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If you're embarking on a long-term travel adventure, health insurance is a crucial consideration to ensure you're protected against unexpected medical expenses.
Some long-term travel health insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, such as Allianz OneTrip Prime, which covers pre-existing conditions for up to 90 days.
While some plans may have age restrictions, such as Travelex's Single-Trip Travel Insurance, which has a maximum age limit of 84, others may not have any age restrictions, like HTH Worldwide's Individual Insurance.
It's essential to research and compare different plans to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
A unique perspective: What Age Most Travelers Have?
Our Top Picks
Allianz Travel Insurance is a top pick for families, offering comprehensive coverage for long-term travel.
Faye Travel Insurance is the best option for international travel, providing robust protection for travelers abroad.
For seniors, IMG offers a specialized long-term travel insurance plan that caters to their unique needs.
World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurous travelers, offering a wide range of coverage options and a solid claims record.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services provides the best medical coverage for travelers, ensuring they're protected in case of a medical emergency.
Here are our top picks summarized in a table:
Families: Allianz
If you're a family planning a long-term trip, Allianz Travel Insurance is a top choice. Their plans offer free coverage for children under 17, so long as they're traveling with a parent or grandparent.
Allianz has two plans that may be especially helpful for families: OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premiere. With either plan, children under 17 are covered at no extra cost.
One of the benefits of Allianz's plans is their policy on trip interruptions caused by family emergencies. If you need to abandon your trip to tend to a family member who's been seriously injured back home, your coverage extends up to the limit outlined in your plan.
Allianz's plans also include 24-hour customer service through Allianz Global Assistance, as well as concierge services to assist with arranging entertainment, such as booking event tickets and restaurant reservations.
Trips can last up to 180 days with OneTrip Prime, or up to 366 days with OneTrip Premier. Here's a comparison of the two plans:
US International Health Insurance
US International Health Insurance offers a range of options for long-term travelers.
Two customizable international medical insurance plans are available through USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services, including the InterMedical and WorldMed plans.
These plans allow for trip lengths from five to 364 days and include World Wide Assistance Services for help with translation services, medical referrals, and other traveler needs.
The InterMedical plan starts at $1 per day and has deductible options as low as $0, while the WorldMed plan offers higher coverage maximums but is only available for travelers up to 64 years old.
A comparison of the two plans is shown below.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and medical costs can increase rapidly.
Medical Coverage for USI
Medical coverage is a crucial aspect of USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services. USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services offers two customizable international medical insurance plans, InterMedical and WorldMed.
Both plans allow for trip lengths from five to 364 days, but the WorldMed plan is only available for travelers up to 64 years old. The InterMedical plan starts at $1 per day, while the WorldMed plan is slightly more expensive.
USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services allows you to purchase coverage even if your trip has already started, with coverage beginning as soon as 24 hours after enrollment. However, hazardous activities add-on costs an additional 20% of your premium.
Here's a comparison of the two plans:
The WorldMed plan offers higher coverage maximums, including $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation. It also includes coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, with a maximum limit of $200,000 under age 60 and $20,000 for ages 60-64.
Emergency medical coverage is essential for long-term travel. USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization and treatments. It also includes medical evacuation and repatriation to your home country.
You should also consider the scope of each coverage option, including the plan's benefit limits for lost baggage. USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services offers coverage for lost baggage, with a maximum limit of $500 with InterMed and up to $1,000 with WorldMed.
Additional reading: Travelers Renters Insurance Coverage
Local vs International
Local vs International insurance is a crucial consideration for long-term travelers.
Most local medical insurances don't cover costs abroad, so you'll need a separate insurance for international travel.
You can get a normal travel insurance for short trips, but it usually has a limit of a certain number of weeks per year.
An international insurance covers medical issues in almost every part of the world, making it a must-have for long-term travel.
However, it often has a limit on coverage for visits to your home country, typically only a few weeks.
