if I return home during my trip?
If you return home during your trip, the impact on your long-term travel insurance depends on your policy's terms. Some plans may allow a temporary return home without canceling coverage, while others may require you to purchase a new international long-term health insurance policy if you leave and restart your trip.
How is long-term travel insurance different from regular travel insurance?
Long-term travel insurance differs from regular travel insurance mainly in coverage duration, flexibility, and benefits. While regular travel insurance is designed for short trips lasting a few days to a few weeks, best long-term travel insurance provides continuous coverage for several months to a year or more. This makes it ideal for individuals planning extended stays abroad, such as expatriates, digital nomads, or retirees.
One of the key advantages of long-term travel insurance is its renewability and extension options. Many long-term plans allow travelers to renew or extend their coverage while they are still abroad, whereas most regular travel insurance policies do not offer this flexibility. Affordable long-term travel insurance policies often include more comprehensive medical coverage, including routine check-ups, prescriptions, and, in some cases, coverage for pre-existing conditions if eligibility criteria are met.
Another significant difference is that extended travel insurance coverage is designed for multi-destination coverage. Unlike standard policies that primarily cover a single trip, Travel insurance for long stays is suitable for those who frequently move between different countries. This broader coverage ensures that travelers have protection no matter where their journey takes them.
Overall, international long-term health insurance is the better choice for travelers planning extended stays abroad. It offers greater flexibility, enhanced medical benefits, and continuous protection, making it more suitable for those who need coverage beyond a vacation policy.
Below are the Comparison of Long-Term Travel Insurance vs. Standard Travel Insurance:
| Feature |
Long-Term Travel Insurance |
Standard short term Travel Insurance |
| Coverage Duration |
Covers extended trips lasting several months to a year or more |
Covers short-term trips, typically up to 90 days |
| Medical Coverage |
Comprehensive global health insurance for extended stays |
Emergency medical coverage for short trips |
| Trip Cancellation & Interruption |
Limited or optional coverage for trip cancellation |
Usually includes trip cancellation, trip delay, and interruption benefits |
| Pre-Existing Conditions |
Some plans offer continuous coverage for pre-existing conditions |
Coverage is available, but requires a waiver and must be purchased early |
| Multi-Destination Coverage |
Designed for multiple countries and long stays |
Covers one trip at a time |
| Renewability |
Often renewable or extendable |
Usually not renewable, requiring a new policy for each trip |
| Ideal For |
Digital nomads, expats, retirees, and long-term travelers |
Tourists, business travelers, and vacationers on short trips |
| Cost |
Higher premiums due to extended coverage |
More affordable for short trips |
| Baggage & Personal Belongings |
May include limited baggage protection |
Generally includes baggage loss, delay, and theft benefits |
| Emergency Evacuation |
Comprehensive coverage, including medical repatriation |
Included but limited compared to long-term plans |
Can I get long term travel insurance for trip cancellation for any reason?
Yes, some long-term travel insurance plans offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, but it is an optional add-on. CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still receive a partial refund of 50% to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses. CFAR coverage comes with specific requirements:
- It must usually be purchased within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit.
- You must cancel the trip at least 48 hours before departure to qualify for reimbursement.
If you’re planning an extended trip and want flexibility in case of unexpected changes, selecting a long-term travel insurance policy with CFAR can provide extra peace of mind.
Why is long-term travel insurance essential for seniors?
Comprehensive Long-Term Travel Insurance for Seniors:
Long-term travel insurance is a vital safeguard for seniors planning extended stays abroad, whether for retirement, family visits, or leisurely exploration. Unlike standard short-term travel insurance, long-term policies offer continuous protection for several months or even years, ensuring financial security against unforeseen medical expenses, trip disruptions, and other travel-related risks.
A well-structured long-term travel insurance plan for seniors provides comprehensive medical coverage, including doctor consultations, hospital stays, and emergency medical treatment. Many policies also feature coverage for pre-existing conditions, a crucial benefit for older travelers. Emergency medical evacuation ensures prompt transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility in the event of a serious health emergency.
Beyond medical benefits, these plans often include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, helping travelers recover non-refundable expenses due to unexpected circumstances. Baggage loss and delay protection further enhances financial security, offering compensation for lost or delayed belongings.
Flexible travel insurance for long trips is particularly beneficial for retirees, snowbirds seeking warmer climates, expatriates living abroad, and seniors visiting family overseas. Many plans also offer renewability and flexible extensions, allowing travelers to adjust their coverage as needed. By securing the right long-term travel insurance policy, senior travelers can explore the world with confidence, knowing they are well protected against unexpected expenses and emergencies.
