- The best Round-the-world travel insurance plans
- What is Round-the-world travel insurance?
- The Price of Round-the-world Travel Insurance
- What does Round-the-world travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of Round-the-world travel insurance
- Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
- How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
- Does my current insurance cover Round-the-world travel?
- FAQ
Round-the-world travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Round-the-world insurance is for long, multi-destination trips, providing continuous cover across different countries.
2. Price: A six-month policy can start from around €800, varying by destinations and age.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and repatriation, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, EHIC, VHI, or Laya offer insufficient cover for long-term global travel.
5. Tips: Verify policy duration, geographic limits, and if you can extend it from abroad.
6. Other useful info: Check if your policy meets Working Holiday Visa requirements for countries like Australia or Canada.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best Round-the-world travel insurance.
The best Round-the-world travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of some of the best Round-the-world travel insurance plans for residents of Ireland in 2025. These policies offer high medical limits, low deductibles and straightforward terms, making them well-suited to extended global journeys.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0 M € | 0 € | • Covers trips up to 24 months. • Emergency medical and dental worldwide. • Trip interruption included. • Mobile app for claim support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 0.1 M € | 0 € | • Adventure sports included. • Direct payment to care providers. • Telemedicine support 24/7. • No deductible applies. |
| Tourist Card | 0.5 M € | 30 €, 60 € for USA/Canada | • Teleconsultation service. • Personal liability included. • Good for digital nomads. • Quick claim response. |
| World Travel | 0.15 M € | 30 € | • Coverage for most popular destinations. • Emergency evacuation. • Adventure activity add-ons. • Fast digital claims process. |
| Globe Partner | 1.0 M € | 0 € | • High medical limits for long trips. • Personal effects covered. • Year-long cover available. • Claims helpline in several languages. |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5 M € | 0 € | • Valid up to 12 months. • Designed for senior travelers. • Assistance anywhere in the world. • Option to extend remotely. |
• Emergency medical and dental worldwide.
• Trip interruption included.
• Mobile app for claim support.
• Direct payment to care providers.
• Telemedicine support 24/7.
• No deductible applies.
• Personal liability included.
• Good for digital nomads.
• Quick claim response.
• Emergency evacuation.
• Adventure activity add-ons.
• Fast digital claims process.
• Personal effects covered.
• Year-long cover available.
• Claims helpline in several languages.
• Designed for senior travelers.
• Assistance anywhere in the world.
• Option to extend remotely.
The best Round-the-world travel insurance is different for each traveller. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find the best fit and subscribe easily online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is Round-the-world travel insurance?
Round-the-world travel insurance is a specialist policy for Irish residents undertaking extended, multi-country journeys covering several continents in one trip.
It provides continuous protection for long durations, typically six months or more, offering cover for medical emergencies, repatriation, and baggage.
Round-the-world travel insurance is also known as backpacker insurance or long-stay travel insurance and is distinct from single trip cover, as it is tailored for ongoing global travel with flexible dates and worldwide scope.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out Round-the-world travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Ireland:
- For trips lasting several months or more than 90 days.
- When visiting multiple countries across several different continents.
- If your itinerary includes countries with expensive healthcare like the USA.
- When taking a working holiday visa to Australia or New Zealand.
- For a gap year or an extended career break abroad.
- If you plan to do adventure sports like diving or trekking.
- When your bank or health insurance has short trip duration limits.
- If your return date is flexible or not yet decided.
The Price of Round-the-world Travel Insurance
On average, Round-the-world travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month tour across Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand | €14,000 | €800 to €1,200 |
| 12-month global journey (Europe, Asia, Americas, Oceania) | €28,000 | €1,400 to €2,100 |
| 18-month round-the-world adventure (all continents) | €36,000 | €2,200 to €3,300 |
| 24-month extended world tour with adventure activities | €55,000 | €2,800 to €4,200 |
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 Round-the-world travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer journeys increase the cost due to extended risk exposure.
- destinations visited: countries with high healthcare costs, such as the USA, Canada, or Japan, result in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: premiums are generally higher for senior travellers.
- level of coverage: policies with high medical limits, comprehensive baggage, and adventure sports cover will cost more.