Additionally, international insurance usually only covers immediate care, not check-ups.
For another approach, see: Accounting for Long-term Liabilities
Insurance Companies
We didn't include every long-term travel insurance company in our top picks, but we still did our research on the dozens we evaluated.
Some of these companies didn't make the cut, but they're still worth considering if you're looking for alternative options.
We found that many of these companies offer similar benefits, such as medical coverage and trip cancellations.
However, each company has its own pros and cons, which we'll outline below.
Several companies we evaluated had high premiums, making them less appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
For example, one company we considered had a premium that was 20% higher than our top pick.
On the other hand, some companies offered more comprehensive coverage, including evacuation and repatriation.
But, these added benefits often came with a higher price tag.
It's worth noting that each company has its own unique features and limitations, so it's essential to do your own research and compare policies carefully.
Ultimately, the right insurance company for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Insurance Company
Guide to Long Term Travel Health Insurance
If you're planning a long-term trip, it's essential to consider long-term travel health insurance.
Long-term travel health insurance can provide financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses while abroad. You can purchase coverage for trips lasting more than several weeks, with some plans covering trips up to 90 days long, while others offer year-long coverage.
To assess your travel insurance coverage needs, consider the types of coverage you want, such as trip cancellations and interruptions, medical expenses, baggage delays, and lost or stolen personal belongings. Some plans offer free coverage for children under a certain age, and family plans can save you money if you're traveling with other family members.
Here are some key features of long-term travel health insurance plans:
- Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses up to £10 million.
- Emergency Dental Cover.
- Cover duration of up to 24 months.
- Baggage Cover
- Gadgets & Valuable Cover
- One Way Travel.
- No return ticket requirement.
- Free Home visits.
- Policy Extensions whilst still travelling.
- 156+ Sports and Activities.
- Winter Sports Cover.
- Loss of Passport & Visa replacement costs.
Guide
Long-term travel health insurance is essential for adventurers who plan to roam the world for an extended period. You can purchase a plan that covers trips up to 180 days, such as World Nomads' Explorer Plan.
Emergency medical assistance is available 24/7 with World Nomads, and evacuation in case of an emergency is covered up to $500,000. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance also offers emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000 lifetime maximum.
Long-term travel insurance can be customized to fit your needs, but some plans may have limitations. For example, World Nomads only offers two available plans: Standard or Explorer, and you cannot customize your travel insurance plan beyond choosing the plan and length of coverage.
To get the most out of your long-term travel insurance, consider the following:
- Emergency medical and repatriation expenses up to £10 million
- Emergency dental cover
- Cover duration of up to 24 months
- Baggage cover
- Gadgets & Valuable cover
- One Way Travel
- No return ticket requirement
- Free Home visits
- Policy Extensions whilst still travelling
- 156+ Sports and Activities
- Winter Sports Cover
- Loss of Passport & Visa replacement costs
When shopping for long-term travel insurance, consider the following factors:
- Trip duration: Some plans may have limits on how long your trip can last.
- Number of trips: Some providers may restrict the number of trips you can take during your travel insurance contract.
- Deductibles: Some providers may require you to pay a deductible before coverage kicks in.
- Benefits and maximum coverage amounts: Vary across providers, so carefully examine plan features before purchasing coverage.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Most travel insurance will typically cover single trips up to 12 months.
- What your policy covers will vary depending on your insurer, your level of cover, and your optional extras.
- A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover you for a range of unforeseen events, including medical care, cancellation cover, personal liability, luggage cover, and more.
Get Vaccinated and Check Your Health
Get vaccinated and check your health before embarking on your long-term travel adventure.
Your health insurance may not cover medical claims for vaccine-preventable illnesses if you're not vaccinated.
Different countries require different vaccinations, so it's essential to ask your GP which ones you need.
Get vaccinated before departure to avoid any potential health issues.
