Long Stay Travel Insurance

Sometimes a two week break in the sun just isn't enough, if you're planning on an extended break overseas whether it is a gap year travelling the globe or if you plan to stay in one location to immerse yourself in a new culture, it is important that you take out an adequate long stay travel insurance policy.

Often known as backpackers insurance, long stay travel insurance will typically cover the policy holder for up to 18 months of travel and include travel to multiple countries. As each long stay break varies significantly so too does the cover that is required, planning to return home during your trip, undertaking adventure sports and activities whilst you are away and whether you are travelling with children should all be taken into consideration when taking out your policy.

To compare long stay travel insurance policies from a wide range of UK travel insurance companies use our price comparison tool to help you find the best cover for your individual requirements.

What does long stay insurance cover

Long stay travel insurance will generally cover the policy holder for all you would expect from a standard travel insurance policy, whilst also taking into consideration the cover that will be required for all of the additional activities that come as part and parcel of an extended trip.

Factors that will be taken into consideration by insurers include; the length of time you plan to travel for, your age and any specific activities you are planning to do whilst you are away. Make sure your insurers are up to speed with your plans, although you can't plan for every eventuality, providing as much information about what you plan to do before your trip will help you to get the correct level of cover.

Before taking out your policy confirm how easy it would be to extend the cover should you want to stay longer. Many long stay travel insurance policies will cover you if you plan to work whilst overseas but again check this before you agree to a policy.

What is the minimum level of cover I should look for?

The level of cover offered will vary from insurer to insurer but the average policy will generally include medical cover, cancellation cover and loss or theft of baggage cover. In a comprehensive long stay travel insurance policy it is important you are covered for the specific adventures you plan to embark on.

If you plan on taking part in adventure sports such as bungee jumping, scuba diving or winter sports informing your insurer will ensure you have the adequate level of cover. Search and rescue cover can also be included in a long term policy, although if you do plan to explore off the beaten track it is unlikely you will be covered by most policies.

Before any additional personal specifications are added to your cover, as a general rule of thumb MoneySupermarket.com recommends you should look for a policy with at least the following levels of protection:

Medical expenses - Medical cover should be around £2million. This should also cover the cost of emergency repatriation.

Personal liability - Cover for personal liability should amount to around £1million.

Cancellation Cover - Cancellation cover should be either £3000 or enough to cover the total cost of your holiday, including the cost of any prepaid excursions.

Baggage Cover - Minimum level of baggage and possessions cover should be £1500. If you do have single items that are of a high value, advise your insurer so they can be factored into your cover.

Holiday Money - Minimum cover will usually allow for £250 worth of cash, if you plan to carry more with you ensure your policy reflects that.

Typical Exclusions

Whilst long stay travel insurance cover will protect you for most eventualities whilst you are away it is important to be aware of some of the more common exclusions.

Some insurers will not cover for travel in certain countries; generally these will be countries that are not recommended for travel by the Foreign Office. If you are concerned whether the country you are travelling to will be included in this, discuss this with your insurer and check your policy documents thoroughly.

Like many standard travel insurance policies, it is unlikely that a long stay travel insurance policy would cover the cost of medical treatment for a pre existing medical condition. Instead holiday insurance for pre existing medical conditions may be more suitable in this instance.

Tips for long stay travel

Before you embark on a long term trip overseas it is not only important that you purchase the best level of travel insurance cover for your individual needs. Here are some tips to help your travelling adventures run smoothly:

Cash and Prepaid Cards
Buying cash online before you go can save money, leaving it until the last minute and changing money at the bureau de change at the airport can result in you paying significantly more for your currency. Pre-paid cards are a great alternative to cash and many offer competitive exchange rates on foreign currency.

Don't forget your EHIC
If you intend to travel in Europe carrying a European Health Insurance Card can enable you to get free or reduced medical treatment in any EU country. Never use this as a replacement to travel insurance as non essential care or emergency treatments can cost extra.

Check your passport and visas
It might seem an obvious point, but having to replace your passport whilst you're overseas can be difficult. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after the date you plan to return to the UK. Adequate visas are also essential particularly if you plan to work overseas.

Using your driving license
When travelling in Europe a valid UK driving license is usually adequate to be able to drive, however individual countries can impose their own age restrictions so it is worth checking this before you travel. Driving outside of Europe will require an International Driving Permit which translates your driving license details into several languages and costs £5.50.

To compare long stay travel insurance quotes now click on the link below.

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