- The best long stay travel insurance plans
- What exactly is long stay travel insurance?
- The price of long stay travel insurance
- What long stay travel insurance covers
- The conditions of long stay travel insurance
- Why take out long stay travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long stay travel insurance
- Checking your existing policies for long stay travel coverage
- FAQ
- On the same topic
long stay travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-stay insurance is for trips over 90 days, covering medical emergencies and belongings for extended periods.
2. Price: A six-month policy for a young traveller can cost from €450, varying by destination and age.
3. Coverage: It typically covers high medical costs and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, VHI, and Laya offer limited cover, unsuitable for long trips or non-EU medical costs.
5. Tips: Check policy limits for medical expenses and ensure it covers planned activities like work or adventure sports.
6. Other useful info: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is vital in the EU but is not a substitute for insurance.
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 Ireland, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best long-stay travel insurance.
The best long stay travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best long stay travel insurance plans available for residents of Ireland in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and flexible terms, providing reliable protection for extended trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0 M € | 0 € | • Worldwide coverage for remote work. • Includes telemedicine and mental health. • Sports and adventure activities covered. • Option for trip extension from abroad. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0 M € | 0 € | • No age limit for enrolment. • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Covers home contents while away. • Pre-existing conditions possible. |
| Tourist Card | 0.5 M € | 75 € | • Flexible coverage duration. • Quick online claims settlement. • Recognised for study abroad scholarships. • Sports options available. |
| World Travel | 1.0 M € | 50 € | • Includes COVID-19 medical costs. • Adventure sports included. • Covers family members. • 24/7 support line. |
| Globe Partner | 0.3 M € | 0 € | • No age restriction. • Claims handled by email. • Covers repatriation. • Useful for digital nomads. |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5 M € | 0 € | • Suitable for trips up to 12 months. • Multilingual support. • Stable premiums for seniors. • Free travel advice service. |
• Includes telemedicine and mental health.
• Sports and adventure activities covered.
• Option for trip extension from abroad.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• Covers home contents while away.
• Pre-existing conditions possible.
• Quick online claims settlement.
• Recognised for study abroad scholarships.
• Sports options available.
• Adventure sports included.
• Covers family members.
• 24/7 support line.
• Claims handled by email.
• Covers repatriation.
• Useful for digital nomads.
• Multilingual support.
• Stable premiums for seniors.
• Free travel advice service.
The best long stay travel insurance will depend on your circumstances. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the right plan for your needs and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is long stay travel insurance?
Long stay travel insurance is a policy designed for Irish residents who intend to stay abroad for an extended period, usually from several months up to two years.
It covers medical emergencies, repatriation, personal belongings, and trip interruptions throughout your long-term journey.
Unlike standard travel insurance, it offers flexible extension options and may include home contents protection during your absence.
Long stay travel insurance is sometimes called extended stay or expatriate insurance, and differs from short-stay policies, which typically have a maximum duration of 90 days.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long stay travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Ireland:
- For a gap year, sabbatical, or any trip over 90 days.
- When on a working holiday visa in Australia, Canada, or elsewhere.
- If you are studying abroad for a semester or a full year.
- For long stays in countries with expensive healthcare like the USA.
- When your long-stay visa requires proof of comprehensive medical insurance.
- As standard health or bank card insurance won't cover long trips.
- To have the option to extend your cover while still abroad.
The price of long stay travel insurance
On average, long stay travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month backpacking adventure in Southeast Asia | €4,500 | €180 to €350 |
| 12-month working holiday in Australia | €10,000 | €400 to €750 |
| 18-month study programme in the United States | €18,000 | €750 to €1,400 |
| 24-month work assignment in France and Germany | €25,000 | €1,000 to €1,900 |
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 stay travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays lead to higher premiums.
- destination: healthcare costs in the country visited, such as the USA or Australia, influence the price.
- traveller’s age: older travellers are usually charged a higher premium.
- level of coverage: comprehensive plans with higher benefit limits or extras, such as personal liability, will cost more.
- planned activities: adventure sports or paid work may require additional cover and increase the overall cost.
What long stay travel insurance covers
Long stay travel insurance is designed for trips lasting several months or even years, far longer than a short holiday.
