The Handbook for US Citizens: Their Guide on Right Long-Term Travel Insurance
What is long-term travel insurance?
Generally, 90 days to a year or more, depending on the provider, long-term travel insurance—also known as extended stay travel insurance—covers travels longer than usual holidays. Unlike yearly multi-trip insurance, which covers several shorter trips during a year, each is typically capped at 30–90 days. Long-term coverage is meant for single extended journeys, including remote work stints, sabbaticals, and gap years. For US citizens traveling overseas, it's crucial as domestic health insurance usually does not cover foreign travel.
Why US citizens need long-term travel insurance
Most US health insurance policies and Medicare lack coverage outside of the US. Particularly for evacuations, which can run upwards of $100,000, unexpected medical events overseas might result in outrageous costs. Travel insurance guards against these expenses and other trip interruptions, including political upheaval, misplaced bags, and concealments. The average travel insurance claim for medical charges was $2,700, according to a 2023 Squaremouth poll, therefore highlighting the financial risk of uninsured travel.
Types of long-term travel insurance
Long-term travel insurance offers two basic kinds of medical coverage: primary and secondary. Whether secondary insurance exists, primary coverage pays out straight for qualified expenses. Like your domestic health plan, secondary coverage only covers what your primary insurance does not and must first be filed with your primary Insurer.
Key coverage considerations for US citizens
Medical Expenses: Look for policies with at least $100,000 in coverage, though higher limits are recommended, particularly for destinations with expensive healthcare. Consider if a deductible is per incident or policy period.
Emergency Evacuation: Aim for at least $500,000 in coverage, as evacuations can be incredibly costly.
Trip Interruption: This covers the cost of returning home early due to a covered reason, including family emergencies or natural disasters.
Baggage Loss/Delay: This reimburses you for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Some policies cover pre-existing conditions if purchased within a specific timeframe after your initial trip deposit (often 10-21 days) and if your condition is stable. Waivers are usually available.
COVID-19 Coverage: Ensure your policy explicitly covers COVID-19-related medical expenses, quarantine costs, and trip interruptions.
Activities Coverage: If you plan on doing adventure activities (e.g., scuba diving, skiing), cover them or add a specific rider.
Comparing popular long-term insurance providers for US citizens
Several companies mainly serve US residents who are on long-term travel. One should look at companies such as Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, IMG, Cigna Global, GeoBlue, and Seven Corners. Each has different add-ons, prices, and coverage degrees. Compare plans using web tools like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth.
Factors impacting cost
Long-term travel insurance's cost will rely on numerous elements, including:
Age: Premiums typically increase with age.
Trip Length: Longer trips generally cost more to insure.
Destination: Traveling to destinations with higher medical costs or security risks can increase premiums.
Coverage Level: Higher coverage limits mean higher premiums.
Deductible: A higher deductible usually lowers the premium.
Tips for purchasing long-term travel insurance
Buy Early: Purchasing soon after your initial trip deposit often qualifies you for waivers for pre-existing conditions.
Read the Fine Print: Understand exclusions, limitations, and the claims process.
Contact the Insurer Directly: Clarify any questions before purchasing.
Keep Your Policy Information Accessible: Store digital copies and carry a physical card.
Document Everything: If an incident occurs, meticulous documentation supports your claim.
| Provider | Plan Name | Type | Max Trip Length | Emergency Medical Expenses | Medical Evacuation | Trip Cancellation/Interruption | Baggage Loss/Delay | Pre-existing Conditions | Adventure Sports | Other Notable Benefits | Deductible | Monthly Cost (Example: 35-year-old) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Nomad Insurance Essential | Travel Medical | 364 days | $250,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | Included | Not covered | Some | Remote worker focused, subscription model | $250 | $42-$112 (depending on region) |
| SafetyWing | Nomad Insurance Complete | International Health | 364 days | Included | Included | $300 (per trip, $600 annual max) | Included | Not covered | Included | Covers preventative care | Varies | $144+ (depending on region) |
| World Nomads | Standard/Explorer | Travel Medical | 180 days (single trip), 45 days (annual) | $100,000/$150,000 | $300,000/$500,000 | Up to $2,500/$10,000 | Included | Not covered (except acute onset) | Explorer plan covers extensive activities | Coverage while already traveling | $0 (for US citizens) | $72-$263 (depending on plan/region) |
| Allianz Travel Insurance | Various (OneTrip, AllTrips) | Travel Medical/Comprehensive | Up to 366 days | Up to $75,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $200,000 | Included | Waiver available | Limited | CFAR option, app available | Varies | $89-$205+ (depending on plan) |
| GeoBlue | Xplorer Premier/Essential | International Health | 6+ months | Included | Included | Not Covered | Not Covered | Covered with proof of prior coverage | Limited | Unlimited medical maximum, US PPO network access | Varies | $272+ (for two people) |
| IMG | GlobeHopper Senior, Patriot Multi-Trip, etc | Travel Medical, International Health | Varies by plan (up to 364 days for some) | Up to $8 million | Up to $8 million | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan (waiver available for some) | Varies by plan | Options for seniors, students, visitors to the US | $250 - $25,000 | $178+ |
| Seven Corners | Liaison Travel Plus, RoundTrip Choice, Trip Protection | Travel Medical, Comprehensive | Varies by plan (up to 364 days, annual multi-trip available) | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Included in some plans | Included in some plans | Varies by plan (waiver available) | Optional add-on | Options for students, visitors to US | Varies | $40+ (varies greatly by plan) |
| Travelex Insurance Services | Travel Select, Travel Basic | Travel Medical/Comprehensive | Up to 180 days (some plans) | Up to $50,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to 100% of trip cost | Included | Waiver available | Available as add-on | 24/7 assistance | $0-$250 | Varies by plan |
| Cigna Global | Silver, Gold, Platinum | International Health | 12+ months | Included | Included | Not Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered | Limited | Dental/vision, mental health coverage | Varies | $102+ |
| USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services | InterMedical, WorldMed | Travel Medical | Up to 364 days (single trip) | Up to $2,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Not included | Included | Acute onset covered in some plans | Add-on available | Customizable, affordable | $0+ | $1+ per day |
