- The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
- What is long term travel insurance?
- The price of long term travel insurance
- What long term travel insurance covers
- The conditions of long term travel insurance
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance
- Understanding Coverage for long term Travel with Your Current Policies
- FAQ
- On the same topic
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance is for trips over 90 days, covering extended stays like for work or study.
2. Price: A six-month policy for Europe can cost from 2,200 to 3,500 AED, depending on your coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports without add-ons.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: UAE bank cards and health plans like Daman or DHA offer very limited or no long-term international coverage.
5. Tips: Ensure your policy meets visa requirements for your destination and covers the entire duration of your stay abroad.
6. Other useful info: Many long-term visas for UAE residents require proof of specific, comprehensive travel insurance before they are issued.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the UAE, our experts share here 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 the UAE in 2025. These policies are among the best due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing reliable protection for extended stays abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1,100,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 735,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
| Tourist Card | 550,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
| World Travel | 1,100,000 AED | 300 AED |
|
| Globe Partner | 735,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
| Globe Traveller | 550,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
- Flexible cover duration.
- Emergency assistance worldwide 24/7.
- Online claim submission.
- Multi-currency limits for high-cost destinations.
- Direct billing with global network.
- Option to extend while abroad.
- Student, expat, and digital nomad coverage.
- Mobile app to manage claims.
- Extended period coverage.
- Covers common travel activities.
- Assistance in multiple languages.
- Easily adjustable policy duration.
- No age limit for insurance.
- Comprehensive repatriation and evacuation.
- Family discounts on premium.
- Business travel benefits included.
- Supports working holiday policies.
- Fast claim processing via mobile app.
- Guarantee for visa compliance.
- Access to a global provider network.
- Designed for multi-country travel.
- Pre-existing condition options.
- Extended support for long journeys.
- Stable premiums for seniors.
The best long term travel insurance varies based on the specifics of your journey. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits your needs and subscribe easily online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is an insurance policy designed to cover extended international trips usually lasting from six months to several years.
It provides continuous protection for UAE residents against medical emergencies, loss of personal belongings, trip disruption, and liability during an extended stay abroad.
Long term policies are essential for students, expatriate workers, digital nomads, and frequent travelers needing reliable coverage beyond 90 days.
This type of insurance is also known as extended stay or annual multi-trip insurance and differs from short-stay policies by its longer duration and broader scope.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in the United Arab Emirates:
- For a gap year or an extended study abroad program.
- When working overseas as a digital nomad or remote worker.
- If taking a sabbatical or a long career break to travel.
- For prolonged visits to family living in another country.
- When your UAE health insurance lacks long-term global cover.
- If your annual multi-trip policy's trip duration limit is exceeded.
The price of long term travel insurance
On average, long term travel insurance costs between 2% and 4% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Six months of study abroad in France | 18,000 | 1,200 to 2,500 |
| One-year remote work in Thailand and Malaysia | 30,000 | 2,400 to 4,800 |
| Eighteen-month family stay in Canada | 60,000 | 3,600 to 8,200 |
| Two-year world tour across 10 countries | 100,000 | 5,000 to 10,000 |
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: insurance prices increase for longer journeys and multi-year plans.
- destination: healthcare costs vary widely, so trips to countries like the USA or Switzerland generally require higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: policies for travelers over 60 usually have higher premiums.
- level of coverage: higher limits, lower deductibles, or additional services such as adventure sports coverage tend to increase the cost.
- selected options: adding pre-existing condition cover, valuables cover, or flexibility for multiple countries will raise the price.
