If you’re planning an extended trip that will last 31 days or more, then you may need long-stay travel insurance rather than annual cover.
Some people may not know that standard travel insurance policies normally only offer cover for trips up to a maximum of 31 days each, even if you have annual multi-trip cover. So whether you’re going away for 35 days, or 12 months, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of long-stay travel insurance.
Here we explain how long-stay travel insurance works, what it does and doesn’t cover, and where you can get it.
What is long-stay travel insurance?
Long-stay travel insurance, as the name suggests, is a policy that offers travel insurance coverage for a single trip that lasts for anything between one and 18 months. It’s also sometimes known as backpackers or extended stay travel insurance.
It normally includes the same features as a standard travel insurance policy, however, the amounts you’re covered for may be higher.
What's the difference between long-stay travel insurance and annual multi-trip insurance?
An annual multi-trip travel insurance policy provides cover for multiple trips made during a 12-month period, whereas a long-stay policy covers you for a single longer trip away from home.
It’s important to be aware of the difference between these policies, as some people might think that buying an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy provides cover for a full 12 months, whereas most policies will only cover you for periods of up to 28 or 31 days per trip.
If the trip you’re taking is set to last longer than 31 days, you’ll need to look for long-stay travel insurance.
What's covered with long-stay travel insurance?
Every policy will be different, but generally, it covers all the usual travel insurance features, although often with higher levels of protection.
Long-stay travel insurance policies generally include cover for:
- Medical treatment and expenses
- Cancellation and curtailment
- Repatriation
- Lost, stolen or damaged possessions and luggage
- Money and passports
- Legal protection
- Travel disruption
As with other types of travel insurance, long-stay policies may offer optional extras like winter sports, golf, gadgets, and single-item cover, but you will usually have to pay a higher premium for these.
Are there any age limits on long-stay travel insurance?
Some insurers enforce age limits on their long-stay travel insurance policies, while others reduce the amount of time you’ll be covered for as you get older.
For example, Sainsbury’s has an upper age limit of 65 for their long-stay travel insurance while insurer LV reduces the coverage the older you get. For example, you’ll be able to take out cover for a single trip lasting for:
- 366 days if you’re under 65 years of age
- 90 days if you’re between 65 and 79
- 31 days if you’re over 80.
Age limits and restrictions will vary from insurer to insurer, so make sure that you always check the fine print before assuming you’re covered.
Where can you find long-stay travel insurance?
You can find long-stay travel insurance on most comparison sites, and while you might find that if you’re over 65, they’re a little harder to come by, they are available.
Learn more about travel insurance and the different types of cover available in our guide Everything you need to know about travel insurance.
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we have partnered with Staysure to provide you with first class travel insurance, tailored to suit your needs. There’s no upper age limit and they’ll cover most pre-existing medical conditions. You can also take advantage of their 20%‡ discount, just quote RLESS at checkout.
‡Discount applies to the base premium of the policy only and not to medical screening costs or add-ons where relevant. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
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