- The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is long term travel insurance?
- What is the price of long term travel insurance?
- What does long term travel insurance cover?
- What are the conditions of long term travel insurance?
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance
- long term Travel Insurance Coverage Under Current Policies
- FAQ
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance provides continuous medical and travel coverage for trips lasting several months to a year.
2. Price: A six-month policy for a young adult can cost between $800 and $1,200 CAD, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency medical care and evacuation but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (like OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer little to no coverage for extended trips abroad.
5. Tips: Verify policy allows extensions abroad and covers your specific activities, like skiing or working holiday visa requirements.
6. Other useful info: You must understand your province's residency rules to maintain your government health insurance coverage upon your return.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 long term travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best long term travel insurance.
The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
These insurers are among the best options for long term travel insurance available to Canadian residents. They stand out for their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified terms.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5.0 M $ | $0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0 M $ | $0 |
|
| Tourist Card | 2.0 M $ | $100, $200 for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | 1.0 M $ (USA/Canada), 0.7 M $ (others) | $50 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.7 M $ | $0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | 2.0 M $ | $0 |
|
- Very high medical reimbursement.
- Covers trip interruption and lost luggage.
- Free 24/7 emergency support.
- Extended adventure sports coverage.
- Includes emergency return to Canada.
- Covers early repatriation.
- Medical teleconsultation offered.
- Online claims management.
- Extended cancellation benefit.
- Covers certain pre-existing conditions.
- Suitable for students and families.
- Pandemic coverage included.
- Hotel quarantine and isolation costs covered.
- Remote work support.
- Covers lost or delayed baggage.
- Emergency psychological help.
- Affordable for young travellers.
- No upfront medical questionnaire.
- Flexible policy start dates.
- English language support available.
- Covers trips up to 18 months.
- Premium does not increase with age.
- Assistance in several languages.
- Wide geographic reach.
The best long term travel insurance for you will depend on your individual situation. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits your needs and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is specialized protection for trips lasting more than 90 days, covering Canadians during extended stays abroad. It provides financial coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip interruption, and lost baggage during long journeys like gap years, working holidays, or digital nomad travel.
Unlike short term travel insurance, long term policies are designed for continuous coverage and can typically be renewed without returning to Canada.
It is sometimes called extended stay travel insurance or long stay insurance in Canada.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in Canada:
- when your provincial health plan coverage lapses due to extended absence
- for a Working Holiday or International Experience Canada (IEC) program
- if you are a digital nomad or working remotely from abroad
- when taking a gap year, sabbatical, or extended career break
- for long backpacking trips or round-the-world travel spanning several months
- when studying abroad for a semester or a full academic year
- for retirees or snowbirds spending several months outside of Canada
What is the price of long term travel insurance?
On average, long term travel insurance costs about 2% to 5% of your total trip value.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months of backpacking in Southeast Asia | 8,000 CA$ | 160 CA$ to 400 CA$ |
| 1 year working holiday in Australia | 18,000 CA$ | 360 CA$ to 900 CA$ |
| 18 months round-the-world trip (multi-country) | 25,000 CA$ | 500 CA$ to 1,250 CA$ |
| 2 years as a digital nomad in Europe and Asia | 32,000 CA$ | 640 CA$ to 1,600 CA$ |
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: the longer you travel, the higher the insurance premium.
- destination: countries with higher medical costs or risk levels increase the price.
- your age: older travelers generally pay more for coverage.
- type of coverage chosen: a plan with higher limits or added options costs more.
- pre-existing medical conditions: travelers with health conditions may trigger higher premiums or extra requirements.
What does long term travel insurance cover?
Long term travel insurance is insurance for trips longer than three months. It covers extended stays abroad for study, work, or travel.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of prepaid costs if you cancel before departure for a covered reason. | We recommend at least 1,500 CA$ cover. Avoid deductibles over 50 CA$. Common exclusions include cancellation due to change of mind, visa refusal, and pre-existing illnesses. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged abroad. | Choose a minimum of 1,500 CA$ coverage. The deductible should not exceed 50 CA$. Items left unattended, electronics above certain limits, and cash are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed payment for long delays during transport. | Look for at least 100 CA$ after four hours of delay, with no deductible. Delays below four hours or without written proof are usually not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for necessary emergency medical care abroad. | A cover of 1.5M CA$ minimum is strongly advised, with zero or 50 CA$ deductible. Routine care, planned treatments, and chronic diseases are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Organizes and pays for emergency medical repatriation. | This should be unlimited or at least 2M CA$ and must be accepted by the insurer’s doctors. Non-emergency repatriation and refusal to return when ordered are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment abroad. | A limit of 1,000 CA$ or more is advised. Deductibles above 30 CA$ should be avoided. Cosmetic care, regular checkups, and ongoing dental issues are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for death or permanent disability from an accident abroad. | Minimum 25,000 CA$ coverage is recommended without deductibles. High-risk sports, suicide, and intoxication are frequent exclusions. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Pays costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad. | Minimum 1.5M CA$ cover and deductible no higher than 100 CA$. Damage to family, rented property, and intentional acts are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal fees or bail if you face legal trouble overseas. | Minimum 3,000 CA$ for lawyer fees and 7,500 CA$ for bail. Incidents tied to alcohol, illegal acts, or commercial disputes are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for lost services if you have to cut your trip short for a covered reason. | Look for 1,000 CA$ minimum. Deductibles should be low. Voluntary returns or minor interruptions are never covered. |
Common exclusions include cancellation due to change of mind, visa refusal, and pre-existing illnesses.
