- What are the best Round-the-world travel insurance plans?
- What exactly is Round-the-world travel insurance?
- What is the price of Round-the-world travel insurance?
- What Round-the-world travel insurance covers
- The conditions of Round-the-world travel insurance
- Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
- How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover Round-the-world travel?
- FAQ
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Round-the-world travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Round-the-world insurance is a long-term policy for multi-country trips, typically lasting several months to two years.
2. Price: A six-month policy can cost from £400, varying by age, destinations, and planned activities.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk, undeclared sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and the NHS Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offer insufficient cover for long-term global travel.
5. Tips: Check policy duration limits and ensure it allows for flexible itinerary changes and return dates.
6. Other useful info: Ensure your policy is valid for any working holiday visas you may need for your trip.
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 here everything you need to know to choose the best round-the-world travel insurance.
What are the best Round-the-world travel insurance plans?
Here is a selection of the best Round-the-world travel insurance plans available for UK residents in 2025. These options stand out for their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles and straightforward conditions, making them well suited for long and complex global journeys.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £10M | £50 | Adventure sports covered.Coverage extensions possible mid-trip.Includes baggage protection worldwide.24/7 multilingual emergency support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £8M | £75 | Specialised for travelers up to 24 months.Adventure activities included.Real-time medical support.Immediate policy documentation. |
| Tourist Card | £5M | £100 | Pre-existing conditions considered.Online claims management.Family rates available.Extensive repatriation cover. |
| World Travel | £10M | £50 | Coverage for more than 50 countries.Instant WhatsApp support.COVID-19 medical included.Upfront hospital payment guarantee. |
| Globe Partner | £1M | £80 | Low-cost for long-term travelers.Paperless sign-up.Covers essential dental.Emergency helpline available. |
| Globe Traveller | £1M | £80 | Up to 12-month trip coverage.No age-based premium increase.Baggage loss protection.English-speaking customer advice. |
The best Round-the-world travel insurance depends on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is Round-the-world travel insurance?
Round-the-world travel insurance is a long-term, multi-risk policy that provides comprehensive cover for extended journeys across several countries and continents.
It usually covers medical emergencies, repatriation, cancellation, personal belongings, and varied activities over a continuous trip lasting up to 24 months.
This insurance is specifically designed for gap years, digital nomads, or travellers undertaking global adventures and offers global 24/7 assistance.
Round-the-world cover goes beyond standard single-trip or annual insurance, adapting to changing itineraries and travel durations worldwide.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out Round-the-world travel insurance is especially important if you live in the UK:
- For trips lasting several months or more than a year
- When your journey spans multiple continents with a flexible itinerary
- If you are taking a gap year or a career break
- When visiting countries with very high healthcare costs, like the USA
- If you plan to work or volunteer during your travels abroad
- For itineraries including adventure sports or other high-risk activities
- When travelling on one-way tickets without a fixed return date
What is the price of Round-the-world travel insurance?
On average, Round-the-world travel insurance typically costs between 4% and 7% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month Round-the-world trip in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand | £6,000 | £240 to £420 |
| 12-month Round-the-world journey across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania | £12,000 | £480 to £840 |
| 18-month global adventure visiting 25 countries | £18,000 | £720 to £1,260 |
| 24-month extended world tour with adventure sports | £24,000 | £960 to £1,680 |
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 Round-the-world travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer journeys increase the insurance cost.
- destinations visited: travel to countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States or Japan, results in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers generally pay more.
- level of coverage: higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, or additional guarantees like adventure sports or valuable items cover result in higher premiums.
- medical history: existing health conditions can increase the price or restrict coverage.
What Round-the-world travel insurance covers
Round-the-world travel insurance is designed for long journeys covering multiple countries and continents over several months.
It is suitable for gap years, digital nomads or extended global adventures needing continuous and flexible coverage.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you have to cancel before departure for a valid reason. | Choose at least £3,000 cover, accept a maximum deductible of £75. Change of mind, pre-existing situations and visa refusal are usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates loss, theft or damage of your luggage during transport or the stay. | Go for no less than £1,500 cover, with a deductible below £50. Unattended items, fragile goods and single item limits are often not covered. |
| 🕒 Missed departure | Pays for new transport if you miss your flight owing to delays out of your control. | Choose £200 minimum cover, with no deductible. Not covered if you are late, or failure to get written proof from the carrier. |
| 😷 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for medical treatment and hospital bills if you get sick or injured abroad. | Insist on at least £2M cover, a deductible under £75. Routine treatment, ongoing or pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for your return to the UK if needed for medical reasons. | Look for unlimited cover if possible and arrangements by the insurer. Voluntary returns and refusal by emergency services are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental cover | Pays for urgent dental care if you have an accident or pain abroad. | We recommend £500 minimum cover, with deductible under £30. Cosmetic, planned or routine dental care are almost always excluded. |
| 🏂 Adventure sports cover | Covers injuries and incidents during approved high-risk activities abroad. | Make sure your sports are listed, and look for full cover. Professional competitions, unlicensed activities and hazardous sports may be excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal fees or bail if you need help abroad after an incident. | Ask for no less than £10,000 legal cover and £20,000 bail. Business-related incidents, alcohol and criminal acts are always excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal liability abroad | Pays costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. | Ensure at least £1M cover, with maximum £100 deductible. Damage to your family or rented property is not covered, professional liabilities are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for unused trip portions if you must curtail your journey early. | Minimum £1,000 cover recommended, prefer low deductibles. Planned early returns and minor reasons, like homesickness, are not valid grounds for claims. |
Change of mind, pre-existing situations and visa refusal are usually excluded.
