- The best long stay travel insurance plans
- What exactly is long stay travel insurance?
- The price of long stay travel insurance
- What does long stay travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of long stay travel insurance
- Why take out long stay travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long stay travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover long stay travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
long stay travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-stay insurance is for UK travellers on trips over 90 days, like gap years or sabbaticals.
2. Price: A six-month long-stay policy for Europe typically costs from £180, depending on age and destination.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities without a specific add-on.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank accounts and the NHS/GHIC offer limited cover, usually capped at 90 days and for emergencies only.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check if the policy allows for extensions while you are abroad.
6. Other useful info: Ensure your policy meets any visa requirements and allows for trips back to the UK during its term.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best long-stay travel insurance.
The best long stay travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best long stay travel insurance plans available for UK residents in 2025. These policies are among the best due to their high medical limits, low deductibles and streamlined coverage terms for extended trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £2M | £50 | • Suitable for up to 24 months abroad. • Multi-country and multi-trip back to UK allowed. • Teleconsultation and support worldwide. • Emergency home cover included. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £2M | £50 | • Policy extensions available while abroad. • All ages covered. • Adventure and work activities included. • 24/7 claims support. |
| Tourist Card | £0.5M | £75 | • Up to 18-month continuous trips. • Fast online claim process. • Covers volunteering. • Long-term mental health support. |
| World Travel | £1M | £80 | • Worldwide coverage. • Repatriation included. • Flexible on long trip changes. • Family rates for long stays. |
| Globe Partner | £0.3M | £75 | • Premium stability after age 60. • Paperless registration process. • Immediate claims via email. • Budget-friendly. |
| Globe Traveller | £0.5M | £50 | • Up to 12 months stay abroad. • Renewals possible without return to UK. • Multilingual customer support. • Essential cover for digital nomads. |
• Multi-country and multi-trip back to UK allowed.
• Teleconsultation and support worldwide.
• Emergency home cover included.
• All ages covered.
• Adventure and work activities included.
• 24/7 claims support.
• Fast online claim process.
• Covers volunteering.
• Long-term mental health support.
• Repatriation included.
• Flexible on long trip changes.
• Family rates for long stays.
• Paperless registration process.
• Immediate claims via email.
• Budget-friendly.
• Renewals possible without return to UK.
• Multilingual customer support.
• Essential cover for digital nomads.
The best long stay travel insurance may vary depending on your individual situation. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is long stay travel insurance?
Long stay travel insurance is a policy that provides multi-risk cover for extended trips abroad, typically lasting from three months to several years.
It is designed to protect UK residents staying overseas for longer periods, offering cover for medical emergencies, repatriation, cancellations, and personal belongings.
This insurance is essential for travellers studying, working, or taking sabbaticals outside the UK and often enables multiple visits home.
Long stay insurance differs from short term travel insurance, which is limited to trips under 90 days.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long stay travel insurance is especially important if you live in the UK:
- When leaving the UK for more than 90 consecutive days.
- For a gap year, sabbatical, or extended backpacking trip.
- If you plan to work abroad, including on a working holiday visa.
- For an overseas study programme or university exchange.
- When your long-stay visa requires proof of medical insurance.
- As the GHIC offers only limited emergency cover in Europe.
- For long stays in countries with expensive healthcare systems.
- If you need cover for multiple trips back to the UK.
The price of long stay travel insurance
On average, long stay travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months studying in Spain | £6,000 | £180 to £350 |
| 12 months working holiday in Australia | £12,000 | £400 to £750 |
| 18 months volunteering in the USA | £18,000 | £800 to £1,400 |
| 2 years digital nomad journey in Thailand and Japan | £16,000 | £600 to £1,200 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your long stay travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your stay abroad, the higher the premium.
- destination: countries like the USA, Canada, Australia or Japan result in higher costs due to expensive healthcare.
- traveller’s age: premiums usually increase significantly for travellers above 65.
- level of coverage: a plan with higher medical limits, lower excess, or more guarantees will cost more.
- included activities: cover for work, extreme sports or valuable items raises the price.
What does long stay travel insurance cover?