Items left unattended, electronics above certain limits, and cash are often excluded.
Delays below four hours or without written proof are usually not covered.
Routine care, planned treatments, and chronic diseases are excluded.
Non-emergency repatriation and refusal to return when ordered are excluded.
Cosmetic care, regular checkups, and ongoing dental issues are excluded.
High-risk sports, suicide, and intoxication are frequent exclusions.
Damage to family, rented property, and intentional acts are not covered.
Incidents tied to alcohol, illegal acts, or commercial disputes are excluded.
Voluntary returns or minor interruptions are never covered.
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 needs and travel plans, compare offers on HelloSafe.
What are the conditions of long term travel insurance?
To be valid, long term travel insurance in Canada requires that several application conditions are met. Here are the most common ones:
- Residency requirement: you must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada at the time of application.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving Canada, and not after your trip has started.
- No ongoing travel: you need to be physically present in Canada or your home province when the insurance is purchased.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage is only valid for trips within the duration specified in the contract, such as 6, 12, or 24 months.
- Reporting incidents: you must notify the insurer as soon as possible after an emergency or covered event occurs.
- Supporting documentation: claims require official proof such as medical certificates, receipts, or police reports when applicable.
- Destination restrictions: travel to regions under a Government of Canada "avoid all travel" advisory may be excluded from coverage.
- Eligibility criteria: travelers must often meet age, health, or visa requirements imposed by the insurer or destination country.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding for Canadians is relying on provincial health plans. Your OHIP or RAMQ coverage is minimal abroad and typically ceases after several months of absence. For long-term travel, dedicated insurance is essential to avoid being left completely uninsured far from home.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Travelling for several months or years increases exposure to medical and financial risks, with health expenses abroad quickly becoming significant for Canadian travellers.
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%, as per policy limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually 100%, when required for health |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, minus any deductible |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Often up to 100%, after any deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, often subject to deductible |
- Europe: $400 to $600 CA
- North America: $800 to $1,200 CA
- Asia: $150 to $300 CA
- Europe: $5,000 to $15,000 CA
- North America: $15,000 to $35,000 CA
- Asia: $8,000 to $20,000 CA
- Europe: $8,000 to $15,000 CA
- North America: $15,000 to $35,000 CA
- Asia: $3,000 to $8,000 CA
- Europe: $300 to $500 CA
- North America: $600 to $1,000 CA
- Asia: $100 to $250 CA
- Europe: $200 to $400 CA
- North America: $500 to $800 CA
- Asia: $80 to $200 CA
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.
Besides medical expenses, long term travel insurance can provide other useful guarantees such as trip interruption, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability abroad, emergency evacuation, pre-existing condition coverage and 24/7 support.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover you long-term. A simple accident abroad can cost thousands, while major surgery can exceed $30,000. Don't risk financial ruin. A policy from providers like Mondialcare ensures you have comprehensive medical coverage and 24/7 assistance, letting you explore with confidence.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement ceilings and special policy rules for long term travel insurance can vary widely between plans. It is crucial to compare the most relevant criteria to make sure your extended stay is properly protected and your travel needs are met.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Higher medical costs over long trips mean you need adequate coverage. | Choose at least $2M coverage for medical emergencies to protect against major illness or accidents abroad. |
| 💲 Deductible | Deductibles can add up during extended stays with frequent claims. | Prefer zero or low deductible policies, especially if planning visits to the United States or Europe. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Requirements for timing, renewals and eligibility affect your coverage abroad. | Check renewal options and extension rules, especially for trips exceeding one year or multiple countries. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some policies limit enrollment or benefits by age, especially for seniors. | Verify age restrictions and availability of senior coverage if you are over 60 or traveling as a retiree. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Long term travelers may be students, workers, families, or digital nomads. | Seek tailored plans for your travel purpose, as working holiday, study, or family policies offer better fit. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Coverage periods, maximum single trip length and extensions differ by insurer. | Confirm maximum duration matches your needs, and look for policies offering easy extensions from abroad. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Coverage exclusions and cost vary greatly by destination. | Ensure all intended countries are covered, including nations needing Schengen-compliant insurance. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports and hazardous work may be excluded from standard policies. | Declare risky activities like diving, hiking, or work tasks to guarantee valid coverage for your itinerary. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank card or home insurance plans often do not cover extended trips abroad. | Do not rely solely on credit card insurance, as its maximum trip length for Canadians is typically just 15–31 days. |
long term Travel Insurance Coverage Under Current Policies
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can offer you a long term 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 term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, MSP) | Never | Emergency medical abroad, up to $400/day hospital, $50 doctor. No trip cancellation, repatriation, personal liability, or long duration stays abroad. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $5,000,000 and covers baggage, liability, repatriation and trip interruption. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical, often $1,000,000 or less, but no other trip benefits. No coverage for trip interruption, baggage, adventure sports, or temporary home returns abroad. | Travel insurance offers up to $5,000,000, including adventure activities, trip extension, and full-time coverage abroad. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, BMO Mastercard) | Almost Never | Medical up to $1,000,000 per trip (max 15-31 days), rarely other benefits. No coverage for trips over one month or worldwide support during extended stays. | Travel insurance fully covers trips of 3-24 months and includes assistance, baggage, dental, and more up to $5,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (TD Aeroplan Infinite, CIBC Aventura) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $2,000,000, trip cancellation $1,500-$2,500, coverage max 21-31 days. No coverage for long duration trips, pre-existing conditions, or yearly extensions. | Travel insurance enables policy extensions, covers pre-existing conditions, and reimburses up to $5,000,000. |
No trip cancellation, repatriation, personal liability, or long duration stays abroad.