Unattended items, fragile goods and single item limits are often not covered.
Not covered if you are late, or failure to get written proof from the carrier.
Routine treatment, ongoing or pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Voluntary returns and refusal by emergency services are excluded.
Cosmetic, planned or routine dental care are almost always excluded.
Professional competitions, unlicensed activities and hazardous sports may be excluded.
Business-related incidents, alcohol and criminal acts are always excluded.
Damage to your family or rented property is not covered, professional liabilities are excluded.
Planned early returns and minor reasons, like homesickness, are not valid grounds for claims.
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.
Always compare Round-the-world travel insurance plans to find the best fit and value for your itinerary. HelloSafe lets you easily compare the main players in the UK market.
The conditions of Round-the-world travel insurance
To make your Round-the-world travel insurance valid, several key conditions must be met for each journey.
- UK residency: you must be a UK resident when you take out Round-the-world travel insurance.
- Policy purchase before departure: you must buy your policy before leaving the UK, never after starting your trip.
- Total trip duration: your journey must not exceed the maximum period stated in the policy, often between 3 and 24 months.
- Geographic coverage: all destinations must be listed and covered by your certificate, including high-risk or remote countries.
- Continuous travel: you must not return to the UK permanently or for long stays if your cover is to remain valid.
- Adventure activities: participation in sports or risky activities must be declared and approved by the insurer.
- Incident notification: you must inform your insurer quickly in case of hospitalisation, theft, or serious incident.
- Original documents required: claims must be supported by relevant evidence, such as medical reports, receipts, or police certificates.
Watch out!
A critical error is assuming you can buy Round-the-World insurance after leaving the UK. Most insurers require you to purchase your policy while still on home soil. Once your journey begins, your options become extremely limited, potentially leaving you uninsured for your entire adventure. Always book before you fly.
Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
Long-term journeys covering several continents expose travellers to significant health and financial risks, with potential costs abroad far exceeding a typical UK holiday budget.
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, depending on the plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to £10,000,000, depending on the plan |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to £10,000,000, depending on the plan |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to £1,500, subject to dental limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often up to £10,000,000, if medically necessary |
- Europe: £150-300
- North America: £800-1,500
- Asia: £50-150
- Europe: £200-400
- North America: £1,200-2,500
- Asia: £80-200
- Europe: £100-250
- North America: £600-1,200
- Asia: £30-100
- Europe: £150-350
- North America: £800-1,800
- Asia: £40-120
- Europe: £15,000-50,000
- North America: £80,000-150,000
- Asia: £25,000-75,000
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.
Round-the-world travel insurance often also covers other crucial risks: trip cancellation and curtailment, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability, adventure sports, travel delays and 24/7 emergency assistance for complete peace of mind throughout your journey.
Good to know
Your adventure shouldn't end with a £60,000 bill for a broken leg in the US. Comprehensive medical and repatriation cover is essential for peace of mind on your world tour. Policies like Chapka's Cap Aventure are designed for long-term travellers, protecting you from crippling costs.