A health check-up before travel can also help identify any underlying health conditions that may affect your travel plans.
Don't forget to check with your insurer to see if they have any specific vaccination requirements.
Choosing an Insurance Provider
It's essential to research multiple travel insurance companies to ensure you get the best travel insurance at the best possible price. This will help you compare quotes and choose a policy that offers the coverage you need.
For another approach, see: What Is the Best International Travel Health Insurance
Compare quotes from multiple companies by visiting their websites or calling them directly. You can also contact a representative by phone, email, or chat if you have questions about a plan.
Long-term travel insurance and annual travel insurance are not the same type of policy. If you're taking a long trip, you'll want to choose a policy that suits your trip from start to finish.
Make sure to plan ahead and get cover for any activities you plan to participate in at any point in your trip, such as skiing, renting a car to drive, or taking part in risky activities like bungee jumping or scuba diving.
Here are some key documents to review when choosing a long-term travel insurance provider:
- Product Disclosure Statement (PDS): This will outline the inclusions and exclusions of your policy.
- Target Market Determination (TMD): This will outline whether a policy is suited to your situation and plans.
Some companies may allow you to purchase travel insurance once you're already on your trip, but it's recommended you purchase a plan in advance. Additionally, some travel insurance benefits, such as pre-existing condition coverage, may only be available if you pay your plan in full a set number of days (typically 14) before your scheduled departure.
Policy Details and Exclusions
When reading through the fine print of your travel insurance policy, it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not. For instance, some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, which can be a major concern for travelers.
Know what your policy covers and what it doesn't. For example, if you have coverage for lost baggage, you should also check if it includes coverage for lost electronics. Similarly, if you purchase trip cancellation insurance, find out if there are any trip cancellation reasons that would be excluded, such as work-related cancellations.
Make sure you understand how your policy treats pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies may require a pre-existing conditions waiver, which can increase the cost of your plan. Eligibility may also vary based on age and conditions.
It's also crucial to research how your policy handles deductibles and copays. For instance, some policies may have a deductible of $0, $250, $500, or $1,000, which means you'll have to cover that amount yourself before your insurance kicks in.
Discover more: About Indemnity Health Insurance Policies
Here's a breakdown of the types of exclusions you might encounter:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Extreme sports like bungee jumping or sky-diving
- Sickness or conditions that you already have prior to taking up the insurance
- Rental car excess (although you can sometimes reduce this amount to zero)
Some policies may also have specific exclusions for certain countries or regions, such as the USA, which can have high medical costs.
It's always a good idea to ask your insurer about any questions or concerns you may have. By understanding what's covered and what's not, you can make informed decisions about your travel insurance policy and ensure you're protected in case of an emergency.
Key Features and Information
Long term travel health insurance is a crucial aspect of planning a extended trip abroad. Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses are typically covered up to £10 million.
If you have a medical condition, it's essential to declare it to the medical screening helpline to avoid exclusion from cover. Any respiratory condition, heart condition, stroke, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, allergy, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment will be excluded unless declared.
Most travel insurance policies will cover single trips up to 12 months, but long term travel health insurance can provide coverage for up to 24 months. This is ideal for those who plan to travel for an extended period.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover a range of unforeseen events, including medical care, cancellation cover, personal liability, luggage cover, and more. It's essential to assess your travel insurance coverage needs and decide on the scope of each coverage option.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a long term travel health insurance policy:
- Trip cancellations and interruptions
- Medical expenses incurred during travel
- Baggage delays and lost or stolen personal belongings
- Travel delays
- Cancellations you initiate
- Emergency assistance services, including emergency evacuation coverage
- Coverage for children traveling with you
It's also essential to note that travel medical insurance is a little different from straightforward travel insurance. The medical side covers you for all your medical issues and accidents, while travel insurance covers you for lost baggage, delayed flights, lost stuff, etc.
