Who Needs Long Stay Travel Insurance?: 2025 Guide

When you're traveling overseas for an extended time, it's important to think about how you are going to protect yourself (and potentially your loved ones) during the journey.

One of the best ways that you can do this is through long stay travel insurance. But is it necessary? And is it right for you?

In this article, we're going to talk about who needs long stay travel insurance and what you should consider before making that purchase.

Let's go!

Who needs long stay travel insurance?

What many may not know about long stay travel insurance is that, in some cases, it's mandatory. We'll explain.

While every travel insurance company (or company in general) can define "long stay" however they'd like, it's generally considered to be multiple weeks, if not multiple months, away from home.

Everyone traveling for an extended period of time should consider long stay travel insurance. We will explain why in a minute. If you're applying for a visa or are heading abroad as part of a program, to study abroad, work, or something else, it may also be a requirement you have to meet.

For all intents and purposes, we define long stay travel insurance as any travel insurance that covers you for longer than 90 days.

Why do we define it that way?

We talk a lot about European travel - particularly to the Schengen area (a collection of 29 countries in Europe). When it comes to traveling to the Schengen area, they recognize travelers by separating them into a couple of different categories: short stay and long stay.

When it comes to Schengen visas, short stay visas are for travelers spending 90 days or fewer in the zone. Long stay visas are for travelers spending more than 90 days.

To make it easier for our readers and customers to understand, we have adopted similar terminology. To us, long stay travel insurance is travel insurance that covers you for more than 90 days.

Keep in mind that the definition might be different when you're reading other articles and referring to other sites and guides 🙂

Do you need long stay travel insurance?

While it's always a good idea to protect yourself during a trip (especially abroad), some people may want to consider it more than others.

Visa applicants

If you're traveling abroad for multiple months, chances are you might need a visa.

US and UK citizens must apply for a visa to head to the Schengen area for more than 90 days, for example.

When you apply for a visa, there may be travel insurance requirements that you need to meet. If this is the case, you may need to provide proof of travel insurance when you apply for your visa.

In this case, you need long stay travel insurance. Make sure that whatever policy you choose meets the requirements set by the country you are traveling to.

Travelers on a budget

While it may seem counterintuitive, travelers on a tighter budget should consider long stay travel insurance.

Unless you're planning to enroll in the local health system/social security, you likely will not be able to access free or low-cost medical services while abroad. In most cases, temporary travelers (even if it's for a long stay) are not able to access the local health system.

Because of this, if you suffer from a severe illness or injury while abroad, you will be expected to pay out of pocket for your necessary treatment and care.

If you're abroad for a longer period of time, generally the risk goes up for experiencing an unexpected illness or accident.

To mitigate potentially hefty bills, getting travel insurance before you go is a reliable failsafe.

While it's more money up front, it could save you big time down the road.

Families

If you're traveling abroad long term with your family, getting long stay travel insurance is highly recommended.

With each person, the risk for an illness or accident increases. To give you a little bit of peace of mind and to ensure that everyone is covered, getting a long stay travel insurance policy is advised.

Travelers heading to remote destinations

If your trip involves spending time in a remote destination, such as an island or somewhere a little more difficult to access, having travel insurance can make or break an emergency situation.

Because travel insurance generally includes medical evacuation (all policies through Insurte guarantee this, for example), you will be able to get the care you need when you need it.

If you have an accident that requires being airlifted or transported to a center that's able to provide the necessary treatment that you need, your travel insurance will cover the associated emergency costs.

This isn't the only perk ,though. In a critical situation such as this, your travel insurance will manage the entire process, assisting you in live-time to get you or your loved one the care that they so need.

Travelers planning to hike or ski

If you're going to be skiing or hiking while abroad, you need to consider long stay travel insurance.

On top of medical emergency costs and medical evacuation, some policies cover search and rescue costs. This can be invaluable should the worst happen - you become stuck or lost while in the wild.

Make sure you check the terms and conditions of an insurance policy before purchasing it so you can understand the guarantees and any related exclusions.

Travelers who don't speak the local language

If you don't speak the local language where you're heading, it's worth considering a long stay travel insurance policy. Why? Your policy may include 24/7 travel assistance and support (for example, all Insurte policies offer this).

This can be extremely helpful if you need help in a pinch, whether it's advice or guidance.

Not only will your travel insurance be there in the event of a covered emergency, but they'll also be there 24/7 to help guide you and answer questions along the way.

Travelers with travel anxiety

If you have some anxiety about your upcoming extended trip, that isn't uncommon. Many travelers get anxious before a trip, let alone one that lasts for such a long time!

Having long stay travel insurance can help to ease your mind while you're overseas. With this, you will know you have a lifeline that speaks your native language and will be there in case an emergency arises.

Having this resource in your back pocket at all times can help you to feel more relaxed during your time abroad.

FAQs: Who needs long stay travel insurance?