- The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
- What is long term travel insurance?
- The Price of long term Travel Insurance
- What does long term travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of long term travel insurance
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance?
- Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance is for extended trips, typically over 12 months, like gap years or working holidays.
2. Price: A 12-month policy for Europe can cost from $1,200, varying by age and specific coverage level.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and some adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards, Medicare, and private health funds like Bupa offer very limited or no long-term overseas cover.
5. Tips: Choose policies that allow extensions from overseas and cover all planned destinations, including the USA if applicable.
6. Other useful info: Specific policies exist for working holidays, covering temporary work and meeting visa requirements for Australians abroad.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best long-term travel insurance.
The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best long term travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing robust protection for extended trips abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Valid for trips up to 24 months. • Can be extended remotely. • Adventure sports included. • Digital claims system with 24/7 support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 500,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Ideal for working holidays. • Claims managed fully online. • Covers a wide range of sports. • 24/7 multilingual assistance. |
| Tourist Card | 2,000,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Extensions possible from overseas. • Includes adventure activities. • Mobile policy management. • Direct billing at partner hospitals. |
| World Travel | 1,000,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • COVID-19 emergency cover. • Flexible duration options. • Repatriation included. • Local language support worldwide. |
| Globe Partner | 5,000,000 AUD | 250 AUD | • Covers up to 36 months. • Comprehensive coverage worldwide. • Annual renewal without gap. • Family members can be included. |
| Globe Traveller | 2,000,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • No trip length restriction. • Premium unchanged up to age 70. • Covers digital nomads. • Full emergency assistance 24/7. |
• Can be extended remotely.
• Adventure sports included.
• Digital claims system with 24/7 support.
• Claims managed fully online.
• Covers a wide range of sports.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• Includes adventure activities.
• Mobile policy management.
• Direct billing at partner hospitals.
• Flexible duration options.
• Repatriation included.
• Local language support worldwide.
• Comprehensive coverage worldwide.
• Annual renewal without gap.
• Family members can be included.
• Premium unchanged up to age 70.
• Covers digital nomads.
• Full emergency assistance 24/7.
The best long term travel insurance may vary according to your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is coverage specially designed for Australians planning to travel continuously for more than 12 months, offering protection for extended overseas trips.
It provides cover for medical emergencies, personal belongings, trip interruption, and personal liability across multiple destinations or extended stays.
This type of insurance is essential for gap years, working holidays, and long-term assignments, as it addresses risks that standard policies do not cover beyond 12 months.
Long term travel insurance is not the same as annual multi-trip insurance, which is intended for repeated short trips within a year.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in Australia:
- For a gap year or a working holiday visa abroad.
- When backpacking for more than twelve consecutive months in multiple countries.
- For long-term overseas work assignments or extended international study programs.
- If you are travelling without a fixed return date to Australia.
- When you need continuous medical cover beyond reciprocal healthcare agreements.
- If you need the flexibility to extend your policy while travelling.
- As a digital nomad working remotely from various international locations.
The Price of long term Travel Insurance
On average, long term travel insurance costs between 5% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months in Europe and UK | $18,000 | $1,200 to $1,800 |
| 18 months across Southeast Asia and Australia | $24,000 | $1,600 to $2,400 |
| 24 months worldwide (excluding USA) | $32,000 | $2,200 to $3,200 |
| 36 months worldwide (including USA) | $55,000 | $3,500 to $5,000 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your long term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer insurance periods result in a higher total premium.
- destination: travel to countries with high medical costs, especially the USA, raises the insurance price.
- traveller’s age: premiums increase with age, particularly after age 65.
- level of coverage: higher medical limits, comprehensive benefits, and options like adventure sports will increase costs.
- working holiday or employment coverage: insurance that covers work or volunteering abroad is often more expensive.
- pre-existing medical conditions: coverage for these conditions can add significantly to the premium.
- extension flexibility: the ability to renew or extend coverage while abroad may involve an extra cost.
What does long term travel insurance cover?