Long stay travel insurance is designed for UK residents who plan to be abroad for several months or even years. It is suitable for work assignments, study, or extended holidays and offers broader coverage than standard travel insurance.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of non-refundable costs if you must cancel before departure. | We recommend at least £2,000 of cover, with a deductible no higher than £50. Natural disasters, visa refusal, and changes of mind are normally excluded. |
| 🛫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport costs if your delay is beyond your control. | Choose at least £300 as a minimum, and avoid deductibles over £30. Late arrivals or lack of official documentation are often excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings during the trip. | Look for cover of at least £1,500 and a maximum deductible of £50. Unattended items and high-value goods not declared are commonly excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment overseas. | A minimum of £2M cover is essential, ideally with no deductible or a maximum of £50. Pre-existing medical conditions and routine care are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers medical evacuation back to the UK when needed. | This guarantee should always be unlimited, and arranged through the insurer. Non-medical repatriation and voluntary returns are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for emergency dental treatment needed during the trip. | Look for at least £300 cover, with a deductible under £30. Cosmetic work and treatment of existing dental issues are excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Compensation for essentials if your baggage is delayed abroad. | Opt for at least £100 after 24 hours of delay, with no deductible. Delays on return to the UK and insufficient proof of delay are not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation in case of death or permanent disability during the trip. | A minimum of £15,000 is recommended, with no deductible. Dangerous sports, intoxication, and pre-existing conditions are often excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Helps cover lawyer fees and legal support if you have an incident abroad. | Aim for £5,000 for legal costs, £10,000 for bail. Alcohol-related or criminal acts, and disputes within the family are commonly excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or damage you cause to others abroad. | At least £1M cover is recommended and deductibles should be below £100. Professional liability, vehicles, and damage to rented property are not covered. |
Natural disasters, visa refusal, and changes of mind are normally excluded.
Late arrivals or lack of official documentation are often excluded.
Unattended items and high-value goods not declared are commonly excluded.
Pre-existing medical conditions and routine care are usually excluded.
Non-medical repatriation and voluntary returns are not covered.
Cosmetic work and treatment of existing dental issues are excluded.
Delays on return to the UK and insufficient proof of delay are not covered.
Dangerous sports, intoxication, and pre-existing conditions are often excluded.
Alcohol-related or criminal acts, and disputes within the family are commonly excluded.
Professional liability, vehicles, and damage to rented property are not covered.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the long stay travel insurance best suited to your needs and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long stay travel insurance
To activate your long stay travel insurance and maintain valid coverage, several essential conditions usually apply.
- UK residency: you must be a resident of the UK at the time of purchasing your long stay travel insurance.
- Purchase before departure: you must buy your policy before leaving the UK, not while already abroad.
- Policy duration limit: the total stay abroad must not exceed the maximum duration allowed by your chosen insurance, often 12 to 24 months.
- Return limitations: temporary return visits to the UK may be allowed but prolonged or permanent returns may invalidate your cover.
- Geographical coverage: all countries you plan to visit must be covered by your policy and must not be excluded due to Foreign Office advice.
- Pre-existing conditions: you must declare any ongoing medical condition when applying and obtain confirmation of coverage.
- Incident notification: you must promptly inform your insurer of any hospital admissions, thefts, or major incidents while abroad.
- Claims documentation: claims require original evidence such as medical certificates, receipts, or police reports depending on the situation.
Watch out!
A common pitfall is assuming you can buy or extend long-stay insurance after leaving the UK. Most policies must be purchased before departure. If your plans change abroad, you could be left uninsured, as finding a new policy from overseas is extremely difficult and costly.
Why take out long stay travel insurance?
Unexpected medical emergencies and accidents can lead to very high costs when abroad, especially over several months or years without proper cover.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Usually up to £1,000, subject to limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
- Europe: £150 to £300
- North America: £800 to £1,200
- Asia: £100 to £250
- Europe: £200 to £400
- North America: £1,000 to £2,000
- Asia: £80 to £200
- Europe: £100 to £250
- North America: £600 to £1,000
- Asia: £50 to £150
- Europe: £150 to £350
- North America: £800 to £1,500
- Asia: £80 to £200
- Europe: £15,000 to £50,000
- North America: £80,000 to £150,000
- Asia: £20,000 to £60,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Long stay travel insurance can also include trip cancellation or curtailment, cover for personal belongings, civil liability, home emergency protection, and access to 24/7 support, which are important for extended trips abroad.
