Long Stay Travel Insurance vs Annual Travel Insurance

Getting the best coverage for a long-term trip abroad is important, but knowing exactly which policy that is can be tricky.

Should you choose a long stay travel insurance? An annual one? And what exactly is the difference between the two?

In this guide, we will share what you need to know about each, their commonalities and differences so you can feel confident choosing the right option for your unique needs.

What is the difference between long stay travel insurance and annual travel insurance?

Before explaining the difference, it's important to understand that there isn't a global or legal definition of long stay travel insurance. Because of this, each insurer can define it how they would like. At Insurte, we consider long stay travel insurance any insurance that covers you for trips longer than 90 days.

Why do we define it this way?

It's easy. Regarding visas, many countries in Europe (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) define trips 1-90 days in length as "short stay". On the other hand, trips 90+ days are defined as "long stay".

We mirror their terminology in this specific circumstance, making it easier for travelers to the Schengen area to understand which coverage options might work best for them.

All that to be said: long stay travel insurance and annual travel insurance can be interchangeable.

The difference is truly in the wording. Oftentimes, travelers will purchase long stay travel insurance for one long trip (6 months in Europe, for example), but annual travel insurance can also cover you for the exact same thing.

The word "annual" may imply that it always renews, but that's not the case. As the purchaser of the policy, you can choose whether or not you'd like the plan to auto-renew.

Generally, long stay travel insurance is charged per diem, while annual travel insurance comes at a base rate, regardless of the number of days you're traveling. This is a generalization and it's the case 100% of the time, so always pay close attention to the details.

The difference between long stay travel insurance and annual travel insurance is in the wording, as well as how you're charged for the policy.

While uncommon, some travel insurance services, like Insurte, offer annual renewable policies. If you are a regular traveler, this might be a great option for you.

What to know about long stay travel insurance

Long stay travel insurance is usually used for one big excursion, such as multiple months abroad (but under a year).

However, long stay travel insurance can also refer to annual travel insurance. Some travelers (and companies) use the terms interchangeably.

What does long stay travel insurance cover you for?

What you're covered for with long stay insurance depends entirely on the policy that you choose. At its core, every long stay travel insurance policy will cover emergency medical costs to varying degrees, as well as repatriation.

At Insurte specifically, 24/7 assistance and support is also part of this core coverage you can expect to see. This "lifeline", so to speak, is available at all times for travel questions, health questions, and more - all from seasoned experts.

Long stay travel insurance can also provide coverage for travel risks such as:

• Lost or stolen passports
• Search and rescue costs (for ski trips or hiking, for example)
• Covid-19 and other epidemics
• Legal assistance, sometimes including legal fees/advance of bail
• Even more

It's important to look at the guarantees, as well as the specific terms and conditions, so you know exactly what each policy you're considering covers and what it doesn't.

Coverage isn't the only thing to look out for. It can be easy to assume that travel coverage protects you, well, while you're traveling. This also isn't the case.

Not all travel insurance policies (be it long stay or otherwise) cover you anywhere you go. Many travel insurance plans only cover you in specific countries, while others offer worldwide coverage.

What to know about annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance has many of the same specs as long stay travel insurance.

At its foundation, it covers emergency medical costs. However, it can cover you for the exact same things as long stay travel insurance too. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it simply depends on which policy you pick.

Unlike long stay travel insurance, annual travel insurance isn't a per diem rate; it's purchased at a flat rate that covers you for 365 days, regardless of how you travel throughout the year. There is one caveat, however - while annual travel insurance covers you for the entire year, there may be per-trip maximum durations. That's one reason it's always important to pay attention to the details.

Our annual travel insurance plans at Insurte offer worldwide coverage, so you're protected regardless of where you go (with a few exceptions). If you prefer to travel spontaneously, this is an excellent option for you.

When it comes to these exceptions, worldwide coverage is referred to in a general sense and excludes countries in active war, with unstable political systems, etc. The terms and conditions will tell you exactly what to expect regarding where you're covered and where you're not.

At Insurte, annual travel policies can be renewed or even set up for auto-renewal, but they don't have to be. As the owner of the policy, you get to choose.

What long stay and annual travel insurance do not cover

One large commonality between long-stay travel insurance and annual travel insurance is that neither is considered health insurance.

Unlike health insurance, travel insurance does not cover travelers for:

• Routine treatments or care (such as dialysis or chemotherapy)
• Preventative care (like annual pap smears or routine vaccinations)
• Pre-existing conditions

This is something to think about when traveling for an extended period.

It's never a bad idea to make an appointment with your doctor before an extended trip overseas, especially if you rely on regular treatments. If this is the case, you may want to consider taking out a health insurance policy, too, but that's an entirely different topic.

Long stay or annual travel insurance: which do I need?

Which policy you need depends on a few things (but remember that long stay and annual insurance can cover you for the same things!)

When choosing the right coverage, ask yourself the following things.

• How many trips abroad are you planning to take in the next 365 days?
• Are you planning to travel to many different countries?
• Do you tend to plan trips spontaneously?
• Do you want the option to renew it every year?
• Do you have any visa requirements you have to meet?
• Always compare plans and read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you understand what each policy covers.
• If you're ever unsure about what is covered, reach out to the insurance provider for assistance.

Key Takeaways

• There isn't a global or legal definition of long stay travel insurance.
• Long stay travel insurance and annual travel insurance are often interchangeable.
• Long stay travel insurance is usually purchased at a per diem rate, while annual travel insurance is at a flat rate.
• Annual policies cover you for 365 days, but there might be per-trip maximum durations.
• Long stay travel insurance covers you for the duration you choose, though there are maximums that vary from 120 days to a year.