It provides ongoing protection for Irish residents studying, working, or living abroad for extended periods.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/curtailment | Reimburses you if you must cancel or shorten your trip for a covered reason. | A minimum of €5,000 cover is recommended, with deductible below €100. Change of mind, government advice, and work commitments are often excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment for illness or injury abroad. | You need at least €2M coverage, deductible ideally under €50. Routine check-ups, pre-existing conditions, and non-emergency dental work are generally excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Transports you home for serious medical reasons. | Opt for €1M or unlimited cover, with insurer-organised repatriation. Non-medical or voluntary repatriation and requests refused by the insurer are not covered. |
| 🛍️ Personal belongings | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your possessions during your trip. | At least €1,500 per claim is advisable, deductible below €50. Valuables left unattended, high-value items, and normal wear and tear are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers damages or injuries accidentally caused to others. | Seek €1M minimum cover with deductible below €100. Professional liability, car accidents, and acts involving your family are typically not insured. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for unexpected, urgent dental treatment. | €300 minimum recommended, with deductible below €30. Routine, cosmetic, or planned procedures are not included. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Covers legal costs for covered incidents abroad. | Cover of €25,000 or more is preferable, deductible as low as possible. Criminal acts, contractual disputes, and family law matters are excluded. |
| 💼 Home contents (while away) | Protects your home belongings in Ireland when house is unoccupied for an extended period. | Look for €2,500+ cover, usually with separate limits. Unoccupied homes beyond the policy period and tenant negligence are not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays compensation for accidental death or serious injury while abroad. | Aim for €20,000 or more, with no deductible. Accidents from suicide, dangerous sports, or self-inflicted injuries are excluded. |
| 💶 Cash or documents | Compensates you if your cash or travel documents are lost or stolen abroad. | €500 minimum cover and a low deductible is ideal. Losses not reported to police, or due to negligence or improper storage, are excluded. |
Change of mind, government advice, and work commitments are often excluded.
Routine check-ups, pre-existing conditions, and non-emergency dental work are generally excluded.
Non-medical or voluntary repatriation and requests refused by the insurer are not covered.
Valuables left unattended, high-value items, and normal wear and tear are excluded.
Professional liability, car accidents, and acts involving your family are typically not insured.
Routine, cosmetic, or planned procedures are not included.
Criminal acts, contractual disputes, and family law matters are excluded.
Unoccupied homes beyond the policy period and tenant negligence are not covered.
Accidents from suicide, dangerous sports, or self-inflicted injuries are excluded.
Losses not reported to police, or due to negligence or improper storage, are excluded.
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 stay travel insurance best suited to your needs, compare guarantees, coverage limits, and prices on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long stay travel insurance
To benefit from your long stay travel insurance, a number of specific conditions generally apply for Irish travellers on extended trips.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before leaving Ireland, and not once you are already abroad.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Irish resident when taking out and holding the policy.
- Trip duration limits: your total trip must not exceed the maximum period stated in your policy, such as 12 or 24 months.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot start the policy while already abroad, except for approved policy extensions.
- Premium payment: the full premium must be paid before your coverage begins, as specified by the insurer.
- Destination coverage: travel is only covered for countries not excluded or under official Irish government advisories.
- Claim notification: you must inform the insurer promptly in case of illness, accident, or loss, normally within a set period.
- Documented claims: you need to provide evidence like medical reports or police certificates when submitting a claim.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Irish travellers is assuming you can buy long-stay insurance after you've already left the country. Most insurers require you to purchase your policy while still in Ireland. Leaving it too late can mean travelling completely uninsured or facing very limited, expensive options.
Why take out long stay travel insurance?
While long stay travel insurance is not always mandatory for Irish travellers, some countries require it for visa approval or to meet entry requirements.
Unexpected medical expenses and accidents can happen anywhere, and costs abroad are often much higher than in Ireland.
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%, depending on policy limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if necessary, up to limit |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on coverage |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, excluding any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, often subject to limits |
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €800 to €1,500
- Asia: €100 to €300
- Europe: €15,000 to €50,000
- North America: €80,000 to €150,000
- Asia: €25,000 to €75,000
- Europe: €5,000 to €15,000
- North America: €25,000 to €60,000
- Asia: €3,000 to €10,000
- Europe: €150 to €300
- North America: €600 to €1,200
- Asia: €80 to €200
- Europe: €200 to €500
- North America: €800 to €1,800
- Asia: €100 to €400
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 stay travel insurance may include useful guarantees such as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability, repatriation assistance and telemedicine services—all valuable for protecting your financial security abroad.