How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
Not all Round-the-world travel insurance policies are the same: coverage limits, excluded activities, and claim conditions may differ. It is essential to check key criteria to ensure your protection is adequate for your planned journey.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💷 Reimbursement limits | High costs for medical or evacuation worldwide can quickly exceed basic levels. | Confirm the medical coverage is at least £2,000,000, with more for trips to the USA or Canada. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you must pay before the insurer contributes to covered claims. | Prefer a low excess for medical and repatriation, especially if planning adventure activities. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Excludes certain claims, such as pre-existing conditions or late bookings. | Read all exclusions and clauses, particularly for high-value items and activities. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some policies have age limits or higher premiums for those over 65. | Check for plans with no upper age restrictions if you are 65 or older. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Different needs for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups. | Choose a plan matching your group type, for example, family policies for parents with children. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most Round-the-world cover extends to 12-24 months, not all plans allow renewals. | Ensure the policy covers your entire journey, including possible route changes. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage may be limited for some destinations, such as countries with FCO warnings. | Verify all planned regions, including stopovers, are covered without territorial exclusions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or other insurance may overlap but rarely cover RTW or adventure travel. | Consider dedicated Round-the-world insurance for extended or multi-continent trips. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Sports like trekking, diving, or motorcycling often require extra cover. | Declare every activity to make sure adventure sports coverage is included from the start. |
Do my current insurance policies cover Round-the-world travel?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurances or the public health system, can offer you a Round-the-world travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Round-the-world travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Covers emergency care within the UK or with GHIC in the EU only, not globally. No long-term worldwide medical, repatriation, adventure activities, or lost baggage cover at all. | Travel insurance offers up to £10,000,000 for global medical, repatriation, cancellation, and baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare) | Almost Never | Medical treatment for temporary trips abroad, up to £1,000,000, strict duration and region limits. No coverage for extended global trips, cancellation, belongings, or adventure activities during a world tour. | Travel insurance gives up to £10,000,000 for round-the-world trips, including adventure and gear protection. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | Some emergency medical cover, only for short single trips, commonly capped at £2,000,000. No worldwide cover for long stays, itinerary changes, repatriation, adventure sports, or high-value items. | Travel insurance covers duration up to 24 months, repatriation, belongings, and legal up to £10,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (HSBC Premier, American Express Platinum) | Limited coverage | Includes selected medical and baggage cover on short trips, up to £10,000,000, usually 90-day trip maximum. No continuous cover, missed connections, legal support, or trip extensions during a world journey. | Travel insurance ensures continuous worldwide coverage for medical, legal, and equipment up to £10,000,000. |
No long-term worldwide medical, repatriation, adventure activities, or lost baggage cover at all.
No coverage for extended global trips, cancellation, belongings, or adventure activities during a world tour.
No worldwide cover for long stays, itinerary changes, repatriation, adventure sports, or high-value items.
No continuous cover, missed connections, legal support, or trip extensions during a world journey.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies won't cover trip curtailment for a relative's illness. Scrutinise the terms to avoid unexpected costs abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance is not legally required for most journeys, but may be mandatory for entry to some countries or as a visa condition, particularly for working holiday or student visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, facing a medical emergency on a remote island without insurance could lead to enormous personal expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
You should purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip and know your basic itinerary. Early purchase protects against trip cancellation, delays or changes that could occur before you depart, ensuring you are covered from the start for both planned and unexpected events.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
Start by comparing different Round-the-world policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Check the guarantees and exclusions carefully, focusing on duration limits and coverage for all planned countries and activities. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, ready for travel and visa applications.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, it is possible to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after your flight is booked, provided you have not yet started your trip. However, buying earlier is best, as cancellation or curtailment cover will only apply from the date your policy begins. Delaying may also mean losing out on certain pre-departure benefits.
How do I make a claim on Round-the-world travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 emergency assistance line immediately. Keep all receipts, medical reports, and supporting documents, then submit these online or by email as instructed. Fast, clear communication and accurate documentation will help ensure a smooth claims process while travelling globally.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover working while travelling?
Many Round-the-world policies allow incidental or casual work, such as working holidays or remote freelance work, but some standard policies may restrict cover while employed abroad. Always check the policy wording and disclose your plans, especially if you are taking part in paid work or long-term placements along your route.
Are high-risk or adventure activities included in Round-the-world policies?
Most Round-the-world travel insurance policies can cover adventure sports like trekking, diving, or skiing, but you may need to pay extra or choose a specific option. Always check limitations and exclusions for risky activities, and list any planned adventures when getting a quote to ensure you have the protection you need.
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance is not legally required for most journeys, but may be mandatory for entry to some countries or as a visa condition, particularly for working holiday or student visas. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, facing a medical emergency on a remote island without insurance could lead to enormous personal expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
You should purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip and know your basic itinerary. Early purchase protects against trip cancellation, delays or changes that could occur before you depart, ensuring you are covered from the start for both planned and unexpected events.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
Start by comparing different Round-the-world policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Check the guarantees and exclusions carefully, focusing on duration limits and coverage for all planned countries and activities. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, ready for travel and visa applications.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, it is possible to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after your flight is booked, provided you have not yet started your trip. However, buying earlier is best, as cancellation or curtailment cover will only apply from the date your policy begins. Delaying may also mean losing out on certain pre-departure benefits.
How do I make a claim on Round-the-world travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 emergency assistance line immediately. Keep all receipts, medical reports, and supporting documents, then submit these online or by email as instructed. Fast, clear communication and accurate documentation will help ensure a smooth claims process while travelling globally.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover working while travelling?
Many Round-the-world policies allow incidental or casual work, such as working holidays or remote freelance work, but some standard policies may restrict cover while employed abroad. Always check the policy wording and disclose your plans, especially if you are taking part in paid work or long-term placements along your route.
Are high-risk or adventure activities included in Round-the-world policies?
Most Round-the-world travel insurance policies can cover adventure sports like trekking, diving, or skiing, but you may need to pay extra or choose a specific option. Always check limitations and exclusions for risky activities, and list any planned adventures when getting a quote to ensure you have the protection you need.
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