Which is The Best Long Term Travel Insurance?

One of the most important parts of planning a long trip abroad is figuring out how to approach potential emergencies should they arise. Whether you face an accident like a broken limb or find yourself unexpectedly ill overseas, having a plan ahead of time will save you a lot of heartache - and potentially cash.

But which plan is the best? Is there anything in particular that you should look out for?

When choosing a long-term travel insurance and figuring out which one is the best choice, there are a lot of things to consider. In this guide, we'll share some invaluable tips that have helped thousands of globetrotters over our 14+ years of travel insurance expertise.

With the right guidance, you'll feel confident when selecting the best long-term travel insurance for your journey abroad.

Why "the best" is subjective

Naturally, travelers want to have the best coverage during their journey - something that is easy to understand, offers trustworthy protection, and doesn't break the bank.

While these preferences are global, which insurance policy is the best is a lot more nuanced than that. Why? It's a very subjective opinion.

It isn't as easy of a question to just say, "This insurance is the best one" because it really depends on what you want to be covered for, where you're going, how long you're traveling for, and other factors. All of these needs come together, making "the best" insurance a different answer for everyone.

What to look for in long-stay travel insurance

While the best policy for you will be a subjective choice, there are a few things that you should look out for in order to make the best decision.

Where your coverage is valid

Not all policies cover you everywhere. When you're traveling overseas for an extended period of time, having a policy that covers you in all of the countries you plan to travel to is a non-negotiable. If you don't know which countries you'll be traveling to yet, getting a policy with worldwide coverage is a great idea.

Keep in mind that even when a policy says it is worldwide, there can be some exclusions.

Total and trip maximums

Travel insurance policies have maximum durations that can range greatly. When looking at which option is best, make sure you consider and check this before purchasing.

If you plan to make multiple trips abroad, for example, policies can have maximum durations per trip. To make sure you're protected for the entire length of your excursions, you'll need to choose a plan that is in line with your needs and remains valid from start to finish.

What's covered and what's not

At the core of choosing the best long term travel insurance plan, travelers want to know exactly what they're covered for and what they're not. It's important that the plan you ultimately buy offers you guarantees for the events you're most concerned about, like lost luggage for example.

Make sure you look at the exclusions as well. While a plan may cover you for a specific thing, there may be specific conditions where you're not covered. For instance, travel insurance covers emergency medical costs, but not if they're associated with pre-existing conditions.

Ease of purchase

One important aspect to keep in mind when looking for the best travel insurance is how easy the plan is to purchase. In today's busy world, who has time to sift through confusing contracts and lengthy in-person appointments?

Modern companies like Insurte have 100% digital processes that allow you to start your search and receive your insurance certificate in a matter of minutes, with ease, efficiency, and transparency at the heart of what they do.

The claim process

Before you hit the purchase button, make sure you've reviewed the claim process so you fully understand what you need to do to get the coverage you need when you need it.

The best long term travel insurance today

Taking into account the subjective nature of travel insurance and all of the advice listed above, there are a couple of policies that come out on top when it comes to insuring your long term travel plans.

Top choice: Mutuaide

If you're heading abroad for longer than 90 days, Mutuaide checks all of the boxes, so to speak. With over 11,000,000 customers, this well-known insurer has over 40 years of experience in medical assistance, making them a top choice for long term travelers who want the best possible coverage at an impressive rate.

What makes Mutuaide a great choice?

It isn't only their umbrella and great reputation; the nuts and bolts of Mutuaide, specifically, are designed for travelers that will be away from home for extended periods of time. When purchased through Insurte, the policy includes the following.

• Universal coverage. Mutuaide can cover you no matter where you go, making it a great choice for those who tend to travel with a bit more spontaneity or already have a multi-destination itinerary. (note: While this policy is universal, there are a few exceptions, such as coverage in countries currently in a state of war, that have notorious political instability, that are suffering popular movements, have riots, acts of terrorism, reprisals, restrictions on the free movement of people and goods. (Whatever the reason.))
• No limits on days per trip. Depending on which specific Mutuaide policy you choose, you can be covered for up to 365 days with the option to renew annually (or even set up auto-renew).
• Comprehensive coverage. You'll have comprehensive coverage for not only emergency medical costs but also sports (search and rescue), legal assistance (including advance of bail and legal fees abroad), lost/stolen passports, 24/7 travel assistance, and coverage for all epidemics, and more.
• Large international network. Mutuaide's huge international network ensures that they will be able to quickly find you treatment or assistance when you make a claim.
• 100% online. An entire digital purchasing process from start to finish.
• Expertise. Both Mutuaide and Insurte have longstanding track records of high-quality service and expertise, meaning you're not only covered during your time abroad but you are also in the hands of specialists with a global pool of knowledge.

Top choice: AXA Platinum

AXA Platinum is another fantastic option for long term travelers. Like Mutuaide, policyholders will feel at ease knowing that they're covered for an array of common travel risks.

With that being said, AXA Platinum does differ from Mutuaide in a few ways when purchased through Insurte. Depending on your specific travel plans and needs, one might be a better option than the other for your trip.

What makes AXA Platinum a great choice?

Like Mutuaide, AXA Platinum is a robust policy for those looking for coverage provided by a globally respected name. AXA is the second international leader in medical assistance in the world. They process more than 15 million files each and every year.

When purchased through Insurte, AXA Platinum offers the following.

Widespread coverage. While not worldwide coverage, AXA Platinum covers their customers in each Schengen country, the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and French overseas islands. If your long term travel will be exclusive to Europe, AXA Platinum could be an excellent option for you.

Mid-range validity. AXA Platinum has a trip maximum of 120 days, or approximately 4 months. This is a big difference from Mutuaide, whose maximum can be up to 365, depending on which specific policy you select.

Comprehensive coverage. AXA Platinum protects you against emergency medical costs, COVID-19, lost luggage, terrorism, and more.

• 100% Digital. Like all other policies on Insurte, purchasing AXA Platinum through their secure platform takes place entirely online in just a matter of minutes.
• Expertise. AXA is a top-class insurance provider and, with Insurte, offers outstanding service.

What makes some insurance policies a better choice than others?

It all comes down to what you need. If you are meeting long stay visa requirements, the best travel insurance for you is one that complies with the needs of your long stay visa application.

If you're traveling to 30 countries in 365 days, the best option for you is a policy that covers you in each of those 30 countries for the entire 365 days.

What to look out for when purchasing a long term travel insurance policy

When purchasing any travel insurance plan, looking at the terms and conditions, exclusions, and guarantees is a must. For long stay travel insurance specifically, you will also want to pay close attention to two things: which countries you're covered in and how long you're covered for.

Country exclusions

Mutuaide provides worldwide coverage (with the exceptions listed earlier in this guide), while AXA Platinum offers coverage in a number of European countries. One isn't inherently better than the other; which one is better for you depends on which one meets your needs.

Maximum durations

The other thing to watch out for when deciding on a long term travel insurance is trip duration. Mutuaide can cover you for up to 365 days (depending on the policy) with no maximum per trip. Alternatively, AXA Platinum offers a maximum of 120 days of coverage.

How to ensure you've made the right decision

When you have researched what's available and purchased the policy that meets your needs, that is how you know you will have made the right decision.

Remember:

• The "best" travel insurance is subjective and changes from person to person.  

• Think about which guarantees you will need or want. If you're planning on skiing in the French mountains, for example, sports coverage is probably a relevant choice for you.
• If your long term travel insurance meets all of your needs, you've likely made a good choice!
• Ultimately... it is always the right decision to buy travel insurance ✈️

FAQs: The best long term travel insurance