What long term travel insurance covers
Long term travel insurance is designed for UAE residents spending many months or years abroad for work, study, or travel. It provides coverage for extended stays, offering tailored protection far beyond the duration of standard policies.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid costs if you cancel for approved reasons before departure. | We recommend at least AED 10,000 coverage and a deductible not exceeding AED 200. Cancellation due to visa refusal, personal reasons, or pre-existing conditions is excluded. |
| 🛫 Missed departure | Pays transport costs if you miss your flight with a valid reason. | At least AED 1,500 cover is suggested, with zero or low deductible. Delays must be proven, missed departures by your own mistake are not covered. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates you for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage during the trip. | No less than AED 10,000 cover is advised. Deductibles over AED 100 should be avoided. Unattended luggage, fragile objects, and valuables often have limited or no cover. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides a fixed allowance for major flight or transport delays. | A minimum of AED 400 after 8 hours is recommended. Shorter delays, unconfirmed claims, or strikes may be excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care and hospitalization while overseas. | Minimum AED 500,000 with a deductible no greater than AED 200 is essential. Chronic conditions, elective treatment, and routine check-ups are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for return to the UAE in a medical emergency. | Look for unlimited coverage arranged by the insurer. Non-emergency transfers and refusal of evacuation usually lead to exclusion. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment due to pain or accident during the trip. | AED 2,000 minimum is best. Avoid high deductibles. Routine, planned, or cosmetic dental care is not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or cause third-party property damage. | At least AED 300,000 coverage with a deductible below AED 250. Damage to family, rental property, or vehicles are generally excluded. |
| 🧳 Personal belongings | Covers your personal items including electronics and valuables against theft or damage. | AED 7,500+ minimum and low deductibles are preferred. Negligence, expensive jewelry, and unattended items are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused bookings if you must cut your travel short due to a covered event. | Aim for at least AED 7,500 of cover. Low deductible is preferable. Minor disruptions or voluntary changes are excluded. |
Cancellation due to visa refusal, personal reasons, or pre-existing conditions is excluded.
Delays must be proven, missed departures by your own mistake are not covered.
Unattended luggage, fragile objects, and valuables often have limited or no cover.
Shorter delays, unconfirmed claims, or strikes may be excluded.
Chronic conditions, elective treatment, and routine check-ups are excluded.
Non-emergency transfers and refusal of evacuation usually lead to exclusion.
Routine, planned, or cosmetic dental care is not covered.
Damage to family, rental property, or vehicles are generally excluded.
Negligence, expensive jewelry, and unattended items are not covered.
Minor disruptions or voluntary changes 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 term travel insurance best suited to your journey, easily compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance policies are valid only when specific conditions are met by the insured traveler.
- Timing of purchase: the policy must be bought before you leave the UAE for your extended trip.
- Residency requirement: you must be a current resident of the UAE at the time of subscription and maintain this status.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage applies for the exact dates and total length declared in the policy, not exceeding the maximum period allowed.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be abroad when taking out the insurance, the start of cover is from UAE departure.
- Destination restrictions: travel to destinations under official government advisories or global sanctions may result in exclusion.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer promptly in emergencies, such as hospital admission or theft, in line with the policy rules.
- Documentary proof: claims require submission of original receipts, certificates, detailed travel itineraries, or other supporting documents.
- Medical and activity declaration: pre-existing conditions and planned high-risk activities must be declared at subscription for full eligibility.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for UAE residents is relying on bank card insurance for long trips. These complimentary policies are typically limited to 90 days and have lower coverage. For extended travel, a dedicated long-term plan is crucial to ensure you are fully protected throughout your entire journey.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Extended travel brings increased exposure to risks and health incidents, which can result in significant expenses abroad, especially during long term stays.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to AED 1,000,000 per claim, often 100% of costs |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to AED 2,000,000, usually fully covered if necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to AED 1,000,000, depending on the policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Typically covered up to AED 1,000,000, less any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Covered up to AED 20,000, subject to any sub-limit |
- Europe: AED 800 to AED 1,200
- North America: AED 2,500 to AED 4,000
- Asia: AED 400 to AED 800
- Europe: AED 50,000 to AED 100,000
- North America: AED 80,000 to AED 150,000
- Asia: AED 30,000 to AED 60,000
- Europe: AED 15,000 to AED 25,000
- North America: AED 60,000 to AED 120,000
- Asia: AED 8,000 to AED 15,000
- Europe: AED 600 to AED 1,000
- North America: AED 1,800 to AED 3,500
- Asia: AED 300 to AED 600
- Europe: AED 500 to AED 900
- North America: AED 2,000 to AED 3,000
- Asia: AED 250 to AED 500
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.
Long term travel insurance may also provide other useful guarantees, such as personal belongings coverage, trip cancellation or interruption, personal liability, emergency evacuation assistance, and adventure activities protection for complete peace of mind while abroad.