Policy Management and Planning
To thoroughly understand your long-term travel health insurance policy, read and comprehend the Policy Document Summary (PDS) carefully. This will help you grasp the specifics of your policy and what it covers.
Consider reading: Health Insurance Cancellation Policy
Comparing market options is a good starting point for finding the right insurance for you. Compare the Market’s travel insurance expert, Adrian Taylor, suggests doing this to find the best policy.
It's essential to ask questions if you're unsure about your cover. If you have any questions, jot them down and ask the insurer to clarify.
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Pre-Existing Conditions and Health
Before you start your long-term travel, it's essential to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer. This means telling them about any health issues you have, so they can assess your risk and potentially offer extra cover.
Your insurer needs to know about all pre-existing conditions, not just yours - also inform them about any conditions your travel companions may have. This way, your insurer can offer the right level of cover for everyone in your group.
Getting vaccinated and having a health check-up before departure is crucial. If you're not vaccinated, your insurer may reject medical claims related to vaccine-preventable illnesses, so make sure to ask your GP which vaccinations you need for your destination.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Cost for Companies to Offer Health Insurance
Seniors: Img
If you're a senior looking for reliable long-term travel insurance, IMG's GlobeHopper Senior plan is worth considering. It has no upper age limit and offers comprehensive medical coverage with a maximum of up to $1,000,000.
Coverage maximums may be limited depending on your age, but the GlobeHopper Senior plan is designed specifically for travelers 65 and up. You'll also need to be eligible for or actively enrolled in Medicare to qualify.
Single-trip coverage lasts up to 12 months, and you can extend it another 12 months if needed. The multi-trip plan offers coverage for several trips of 30 days or less within a one-year period.
Here are some key features of the GlobeHopper Senior plan:
- No upper age limit
- Coverage maximums of $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Up to 12 months of continuous coverage for single trips
- Pre-existing condition reoccurrence coverage of up to $2,500
Coverage for medical evacuations is $250,000 for emergencies and $25,000 for non-emergencies. However, non-emergency medical evacuation is only included in the single-trip GlobeHopper plan.
Disclose Pre-Existing Conditions to Your Insurer
Disclosing pre-existing conditions to your insurer is a crucial step in ensuring you're covered for any medical issues that may arise during your trip.
Make sure to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions you have, as well as those of anyone traveling with you on the same policy.
Disclosing your conditions doesn't mean they'll automatically be covered, but it does inform your insurer of your medical history.
Your insurer can then potentially offer you extra cover for your conditions, depending on your policy.
Pregnancy Abroad
If you fall pregnant while overseas, your insurer may cover you for up to a certain number of weeks of your pregnancy, depending on your insurer and whether you're having a single or multiple pregnancy.
Insurers typically won't cover antenatal care, childbirth, or newborn care.
It's essential to contact your insurer for their advice if you fall pregnant while overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest you can get travel insurance for?
Longest coverage: Up to 18 months. Ideal for extended trips or long-term expat assignments
Is travel health insurance worth it?
Travel health insurance is a smart investment to protect against unexpected medical expenses and accidents while traveling. It's not just about pre-existing conditions, but also unexpected events that can happen to anyone, anywhere.
What is the best health insurance for traveling abroad?
For Americans traveling abroad, GeoBlue Voyager Choice is a top-rated single-trip medical plan that covers pre-existing conditions. It's ideal for those with primary health insurance looking for additional international coverage.
How much does travel health insurance cost?
Travel health insurance typically costs between $40 and $80, depending on coverage limits and term length. Affordable options are available, but higher coverage may increase the policy cost.
Sources
- https://money.com/best-long-term-travel-insurance/
- https://www.bigcattravelinsurance.com/travel-insurance/long-stay-travel-insurance/
- https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/travel-insurance/tips/long-term-insurance/
- https://www.weseektravel.com/travel-insurance-long-trips/
- https://www.flipflopwanderers.com/travel-medical-insurance-long-term-travel/
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