Good to know
Your bank card insurance likely expires after 90 days. An accident abroad could cost tens of thousands, a bill your EHIC won't cover outside the EU. Long-stay insurance is your essential financial safeguard. With plans from insurers like Chapka, you're protected throughout your entire adventure.
How to choose the right long stay travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement rules, and conditions can differ significantly between long stay travel insurance plans. Knowing what to compare helps you select guarantees that match your needs and avoid any unwanted gaps.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Defines the maximum paid for medical and other expenses | Compare offers and choose at least €100,000 for Europe, €500,000 for other regions. |
| 📉 Deductible | Impacts out-of-pocket costs for claims | Favour plans with low or no deductible for essential medical expenses if possible. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Determines who is eligible and under what terms | Read the fine print on what triggers exclusions or limited reimbursement. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Affects eligibility, pricing, and possible exclusions | Check age limits, and opt for policies without age surcharges if aged 65 or older. |
| 🧑🎓 Traveller profile | Needs change for students, workers, or families | Pick a plan tailored to your actual situation, such as gap year, work, or family. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most regular policies do not cover trips beyond 90 days | Ensure your policy covers the full length of your long stay abroad. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Certain countries have much higher medical costs | Include worldwide cover, especially if visiting USA, Canada, or Japan. |
| 🏡 Home coverage | Home contents may be at risk during lengthy absence | Add home contents protection if your property will be unoccupied for months. |
| 🧗 Activities planned | Riskier activities are sometimes excluded | Declare all high-risk sports or volunteering to avoid denied claims. |
| 🛡️ Work-related coverage | Paid or unpaid work might need specialist cover | Select a plan with specific provisions for employment or voluntary work abroad. |
Checking your existing policies for long stay travel coverage
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or the Irish public health system, can offer you a long stay travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Long stay travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE) | Almost Never | Emergency medical within EU via EHIC, actual costs, no worldwide cover, no repatriation. No medical or baggage cover outside EU, no liability protection, no trip interruption or sports activities. | Travel insurance covers up to €10,000,000 worldwide for medical, cancellation, sports, home contents, and personal liability. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Almost Never | Emergency public healthcare in EU/EEA, no private hospital, no non-EU cover, no repatriation. No cancellation, baggage, liability, long-term stay benefits or adventure sports protection. | Travel insurance gives full cover worldwide for €10,000,000 emergencies with baggage, repatriation, legal, and sports guarantees. |
| Private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare) | Limited Coverage | Medical emergencies in EU/worldwide, up to €100,000, some duration limits, no home protection. No trip cancellation, baggage, home contents, or repatriation for long stays abroad. | Travel insurance insures up to €10,000,000 for long stays, full repatriation, luggage, liability, and ongoing trip support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Rarely covers travel outside EU, no medical, baggage, or liability, trip limit typically 60-90 days. No long-term medical, sports, liability, or cancellation cover for extended trips. | Travel insurance covers long stays up to €10,000,000 including work, adventure, home cover, baggage, and emergency repatriation. |
| Premium credit card (AIB Platinum, Bank of Ireland Gold) | Limited Coverage | Some medical up to €650,000, baggage up to €1,500, trip limit under 90 days, no liability. No coverage for long stays, work risks, personal possessions at home, or cancellation for over 3 months. | Travel insurance reimburses €10,000,000 worldwide, covers full duration, home contents, legal, cancellation, and paid work abroad. |
No medical or baggage cover outside EU, no liability protection, no trip interruption or sports activities.
No cancellation, baggage, liability, long-term stay benefits or adventure sports protection.
No trip cancellation, baggage, home contents, or repatriation for long stays abroad.
No long-term medical, sports, liability, or cancellation cover for extended trips.
No coverage for long stays, work risks, personal possessions at home, or cancellation for over 3 months.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance policies often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is long stay travel insurance mandatory?
Long stay travel insurance is mandatory if you are applying for certain visas, such as working holiday or student visas for Australia, Canada, or many Schengen countries. Even when not required by law, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you have a medical emergency during an extended trip to Southeast Asia, your insurance can protect you from large unexpected bills that would otherwise be your responsibility.
