Are you planning to embark on an extended trip soon? If so, long-term travel insurance is the perfect choice for you. Whether you're studying abroad, working temporarily overseas, taking a gap year, or simply traveling for a long period of time, long-stay travel insurance provides essential medical and travel-related coverage.
When I first moved to the US, I was unsure if I would stay permanently. That's when 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 experience. However, once I decided to live in the US permanently, I switched to insurance with more comprehensive medical coverage.
If you're in need of extended-stay travel insurance, keep reading. In this article, we will compare the best long-term travel insurance plans: Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing. We'll help you choose the one that best suits your trip.
What is Long-Term Travel Insurance?
Long-term travel insurance caters to those embarking on trips that last a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of one or two years. This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and trip-related incidents such as emergency medical care, trip delays, baggage loss, and repatriation. However, it is important to note that long-term travel insurance is not suitable for individuals permanently living abroad as it only covers emergency medical expenses and not routine care.
Long-Term Travel Insurance vs. Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
It's essential to understand the difference between long-term travel insurance and annual multi-trip insurance. Long-term travel insurance is designed for trips lasting three months or more, while annual multi-trip insurance covers multiple shorter trips within a year. If your trip will last longer than 90 days or you plan on taking multiple trips that exceed this duration, long-stay travel insurance is the best option for you.
Who is Long-Term Travel Insurance For?
Long-term travel insurance is beneficial for various situations. Whether you're taking an extended trip, working abroad, going on a gap year, or more, here are the most common reasons to consider purchasing long-term travel insurance:
- Extended trips
- Working temporarily abroad
- Studying abroad
- Taking a gap year
Long-Stay Travel Insurance Coverage Comparison
When purchasing long-term travel insurance, coverage is the most important aspect to consider. Here's a comparison of coverage among Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing:
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Caption: Heymondo, Insurance for Long-Term Travel
Long-Stay Travel Insurance Price Comparison
To get an idea of the cost of long-term travel insurance based on the length of your trip and specific coverage, refer to the chart below. The prices displayed are for 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 8-month, and 1-year long-term travel insurance, along with prices for long-stay travel insurance, annual multi-trip travel insurance, and cancellation insurance.
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Caption: Long-Term Travel Insurance Price Comparison
It's important to note that the price of long-term travel insurance can vary based on factors such as age, nationality, and state of residence. The example used in this price comparison is a 30-year-old American citizen residing in Pennsylvania who requires worldwide coverage.
Best Long-Term Travel Insurance
Each of the four long-term travel insurance plans - Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing - has its own merits. Let's take a closer look at each one:
1. Heymondo - The Best Long-Term Travel Medical Insurance
Heymondo offers the highest emergency medical expense coverage and is the only insurance provider that pays medical expenses upfront. This eliminates the need to file a claim after your trip. Heymondo also allows you to tailor your insurance to fit your needs by adding optional coverage for electronic and adventure sports.
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Caption: Heymondo, Insurance for Long-Term Travel
2. World Nomads - The Best Gap Year Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for those taking a gap year and seeking adventure. Its coverage includes adventure sports and activities, providing protection for a wide range of thrilling experiences. World Nomads offers solid overall coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage loss.
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Caption: World Nomads, Extended-Stay Travel Insurance
3. Travelex - The Best Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travel
Travelex's Travel Select long-trip insurance is an affordable option for budget travelers on trips lasting more than six months. While their emergency medical coverage is limited, Travelex provides excellent coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, and evacuation and repatriation.
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Caption: Travelex, Long-Term Travel Insurance
4. SafetyWing - The Best Insurance for Digital Nomads
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is a cost-effective long-stay travel insurance option that offers comprehensive medical and baggage loss coverage. They also provide the convenience of automatic policy renewal every 28 days. However, SafetyWing has a deductible of $250 for medical expenses and does not offer trip cancellation coverage.
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Caption: SafetyWing, Long-Stay Travel Insurance
What Does Long-Term Travel Insurance Cover?
The best travel insurance for long-term travel generally includes coverage for the following:
- Emergency medical expenses: This is crucial coverage for accidents, injuries, and illnesses that may occur during your trip.
- Evacuation and repatriation: This coverage ensures you are transported to the nearest hospital or back to your home country in case of a medical emergency.
- Trip delay: In the event of a flight delay, this coverage reimburses expenses such as meals and accommodation.
- Baggage loss: If your luggage is lost or damaged, this coverage reimburses you for the replacement of valuables.
Is Long-Term Travel Insurance Worth it?
Absolutely! Long-term travel insurance is a valuable investment for extended trips, working abroad temporarily, studying abroad, and taking a gap year. It provides essential medical and travel-related coverage without breaking the bank.
Based on the comparison above, Heymondo offers the best long-stay travel insurance in terms of medical coverage. Additionally, their plans come with the flexibility to extend coverage for various durations. Capture the Atlas readers can even benefit from an exclusive 5% discount on Heymondo insurance.
For travelers on a budget planning trips lasting more than six months, Travelex provides the cheapest long-stay travel insurance option. However, it is important to consider their lower medical coverage.
If you have any questions about long-term travel insurance, feel free to comment below, and I'll be happy to assist you!
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