- selected options: including add-ons for extreme sports, working holidays, business equipment, or low-excess claims may increase the cost.
What does Round-the-world travel insurance cover?
Round-the-world travel insurance is comprehensive cover for long, multi-country trips, often lasting several months or more.
It is specially designed for continuous travel across different continents, supporting you as you move from place to place.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or curtailment | Reimburses costs if your trip is cancelled or cut short for serious covered reasons. | At least €5,000 recommended, deductible below €50. Change of mind, risky destinations and pre-existing events are often excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed connection or departure | Pays for extra transport if a delay or missed link means you cannot continue your journey. | Minimum €500 cover, no deductible. Not covered if the delay is not documented or caused by your own actions. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides fixed compensation for long delays to flights or trains during your itinerary. | Look for €100+ after 4 hours of delay, no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or without an official report are not covered. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or serious damage to your luggage or travel gear. | Minimum €2,000 cover, deductible under €30. Unattended bags, high-value electronics and wear and tear are commonly excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency healthcare and hospitalisation worldwide. | €1.5M minimum essential, deductible under €50. Pre-existing illnesses, chronic conditions and routine check-ups are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers return to Ireland if medically necessary while abroad. | This should be unlimited, approved by the insurer. Repatriation for non-medical reasons or if not prescribed by a doctor is excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment if you develop acute pain or sudden dental issues abroad. | €500 minimum, deductible under €30. Routine, planned or cosmetic dental treatments are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers injury to others or damage to property you may cause during your trip. | At least €1M cover advised, deductible below €100. Intentional acts, vehicle use and harm to family or rented property are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Covers legal costs abroad if you face covered issues or liability claims. | Look for at least €25,000 cover. Claims arising from criminal acts, professional disputes, or contract matters are excluded. |
| 🏔️ Adventure sports coverage | Extends protection to activities like trekking, diving, or winter sports. | Check if your policy lists the activity, with cover limits by sport. Professional or high-risk activities, and sports done without safety guidelines, are often excluded. |
Change of mind, risky destinations and pre-existing events are often excluded.
Not covered if the delay is not documented or caused by your own actions.
Delays under 4 hours or without an official report are not covered.
Unattended bags, high-value electronics and wear and tear are commonly excluded.
Pre-existing illnesses, chronic conditions and routine check-ups are excluded.
Repatriation for non-medical reasons or if not prescribed by a doctor is excluded.
Routine, planned or cosmetic dental treatments are excluded.
Intentional acts, vehicle use and harm to family or rented property are excluded.
Claims arising from criminal acts, professional disputes, or contract matters are excluded.
Professional or high-risk activities, and sports done without safety guidelines, are often 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 Round-the-world travel insurance best suited to your route and profile, compare offers on HelloSafe before departure.
The conditions of Round-the-world travel insurance
To ensure your Round-the-world travel insurance remains valid throughout your global journey, several important conditions usually apply for Irish travellers.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before you leave Ireland, not while already travelling abroad.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Irish resident when you take out and hold the insurance.
- Trip duration limits: your total journey must not exceed the maximum period specified in your policy, such as 12 or 24 months.
- Global coverage restrictions: travel to countries under official Irish government advisories, or those excluded by your insurer, will not be covered.
- Premium payment: the insurance premium must be fully paid before your policy start date.
- Incident reporting: you must notify your insurer promptly after any accident, illness, theft, or other incidents, and within any required timeframe.
- Documentation required: all claims must be supported by documentation such as medical certificates, police reports, or receipts.
- Travel purpose compliance: your travel must match the insured use, with special cover needed for paid work, adventure sports, or volunteering.
Watch out!
Many Irish travellers mistakenly assume their bank card or private health insurance (like VHI/Laya) is sufficient. These policies often have short trip limits (e.g., 90 days) and lack crucial repatriation cover, leaving you dangerously exposed on a long-term journey. Always get a dedicated RTW policy.
Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
During a long global journey, unexpected medical events or incidents can occur in any country, quickly leading to major expenses without Round-the-world travel insurance.