When is it recommended to purchase long stay travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long stay travel insurance is as soon as you confirm your trip plans or before you finalise any bookings. This ensures immediate cover for cancellations or disruptions that may arise in the lead-up to departure. Buying early also gives valuable peace of mind for the full duration of your stay, including coverage for unforeseen circumstances before leaving Ireland.
How do I purchase long stay travel insurance?
To purchase long stay travel insurance, first compare available plans on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to lengthy stays, as well as any requirements for work or study. Complete your purchase securely online. You will then receive your policy certificate by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase long stay travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually buy long stay travel insurance after booking your trip, provided you have not already started your journey. However, purchasing before you travel gives you the full range of benefits, such as trip cancellation protection and comprehensive coverage from the outset. Some insurers may have time limits or extra conditions if you buy close to departure.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line as soon as possible and gather all necessary supporting evidence, such as medical reports or police statements. You will need to fill in a claim form, either online or by email, and submit all receipts or invoices. Insurers generally process claims within 10 to 15 working days of receiving complete documentation.
Does long stay travel insurance cover paid work or volunteering?
Some long stay travel insurance policies do include cover for paid work, volunteering, or internships abroad, but not all do. Always read your policy to check if work-related activities are included, and declare your plans when purchasing. If excluded, you can often pay a supplement to ensure you are covered for accidents or liabilities while working or volunteering overseas.
Is it possible to extend my long stay travel insurance mid-trip?
Many insurers allow you to extend your long stay travel insurance remotely if you decide to stay abroad longer than planned. However, you usually need to extend before your original policy expires and may face restrictions if you have already made a claim. Check your insurer’s extension conditions and process in advance to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Does long stay travel insurance include return trips to Ireland?
Most long stay travel insurance covers you only when you are outside Ireland, but some policies allow one or more short visits home during your period of insurance. This varies by provider, so check if “home visits” are included and any conditions, such as maximum days allowed or coverage suspension while in Ireland, before buying your insurance.
Is long stay travel insurance mandatory?
Long stay travel insurance is mandatory if you are applying for certain visas, such as working holiday or student visas for Australia, Canada, or many Schengen countries. Even when not required by law, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you have a medical emergency during an extended trip to Southeast Asia, your insurance can protect you from large unexpected bills that would otherwise be your responsibility.
When is it recommended to purchase long stay travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long stay travel insurance is as soon as you confirm your trip plans or before you finalise any bookings. This ensures immediate cover for cancellations or disruptions that may arise in the lead-up to departure. Buying early also gives valuable peace of mind for the full duration of your stay, including coverage for unforeseen circumstances before leaving Ireland.
How do I purchase long stay travel insurance?
To purchase long stay travel insurance, first compare available plans on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to lengthy stays, as well as any requirements for work or study. Complete your purchase securely online. You will then receive your policy certificate by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase long stay travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually buy long stay travel insurance after booking your trip, provided you have not already started your journey. However, purchasing before you travel gives you the full range of benefits, such as trip cancellation protection and comprehensive coverage from the outset. Some insurers may have time limits or extra conditions if you buy close to departure.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line as soon as possible and gather all necessary supporting evidence, such as medical reports or police statements. You will need to fill in a claim form, either online or by email, and submit all receipts or invoices. Insurers generally process claims within 10 to 15 working days of receiving complete documentation.
Does long stay travel insurance cover paid work or volunteering?
Some long stay travel insurance policies do include cover for paid work, volunteering, or internships abroad, but not all do. Always read your policy to check if work-related activities are included, and declare your plans when purchasing. If excluded, you can often pay a supplement to ensure you are covered for accidents or liabilities while working or volunteering overseas.
Is it possible to extend my long stay travel insurance mid-trip?
Many insurers allow you to extend your long stay travel insurance remotely if you decide to stay abroad longer than planned. However, you usually need to extend before your original policy expires and may face restrictions if you have already made a claim. Check your insurer’s extension conditions and process in advance to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Does long stay travel insurance include return trips to Ireland?
Most long stay travel insurance covers you only when you are outside Ireland, but some policies allow one or more short visits home during your period of insurance. This varies by provider, so check if “home visits” are included and any conditions, such as maximum days allowed or coverage suspension while in Ireland, before buying your insurance.
On the same topic
