Compare long stay travel insurance

Most standard travel insurance policies cover you for a limited number of days. Annual multi-trip insurance typically lasts for up to 31 days per trip, while a single-trip policy may last anywhere from 90 to 365 days. Cover varies between insurers, with some companies offering higher limits with premium policies. 

 

Basic travel insurance might be enough to cover your holiday if you don’t plan to extend it beyond the standard trip length. But if you stay abroad past your policy’s limit, you run the risk of it being voided. That means you won’t be able to claim if something unexpected happens, like a medical emergency or flight cancellation.

 

A valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will allow you to access emergency, state-provided healthcare for trips up to 90 days within the EU and some other countries. But, they won’t cover you after that time, and they won’t cover repatriation or any other non-medical costs such as loss/theft of baggage or cancellation.

 

So, it’s important to check whether your policy covers the full length of your time outside the UK. If it doesn’t, you might want to look into long-stay travel insurance before you book. This usually offers higher cover limits and more flexibility, allowing you to fully relax during your holiday.

Long-stay travel insurance is designed to provide continuous cover for trips lasting between three and 18 months.

 

Typically, a long-stay policy will include extended cover for:

 

• Emergency medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident during your trip.

 

• Emergency repatriation if you need to go home after an illness, injury or death. 

 

• Unexpected travel cancellations, delays and disruptions. 

 

• Lost or delayed luggage.

 

• Damaged or stolen belongings.

 

• Personal liability claims.

 

Some long-stay travel insurers also offer optional protection for winter sports, extreme sports and gadgets. Look out for these if you’re going on an active trip or plan to bring valuable tech with you.

 

Expecting to make a quick stop at home during your time away, like for Christmas or another special occasion? It’s also a good idea to check the following: 

 

• If your long-stay policy will be suspended while you’re back in the UK

 

• If extra flights home would be covered 

 

The same goes if you’re planning to work or volunteer while you’re abroad, as these activities might not be covered by standard insurance. 

Every insurer will have their own limits and policies regarding long-stay travel cover.  Knowing what they are will help you plan your trip with confidence that you’re prepared for unexpected complications.

 

Here are some common policy exclusions to look for:

 

• Accidents related to drug use or excessive alcohol consumption. 

 

• Travelling to destinations where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel. 

 

• Travelling against legal or medical advice. 

 

• Routine health check-ups or elective medical treatment. 

 

• Extreme sports that aren’t covered by standard policies. 

 

• Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, epilepsy or heart conditions. 

 

Most long-stay travel insurance policies must be bought before you leave the UK to be valid. Always read the policy documents carefully before you buy your policy to make sure you understand the rules of your protection.

There are a few different factors that might impact the cost of travel insurance. Usually, it comes down to three things: trip duration, destination and age. 

 

The longer you’re away, the more likely you’ll need to claim on your travel insurance. So, policies with extended cover periods tend to cost more than shorter ones. Still, one long-stay travel insurance policy often costs less than taking out multiple single-trip policies. 

 

Where you’re travelling will also make a difference. Expect to pay more if you’re heading to a country where healthcare and flights home are expensive, because medical treatment and repatriation costs can be much higher in these locations.

 

You might also notice that your policy gets more expensive as you get older and are more likely to get ill on holiday. To find the right cover at a fair price, it’s a good idea to compare quotes for over 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s travel insurance.

 

If you have a pre-existing medical or mental health condition, this can also affect the price of your policy. Choosing a medical travel insurance provider that covers your condition can help give you the extra peace of mind you need to enjoy your trip.