Good to know
Your GHIC and bank policies have strict time limits. For extended stays, you need proper cover. Medical bills abroad can easily exceed £50,000, and repatriation is costly. A dedicated policy offers peace of mind with features like 24/7 assistance, ensuring you're never alone in an emergency.
How to choose the right long stay travel insurance
Coverage limits, claim conditions, and exclusions can differ significantly between long stay travel insurance plans. It is important to know which criteria to compare so your cover matches your needs when abroad.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💷 Reimbursement limits | Lower limits can leave you with large bills for serious accidents or hospital stays | Always select a policy with at least £2,000,000 medical cover for non-European destinations. |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher excess means you pay more before insurance kicks in | Choose a policy with a deductible you could comfortably pay for a medical emergency abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Exclusions, waiting periods, and required documents impact your ability to claim | Read the wording carefully and ask the insurer about specific clauses that could affect claims. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Premiums and some exclusions depend on your age, especially over 60 or 65 | Look for insurers offering full cover regardless of age if you are over 65 or intend to stay long term. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Families, students, workers, or couples need different guarantees | Choose a policy tailored to your personal situation, such as professional, student, or family cover. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some insurers restrict cover per trip or total months abroad | If travelling more than 12 months, confirm extension options, or choose long stay expatriate insurance. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | The region affects premiums and available guarantees | Check if your plan includes worldwide cover, especially for USA, Canada, or Asia. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Home, health, or bank card insurance may already provide some protection | Compare existing cover with possible upgrades to avoid overlap and pay only for missing guarantees. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | High-risk sports, volunteering, or working require special guarantees | Declare all planned activities such as skiing, diving, or working to make sure you are fully covered. |
Do my current insurance policies cover long stay travel insurance?
It is understandable to wonder whether your current insurances, such as public health insurance or credit card insurance, can replace dedicated long stay travel insurance. Unfortunately, these are often insufficient for extended periods abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Long stay travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Emergency treatment within the UK or EU (with GHIC). No cover outside Europe, no repatriation, no coverage for cancellation or lost baggage. No coverage for medical emergencies outside the EU, baggage, or trip cancellation abroad. | Travel insurance offers reimbursement up to £10,000,000, plus baggage, cancellation, legal, and dental. |
| European Health Insurance Card (GHIC) | Never | Limited emergency care in EU/EEA countries, no private care, no repatriation, not valid worldwide. No medical or travel coverage outside Europe, no repatriation assistance, no protection for lost or delayed baggage. | Travel insurance provides global emergency medical, repatriation, baggage, and accident cover up to £10,000,000. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare) | Almost Never | Medical expenses abroad, possible emergency medical evacuation, time and location limits, no baggage, no cancellation benefits, limits from £1,000,000. No cover for baggage loss, trip cancellation, or travel delays during a long stay. | Travel insurance usually reimburses up to £10,000,000, covering more risks and longer durations than private health. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | Basic emergency medical abroad for short trips, often limited to 31-90 days, baggage sometimes included, medical up to £2,000,000. No cover for extended stays, work abroad, trip extensions, or high-value belongings. | Travel insurance covers trips up to 2 years, medical and repatriation up to £10,000,000, including home emergencies. |
| Premium credit card (HSBC Premier, NatWest Black) | Limited coverage | Medical, baggage, cancellation, and liability for short trips (31-90 days), medical up to £10,000,000, baggage up to £2,500. No cover for stays over 90 days, missed connections, legal expenses, or multiple annual trips without return. | Travel insurance can cover trips up to 24 months, medical, baggage, and legal up to £10,000,000, even with extensions. |
No coverage for medical emergencies outside the EU, baggage, or trip cancellation abroad.
No medical or travel coverage outside Europe, no repatriation assistance, no protection for lost or delayed baggage.
No cover for baggage loss, trip cancellation, or travel delays during a long stay.