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%, subject to overall policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, if medically necessary and covered by plan |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on plan and region |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Normally 100%, varies by policy and excess |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often partial, subject to stated emergency dental limits |
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €800 to €1,500
- Asia: €100 to €300
- Europe: €15,000 to €30,000
- North America: €50,000 to €100,000
- Asia: €20,000 to €45,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €15,000
- North America: €25,000 to €50,000
- Asia: €3,000 to €8,000
- 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.
Round-the-world travel insurance may also include other valuable guarantees such as trip cancellation, loss or theft of belongings, civil liability abroad, cover for adventure sports, repatriation assistance, and teleconsultation services, all essential for long and complex international journeys.
Good to know
Your EHIC is useless in the Americas, where a broken leg can cost €40,000. Don't let a medical bill ruin your trip of a lifetime. A specialist policy from insurers like ACS provides millions in cover, including repatriation, ensuring you're protected anywhere.
How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
Coverage levels, reimbursement ceilings, and exclusions for Round-the-world travel insurance can differ greatly across policies. Careful comparison of the most important criteria ensures your insurance truly matches your extended multi-country plans.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical emergencies and repatriation costs vary greatly worldwide | Always aim for medical cover of at least €500,000, more for North America, Australia, or Japan. |
| 📉 Deductible | Deductibles impact how much you pay out of pocket on every claim | Choose a low or no deductible policy for long trips to avoid repeated unexpected expenses. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy wording can cause gaps, especially on trip duration, entry countries, or pre-existing issues | Read all exclusions and extension rules to ensure coverage is uninterrupted for your full journey. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | There can be limits, higher premiums, or restrictions for older travellers | Check for no upper age limits or accessible senior plans before purchasing a policy. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Round-the-world trips often exceed standard single-trip coverage periods | Confirm your policy covers the entire trip without a break, and allows extensions from abroad. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Not all destinations, high-risk areas or continents are automatically covered | Make sure every destination is declared and confirmed covered, especially remote or high-risk places. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Home, health, or bank insurance rarely matches all the needs of a global journey | Assess gaps and buy dedicated global cover to supplement or replace incomplete protections. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports, volunteering, and work are popular during Round-the-world trips | Declare all planned activities (like hiking or diving) and buy specialist options where needed. |
| 🖥️ Digital services | Handling claims, emergencies, and policy changes from anywhere is crucial | Opt for a provider with 24/7 digital claims, support, and a robust mobile app. |
Does my current insurance cover Round-the-world travel?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or the public health system, can offer you a Round-the-world 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 | Round-the-world travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE) | Never | Only emergency treatment in the EU under EHIC. No repatriation, no global care. No cover for personal belongings, trip cancellation, adventure activities. | Travel insurance provides up to €10,000,000 for medical abroad, global trip cancellation, and sports cover. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Never | State care in public EU hospitals, no global reach, no private clinics or repatriation. No baggage cover, trip delays, liability, or non-EU emergencies. | Travel insurance protects outside EU, covers repatriation, liability, delays, and high-value baggage claims. |
| Private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare) | Almost Never | Limited overseas emergency medical with caps, e.g. €65,000–€500,000, no trip extension or baggage. No global trip duration, adventure or liability cover. | Travel insurance insures medical up to €10,000,000 worldwide, trip length, extreme sports, and legal costs. |
| Classic credit card (AIB Classic, Bank of Ireland Classic) | Never | Generally no medical or journey cover for extended trips, very limited protection. No adventure cover, cancellation, repatriation, or travel extension. | Travel insurance includes global repatriation, adventure, trip extensions, and medical for up to 24 months. |
| Premium credit card (AIB Platinum, Ulster Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical up to €1,000,000, baggage up to €2,000, 90-day max duration, no adventure. No work coverage, trip beyond 90 days, full liability, or all-risk baggage. | Travel insurance offers high medical, legal, and sports coverage for months across all continents. |
No cover for personal belongings, trip cancellation, adventure activities.
No baggage cover, trip delays, liability, or non-EU emergencies.
No global trip duration, adventure or liability cover.
No adventure cover, cancellation, repatriation, or travel extension.
No work coverage, trip beyond 90 days, full liability, or all-risk baggage.