Long term travel insurance is designed for people who are abroad for over 12 months. It gives extended protection during gap years, working holidays, or multi-year trips. You are covered for many unexpected risks that short-term policies may not include.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund for non-refundable costs if you must cancel the trip before departure. | At least $5,000 cover is advised and deductible under $100. Cancellations due to change of mind, travel advisories, or work are usually excluded. |
| 🚫 Trip interruption | Pays for unused travel costs if you cut your trip short due to a covered reason. | Choose at least $10,000 and deductible not over $100. Voluntary returns, known events, or minor reasons are not covered. |
| 🎒 Personal belongings | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your luggage and items during long trips. | Minimum of $10,000 cover, deductible below $100 is best. Items left unattended, unreported losses, or high-value items not declared are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent hospital or medical care during your journey. | At least $2,000,000 cover and deductible under $100 is essential. Pre-existing conditions, long-term care, and elective procedures are often excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation & repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for transport to Australia or to a better medical facility. | Cover should be no less than $1,000,000, no more than $100 deductible. Transport for non-medical reasons or against advice are excluded. |
| 🧗 Adventure sports coverage | Pays medical costs and rescue for activities like skiing, diving or trekking. | At least $500,000 cover, with deductible below $150. Professional sports, races, and accidents under alcohol influence are usually excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care following an accident or acute pain. | $2,000 minimum, deductible under $50. Routine dental treatment, checkups, and pre-existing dental problems are excluded. |
| 🤝 Personal liability | Covers accidental injury or property damage you cause to others. | You need at least $2,500,000 and deductible not more than $100. Intentional acts, driving claims, and damage to close relatives’ belongings are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Pays lawyer and court costs for specific incidents abroad. | Minimum $25,000 coverage, deductible below $150. Criminal or family law, disputes for unpaid bills, or breaking local laws are not covered. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Pays the excess for rental car damage during your trip. | A minimum of $5,000 is recommended, avoid deductibles over $150. Off-road driving, drivers without a licence, and reckless behaviour are not included. |
Cancellations due to change of mind, travel advisories, or work are usually excluded.
Voluntary returns, known events, or minor reasons are not covered.
Items left unattended, unreported losses, or high-value items not declared are excluded.
Pre-existing conditions, long-term care, and elective procedures are often excluded.
Transport for non-medical reasons or against advice are excluded.
Professional sports, races, and accidents under alcohol influence are usually excluded.
Routine dental treatment, checkups, and pre-existing dental problems are excluded.
Intentional acts, driving claims, and damage to close relatives’ belongings are excluded.
Criminal or family law, disputes for unpaid bills, or breaking local laws are not covered.
Off-road driving, drivers without a licence, and reckless behaviour are not included.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the long term travel insurance best suited to your plans and destinations, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance is only valid if several key conditions are met during your extended trip.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy your insurance before leaving Australia and before your trip has started.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Australian resident at the time of purchase and initial departure.
- Duration compliance: your trip must fit within the continuous coverage term, usually from 12 months up to the policy’s maximum.
- No ongoing travel: you must not already be overseas when taking out or renewing a new long term policy.
- Destination coverage: all countries you plan to visit must be included in the covered regions listed in your policy.
- Activity disclosure: you must accurately declare planned adventure sports, temporary work, or volunteering to ensure appropriate coverage.
- Claims notification: you need to notify the insurer promptly of any incident, such as hospitalisation, theft, or legal issue.
- Evidence for claims: claims require supporting documents, for example medical certificates, police reports, or receipts, as proof of loss.
Watch out!
Heads up, Aussies! A common trap with long-term travel insurance is the 'return home' clause. Many policies are voided if you pop back to Australia, even for a short visit. Always check if your policy allows brief trips home without cancelling your entire cover for the trip.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Travelling for extended periods can expose you to a range of risks, and without insurance, unforeseen health issues can quickly result in significant financial burdens.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, by policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, subject to limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $10,000,000 AU |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, per policy cap |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, minus any excess |
- Europe: $400–$600 AU
- North America: $1,200–$2,000 AU
- Asia: $150–$300 AU
- Europe: $300–$500 AU
- North America: $800–$1,500 AU
- Asia: $100–$250 AU
- Europe: $8,000–$15,000 AU
- North America: $25,000–$50,000 AU
- Asia: $3,000–$8,000 AU
- Europe: $250–$450 AU
- North America: $800–$1,500 AU
- Asia: $100–$300 AU
- Europe: $200–$400 AU
- North America: $600–$1,200 AU
- Asia: $80–$200 AU
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, long term travel insurance often covers trip cancellation or interruption, personal liability, lost or stolen luggage, repatriation, adventure sports, legal expenses and emergency assistance, offering complete protection for extended journeys.
Good to know
A medical emergency can end your trip and leave you with massive debt. A broken leg in the US could cost over $70,000. Don't risk your savings; get specialised long-term cover. Insurers like Chapka ensure you're protected for the entire journey, giving you total peace of mind.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance?