No cover for extended stays, work abroad, trip extensions, or high-value belongings.
No cover for stays over 90 days, missed connections, legal expenses, or multiple annual trips without return.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance policies often exclude key situations like trip curtailment for a family illness or death. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is long stay travel insurance mandatory?
Long stay travel insurance is mandatory for certain visa applications, such as Schengen or working holiday visas, and some student or residency permits abroad. For other destinations, it is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Even staying with family or travelling for work, a medical emergency or major cancellation could otherwise result in substantial personal costs.
When is it recommended to purchase long stay travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long stay travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, but before your departure date. Getting insured as early as possible ensures you benefit fully from cancellation and curtailment cover, as well as all other guarantees, from the moment you pay for your trip until your return.
How do I purchase long stay travel insurance?
First, compare options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to identify suitable plans. Check the guarantees and exclusions very carefully, looking for conditions specific to long stay trips such as maximum duration, home visits, and pre-existing condition clauses. Purchase directly online through the insurer’s website or platform. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, ready to use for your trip or visa application.
Can I purchase long stay travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase long stay travel insurance any time before your departure, provided you have not already left the UK. However, if you wait until after booking, some benefits—especially trip cancellation or curtailment—will only apply from the date your policy begins, not retroactively to your initial payment. It is best to arrange insurance as soon as you book your trip.
How do I make a claim on my long stay travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible and follow their instructions. You will generally need to provide documentation such as medical reports, police records, original receipts, and proof of travel. Most insurers offer online claim forms and support. Keep digital and paper copies of all relevant documents to support your claim.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by long stay travel insurance?
Most long stay travel insurance does not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare any medical conditions when you apply, and your insurer will confirm if they can be included or will be specifically excluded. Some specialist insurers offer policies tailored to those with ongoing conditions, though these often involve higher premiums or stricter conditions.
Does long stay travel insurance cover working or studying abroad?
Some long stay policies cover work or study abroad, but not all. You should always check the policy wording for exclusions related to employment, internships, manual labour, or academic placements. If your trip involves work or study, consider a plan that explicitly covers these activities—sometimes called expatriate, student, or working holiday insurance—for full protection.
Is long stay travel insurance mandatory?
Long stay travel insurance is mandatory for certain visa applications, such as Schengen or working holiday visas, and some student or residency permits abroad. For other destinations, it is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Even staying with family or travelling for work, a medical emergency or major cancellation could otherwise result in substantial personal costs.
When is it recommended to purchase long stay travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long stay travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, but before your departure date. Getting insured as early as possible ensures you benefit fully from cancellation and curtailment cover, as well as all other guarantees, from the moment you pay for your trip until your return.
How do I purchase long stay travel insurance?
First, compare options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to identify suitable plans. Check the guarantees and exclusions very carefully, looking for conditions specific to long stay trips such as maximum duration, home visits, and pre-existing condition clauses. Purchase directly online through the insurer’s website or platform. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, ready to use for your trip or visa application.
Can I purchase long stay travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually purchase long stay travel insurance any time before your departure, provided you have not already left the UK. However, if you wait until after booking, some benefits—especially trip cancellation or curtailment—will only apply from the date your policy begins, not retroactively to your initial payment. It is best to arrange insurance as soon as you book your trip.
How do I make a claim on my long stay travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible and follow their instructions. You will generally need to provide documentation such as medical reports, police records, original receipts, and proof of travel. Most insurers offer online claim forms and support. Keep digital and paper copies of all relevant documents to support your claim.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by long stay travel insurance?
Most long stay travel insurance does not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare any medical conditions when you apply, and your insurer will confirm if they can be included or will be specifically excluded. Some specialist insurers offer policies tailored to those with ongoing conditions, though these often involve higher premiums or stricter conditions.
Does long stay travel insurance cover working or studying abroad?
Some long stay policies cover work or study abroad, but not all. You should always check the policy wording for exclusions related to employment, internships, manual labour, or academic placements. If your trip involves work or study, consider a plan that explicitly covers these activities—sometimes called expatriate, student, or working holiday insurance—for full protection.
On the same topic