Expert advice
Your bank card or VHI/Laya policy often won't cover trip cancellation for a family emergency. Always check the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For true peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance can be mandatory if your destination requires proof of insurance for entry or visa, such as Russia, China, or some South American countries. In most cases, it is not legally required. However, it is strongly recommended, as a single medical emergency in the USA or Australia could cost tens of thousands of euros—making travel insurance essential for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as your journey is booked, ideally before making your first significant trip payment. Early purchase guarantees coverage for cancellations or unforeseen events before departure and protects your investment in flights, tours, and accommodation if plans change unexpectedly.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
First, compare different offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform for the best fit. Next, check all guarantees and exclusions, ensuring the policy covers the duration, regions, and activities of a Round-the-world trip. Then, purchase your policy securely online. Finally, you will receive a certificate by email for use in visa or border checks.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy Round-the-world travel insurance after booking your itinerary, but for full cancellation coverage, it is best to buy soon after confirming your trip. Some insurers restrict cover for events that occur before your insurance start date, so purchasing early provides the most comprehensive protection throughout your journey.
How do I make a claim?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer immediately—often through a 24/7 helpline, website, or mobile app. Prepare relevant documents: receipts, medical reports, police statements for theft, or airline proof for delays. Submit these as instructed by your policy. Claims are typically processed within several weeks, so keep copies of everything for faster resolution.
Are adventure sports and extreme activities covered?
Many Round-the-world policies can cover activities like trekking, scuba diving, or skiing, but you must check policy details. Some adventure or extreme sports require paying an extra premium or choosing a specific plan. Always check the full list of covered activities, and declare your plans to ensure you’re fully insured.
Can my Round-the-world travel insurance be extended while I am abroad?
Some insurers allow you to extend Round-the-world travel insurance while you are travelling, but not all do. It is important to verify flexibility before purchasing. If extension is possible, you must contact the insurer before your current policy expires and pay any additional premium for the extra period of coverage.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover working holidays or digital nomad trips?
Most dedicated Round-the-world policies now offer options for working holidays or digital nomad activities, such as remote work, volunteering, or seasonal employment. Confirm that your insurer covers work-related risks, business equipment, or liability linked to your planned activities abroad before buying the policy.
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance can be mandatory if your destination requires proof of insurance for entry or visa, such as Russia, China, or some South American countries. In most cases, it is not legally required. However, it is strongly recommended, as a single medical emergency in the USA or Australia could cost tens of thousands of euros—making travel insurance essential for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as your journey is booked, ideally before making your first significant trip payment. Early purchase guarantees coverage for cancellations or unforeseen events before departure and protects your investment in flights, tours, and accommodation if plans change unexpectedly.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
First, compare different offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform for the best fit. Next, check all guarantees and exclusions, ensuring the policy covers the duration, regions, and activities of a Round-the-world trip. Then, purchase your policy securely online. Finally, you will receive a certificate by email for use in visa or border checks.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy Round-the-world travel insurance after booking your itinerary, but for full cancellation coverage, it is best to buy soon after confirming your trip. Some insurers restrict cover for events that occur before your insurance start date, so purchasing early provides the most comprehensive protection throughout your journey.
How do I make a claim?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer immediately—often through a 24/7 helpline, website, or mobile app. Prepare relevant documents: receipts, medical reports, police statements for theft, or airline proof for delays. Submit these as instructed by your policy. Claims are typically processed within several weeks, so keep copies of everything for faster resolution.
Are adventure sports and extreme activities covered?
Many Round-the-world policies can cover activities like trekking, scuba diving, or skiing, but you must check policy details. Some adventure or extreme sports require paying an extra premium or choosing a specific plan. Always check the full list of covered activities, and declare your plans to ensure you’re fully insured.
Can my Round-the-world travel insurance be extended while I am abroad?
Some insurers allow you to extend Round-the-world travel insurance while you are travelling, but not all do. It is important to verify flexibility before purchasing. If extension is possible, you must contact the insurer before your current policy expires and pay any additional premium for the extra period of coverage.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover working holidays or digital nomad trips?
Most dedicated Round-the-world policies now offer options for working holidays or digital nomad activities, such as remote work, volunteering, or seasonal employment. Confirm that your insurer covers work-related risks, business equipment, or liability linked to your planned activities abroad before buying the policy.
