We offer the best Best international travel medical insurance for us citizens designed by top US Insurance providers. International travel insurance plans vary based on the different coverage benefits offered. To help travelers make an informed decision, we provide filter options based on coverage benefits so that travelers find visitor insurance plans that best fit their requirements. After filtering and narrowing the list of plans, customers can compare details, get quotes and buy the best health insurance for visitors online.
If you're an American citizen looking to spend over 90 days in Europe, you will generally need a long-stay visa (usually referred to as a Type D visa or national visa) from the country you're visiting. Comprehensive travel health insurance is required by most Schengen nations as part of the procedure for issuing a long-stay visa. Without this insurance, your visa application will be denied
For long stays in Europe, especially in Schengen countries, your insurance must meet these requirements:
The cost of Europe long-stay travel insurance cost for Americans ranges from $101 to $146 for 90 days duration at American Visitor Insurance. The cost of long-stay travel insurance depends on factors like the traveler’s age, trip length, coverage amount, deductible, and any add-ons such as adventure sports or pre-existing condition coverage. Premiums vary widely, with longer trips and higher coverage limits generally costing more.
Plan name | Visa letter | 90 days | 180 days | 364 days |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atlas International | WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $101 | $202 | $408 |
Patriot international Lite | IMG insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $105 | $209 | $423 |
Travel Medical choice | Seven Corners insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $137 | $274 | $555 |
Atlas Premium International | WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $141 | $283 | $571 |
Safe Travels Outbound | Trawick International insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $146 | $292 | Not available |
Geoblue voyager choice | Geoblue insurance ID cards via Client Zone | $130 | $261 | Not available |
Problems U.S. ctizens can face in europe without long-term visa insurance:
Summary:Traveling or residing in Europe without long-term visa insurance exposes U.S. citizens to significant financial, legal, and health risks. Comprehensive insurance is essential for both meeting visa requirements and ensuring peace of mind during your stay.
When selecting long-stay travel insurance for Europe, it’s important to consider several key factors:
Factors | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Comprehensive Medical Cover | Meets visa rules and protects you from expensive medical bills abroad.0 |
Policy Duration | Covers your entire stay without gaps, providing continuous protection. |
Inclusions/Exclusions | Clarifies what is covered and what isn’t, preventing unexpected costs or denied claims. |
Cost vs. Benefits | Helps you get the best coverage for your budget. |
Claims Process | A smooth claims process guarantees timely assistance and reimbursement when needed. |
Extra Features | Additional benefits like telemedicine or lost luggage coverage offer extra peace of mind. |
Flexibility | Allows adjustments or extensions if your travel plans change. |
Insurer & Plan | Maximum Coverage Duration | Key Features |
---|---|---|
GeoBlue Voyager Essential | Up to 182 days | For US citizens up to age 95, $50,000–$1,000,000 limits, 100% coinsurance, no primary health plan required, covers pre-existing conditions after 180 days, 24/7 support. |
GeoBlue Voyager Choice | Up to 182 days | For US citizens up to age 95, $50,000–$1,000,000 limits, 100% coinsurance, primary health plan required, no exclusion for pre-existing conditions, 24/7 support. |
Atlas International | 5 days to 365 days | Customizable duration, meets visa requirements, provides visa letter, suitable for seniors under 80. |
Patriot International Lite | 5 days to 365 days (renewable up to 2 years) | Customizable duration, meets visa requirements, provides visa letter, suitable for seniors under 70. |
Safe Travels Outbound | Up to 180 days | For travelers over 80, $50,000+ coverage, meets visa requirements, provides visa letter. |
Travel Medical Choice | Up to 364 days (single trip) | Robust medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, flexible deductible and coverage options, suitable for long-term travelers, meets Schengen visa requirements |
Long stay travel insurance is a type of travel insurance designed for people traveling abroad for an extended period, usually longer than 30 days and up to a year or more. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruption, lost or stolen belongings and loss or theft of belongings. Some policies also include cover for adventure activities. This insurance is ideal for backpackers, gap year students, digital nomads, retirees on extended vacations, and anyone spending a long time overseas. It offers peace of mind and helps protect against unexpected costs while traveling.
Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens visiting most European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, due to visa-free agreements with Schengen Area countries. However, if you're staying longer than 90 days or applying for a long-stay or Schengen visa, you must have travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation. Even when not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended. U.S. domestic health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically does not provide coverage overseas, and medical care in Europe can be expensive. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical emergencies, trip interruption, and other unforeseen events.
Europe long-stay travel insurance typically covers a range of essential protections for travelers staying in Europe for extended periods. Key coverage areas usually include:
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by provider. For example, Atlas International and Travel Medical Choice cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers up to 79 years old, while Patriot International Lite from IMG covers acute onset up to age 70.
These are the popular plans
Some providers allow you to purchase or renew a policy after departure, but coverage may be limited or subject to waiting periods. It is generally recommended to arrange insurance before leaving the US to ensure full protection from day one.
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation are standard benefits in long-stay travel insurance. Plans like Atlas International, Patriot International Lite, and Voyager Choice typically cover up to $1,000,000, while Safe Travels Outbound and Travel Medical Choice offer coverage up to $500,000.
Most US health insurance plans and Medicare do not provide coverage outside the US, or only offer very limited emergency benefits. This is why travel insurance is strongly recommended for Americans visiting Europe.
You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure, GeoBlue, HTH Worldwide, INF insurance, HTH Worldwide and Venbrook International.