Not all long term travel insurance is alike: reimbursement levels, limits and exclusions can differ significantly. That is why it’s important to compare plans based on your specific travel needs before signing up.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Long term trips require higher medical and baggage limits for extended exposure and risk | Choose cover with at least $2,000,000 medical and $10,000 baggage protection for extended trips. |
| 📉 Deductible | A higher deductible can reduce your premium but raise your out-of-pocket costs during claims | Opt for a deductible you can realistically afford in case of a major accident or emergency. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums, eligibility and medical cover limits can change for older travellers | If you are over 65, confirm age limits and any special conditions before purchase. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Solo adventurers, families or digital nomads have different insurance needs | Select a plan matching your status, number of travellers and type of activities planned. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Standard policies may not cover trips exceeding 12 months or require regular renewals | Check the maximum duration allowed and possible extension rules from abroad before you leave. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Costs and cover can vary by region, especially with US and Canada in your itinerary | Ensure every country including the USA is explicitly listed on your policy schedule of cover. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Australian health or credit card policies do not suit long term global trips | Long term travel needs separate insurance; do not rely on limited local or card automatic cover. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Many policies exclude adventure or manual work unless you pay for extra add-ons | Add extra cover for sports, hiking, or work; declare these activities to avoid losing protection. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Online sign-up gives access to instant confirmation and easier policy management | Prefer insurers with 24/7 digital platforms for changes and claims while you are abroad. |
Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
It is understandable to question whether your existing insurances, such as credit card or public health coverage, can provide sufficient long term travel insurance, but in reality these options often fall short. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | long term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Emergency medical in some countries, but never full worldwide. Maximum: Varies, usually under $100,000. No continuous coverage, trip cancellation, or baggage/tech protection for long term travel. | Travel insurance offers up to $10,000,000 for emergency care, repatriation, luggage, and legal or adventure guarantees. |
| Private health insurance (Medibank, Bupa) | Almost Never | Limited emergency medical abroad, rarely covers more than $100,000. No coverage for trip extension, multiple destinations, or lost income during long stays abroad. | Travel insurance provides up to $10,000,000 and includes adventure sports, trip extensions, and cover for work overseas. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, NAB Classic) | Never | Some accidental injury or transport, medical rarely above $20,000 per trip. No continuous medical, no belongings, no employment protection for long term stays. | Travel insurance protects for months or years, covers multi-country risks and includes higher medical plus lost income cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, AMEX Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $5,000,000 per trip, baggage to $15,000, limited to maximum 12 months. No renewal abroad, working holiday or digital nomad coverage for longer stays. | Travel insurance covers multiple years, includes working, remote work, ongoing extension, and comprehensive trip interruptions. |
No continuous coverage, trip cancellation, or baggage/tech protection for long term travel.
No coverage for trip extension, multiple destinations, or lost income during long stays abroad.
No continuous medical, no belongings, no employment protection for long term stays.
No renewal abroad, working holiday or digital nomad coverage for longer stays.
Expert advice
Heads up, Aussies! Your bank card or health cover often excludes trip interruption for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, but some countries, such as those requiring a working holiday or long-stay visa, may insist on proof of comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, long term backpackers or digital nomads risk high medical costs or trip interruptions that would not be covered without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long term travel insurance is immediately after your travel plans and bookings are confirmed. Early purchase ensures you are protected for cancellations, pre-trip incidents, and emergencies from the moment your policy starts. Arranging cover in advance is also essential for meeting visa and embassy requirements where needed.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing long term travel insurance policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable options. Review all guarantees and exclusions specific to long duration travel, such as extensions, work coverage, or adventure activities. Purchase your policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email for use as proof of coverage.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after my trip has started?
Some insurers allow you to buy or extend long term travel insurance after you have already left Australia, but options may be more limited. It is best to arrange insurance before you depart to enjoy the full range of benefits, including cover for cancellations and pre-existing conditions. Always check the product terms before purchasing abroad.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department or use their online claims portal. Provide all required documents, such as receipts, medical records, and a completed claim form. If you need emergency assistance, use the 24/7 hotline. Keep all evidence and file claims promptly to avoid delays in processing.
Does long term travel insurance cover working holidays and temporary work overseas?
Many long term travel insurance policies now include coverage for working holidays, temporary jobs, and volunteering. This typically covers common roles like hospitality, administration, and retail, but may exclude hazardous professions. Always disclose your planned activities and ensure that your policy explicitly lists working holiday benefits before you leave.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, but some countries, such as those requiring a working holiday or long-stay visa, may insist on proof of comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. For example, long term backpackers or digital nomads risk high medical costs or trip interruptions that would not be covered without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long term travel insurance is immediately after your travel plans and bookings are confirmed. Early purchase ensures you are protected for cancellations, pre-trip incidents, and emergencies from the moment your policy starts. Arranging cover in advance is also essential for meeting visa and embassy requirements where needed.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing long term travel insurance policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable options. Review all guarantees and exclusions specific to long duration travel, such as extensions, work coverage, or adventure activities. Purchase your policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email for use as proof of coverage.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after my trip has started?
Some insurers allow you to buy or extend long term travel insurance after you have already left Australia, but options may be more limited. It is best to arrange insurance before you depart to enjoy the full range of benefits, including cover for cancellations and pre-existing conditions. Always check the product terms before purchasing abroad.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department or use their online claims portal. Provide all required documents, such as receipts, medical records, and a completed claim form. If you need emergency assistance, use the 24/7 hotline. Keep all evidence and file claims promptly to avoid delays in processing.
Does long term travel insurance cover working holidays and temporary work overseas?
Many long term travel insurance policies now include coverage for working holidays, temporary jobs, and volunteering. This typically covers common roles like hospitality, administration, and retail, but may exclude hazardous professions. Always disclose your planned activities and ensure that your policy explicitly lists working holiday benefits before you leave.
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