No coverage for trip interruption, baggage, adventure sports, or temporary home returns abroad.
No coverage for trips over one month or worldwide support during extended stays.
No coverage for long duration trips, pre-existing conditions, or yearly extensions.
Expert advice
Many bank card and provincial health plans exclude key coverage like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory for some countries, especially those granting working holiday visas or student stays such as Australia, New Zealand, and select European countries. While it is not legally required for every destination, it is strongly recommended for Canadians travelling abroad for several months. For instance, a digital nomad working in Asia for a year could face high medical expenses without adequate insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
Purchase long term travel insurance as soon as you have fixed your travel dates and before your departure. Early purchase ensures you receive pre-departure benefits such as trip cancellation, as well as continuous coverage for your entire trip. This timing is financially beneficial and avoids gaps from the start of your journey.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing available long term travel insurance plans, using comparison resources like HelloSafe’s platform for a broad market view. Review guarantees and exclusions carefully to ensure the coverage matches your trip duration and activities. Purchase your chosen policy online, and you will receive your certificate by email as confirmation of coverage.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase long term travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to secure coverage before you depart. Buying early maximizes your access to cancellation and interruption protections. Once your journey begins, late purchase may leave you exposed to certain risks or losses that occur before your policy starts.
How do I make a claim on my long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer directly—usually through an online portal or a dedicated helpline. You will need to submit documentation such as medical bills, proof of travel, and a completed claims form. Most insurers process claims within a few weeks, but timely and complete submissions help avoid delays.
Does long term travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many long term travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing medical conditions, but some offer coverage if you meet stability requirements, such as being symptom-free for a set period before departure. Always declare all conditions when applying and check for available medical underwriting or added waivers to ensure eligibility.
Does long term travel insurance allow temporary returns to Canada?
Some long term travel insurance policies include short-term home country coverage for visits lasting 30 to 90 days per year. This feature allows you to return to Canada briefly without voiding your policy, but any extended stay or routine medical care in Canada may not be covered. Always read your policy details carefully.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory for some countries, especially those granting working holiday visas or student stays such as Australia, New Zealand, and select European countries. While it is not legally required for every destination, it is strongly recommended for Canadians travelling abroad for several months. For instance, a digital nomad working in Asia for a year could face high medical expenses without adequate insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
Purchase long term travel insurance as soon as you have fixed your travel dates and before your departure. Early purchase ensures you receive pre-departure benefits such as trip cancellation, as well as continuous coverage for your entire trip. This timing is financially beneficial and avoids gaps from the start of your journey.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing available long term travel insurance plans, using comparison resources like HelloSafe’s platform for a broad market view. Review guarantees and exclusions carefully to ensure the coverage matches your trip duration and activities. Purchase your chosen policy online, and you will receive your certificate by email as confirmation of coverage.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase long term travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to secure coverage before you depart. Buying early maximizes your access to cancellation and interruption protections. Once your journey begins, late purchase may leave you exposed to certain risks or losses that occur before your policy starts.
How do I make a claim on my long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer directly—usually through an online portal or a dedicated helpline. You will need to submit documentation such as medical bills, proof of travel, and a completed claims form. Most insurers process claims within a few weeks, but timely and complete submissions help avoid delays.
Does long term travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many long term travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing medical conditions, but some offer coverage if you meet stability requirements, such as being symptom-free for a set period before departure. Always declare all conditions when applying and check for available medical underwriting or added waivers to ensure eligibility.
Does long term travel insurance allow temporary returns to Canada?
Some long term travel insurance policies include short-term home country coverage for visits lasting 30 to 90 days per year. This feature allows you to return to Canada briefly without voiding your policy, but any extended stay or routine medical care in Canada may not be covered. Always read your policy details carefully.