Good to know
Your local UAE health plan or bank card insurance won't cover long trips. An accident abroad can cost thousands. Secure comprehensive medical coverage up to 1,100,000 AED and 24/7 assistance with a specialist plan like Mondialcare for total peace of mind on your journey.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement rates, and conditions can differ greatly between long term travel insurance plans. It is necessary to compare key criteria to ensure you have complete protection for your entire extended journey.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Extended trips increase the chance of costly medical care or evacuation abroad. | Always select medical cover at least AED 500,000 and higher for the USA or Canada. |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles mean more out-of-pocket costs if you make a claim. | Look for reasonable deductibles to avoid extra financial burden during long stays. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Certain benefits may only apply if the contract is purchased before leaving the UAE, or if information is updated. | Confirm start and end dates, plus eligibility for contract extensions while abroad. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some insurers impose limits or higher premiums for senior travelers. | Check maximum insurable age and related terms if traveling after age 60 or 65. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Coverage should reflect solo, couple, or family travel, and any dependents. | Register all travelers on the policy to avoid exclusions for family members. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | The country of destination affects healthcare costs and policy price. | Make sure every country on your route is included, especially for multi-region trips. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank card and health insurance often limit trips to 30-90 days or exclude long term stays. | Check exclusions and do not rely on basic policies for journeys over 3 months. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports or volunteer work may be excluded without specific coverage. | Specify planned activities and choose a plan with add-ons for adventure or sports. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Easy digital sign-up and claims save time and provide access from abroad. | Favour providers offering global assistance and fast online claim submission 24/7. |
Understanding Coverage for long term Travel with Your Current Policies
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance plans, such as credit card coverage or public health insurance, can provide you with long term travel insurance, but unfortunately this is usually 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 (Dubai Health Authority) | Never | Emergency treatment within the UAE or limited network, max: AED 50,000. No global coverage, repatriation, trip cancellation, or baggage protection for trips longer than 30 days. | Travel insurance covers up to AED 1,000,000 worldwide and includes repatriation, personal belongings, cancellation, and liability. |
| Private health insurance (Daman Health, AXA Gulf) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad, max: AED 100,000–200,000, coverage limited to 30–60 days. No benefits for long-term stays, trip continuation, interruption, or adventure sports abroad. | Travel insurance offers up to AED 1,000,000 for long term trips, adventure activities, evacuation and travel risks coverage. |
| Classic credit card (Emirates NBD Standard, ADCB Classic) | Never | Accidents or delayed baggage, trip coverage up to AED 5,000–10,000, medical up to AED 100,000 for max 60-90 days. No coverage for extended stays, chronic illness, or repatriation. | Travel insurance includes up to AED 1,000,000, covering chronic illness, repatriation, evacuation, and 24/7 assistance abroad. |
| Premium credit card (FAB World Elite, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Some emergency medical and trip benefits, max: AED 250,000–300,000, valid only up to 90 days. No extended coverage for over 3 months, missed flights, or high-value equipment losses. | Travel insurance insures up to AED 1,000,000 continuous protection for all trip lengths and scenarios, including high-value belongings. |
No global coverage, repatriation, trip cancellation, or baggage protection for trips longer than 30 days.
No benefits for long-term stays, trip continuation, interruption, or adventure sports abroad.
No coverage for extended stays, chronic illness, or repatriation.
No extended coverage for over 3 months, missed flights, or high-value equipment losses.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies in the UAE exclude critical events like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it is always safer 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 certain destinations such as countries requiring proof of comprehensive coverage for student or work visas. While it is not universally required, it is strongly recommended for anyone planning to spend several months or more abroad. For example, a traveler studying in France or working in Australia may need insurance for visa approval, and unplanned medical emergencies without coverage can result in severe financial loss.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase long term travel insurance as soon as your extended travel dates are confirmed, ideally before booking flights or accommodations. Arranging insurance early ensures you benefit from trip cancellation coverage and guarantees that policy conditions are valid from day one of your journey.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
First, compare policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable, cost-effective options. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions—attention to maximum coverage limits and long-term conditions is essential. Purchase your policy online and receive the insurance certificate immediately, supporting your visa or travel requirements.
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 important to do so before departure. Purchasing early gives you access to the widest range of coverage, especially for cancellation or pre-existing medical conditions, and ensures continuous protection from your first travel day.
How do I make a claim with long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline or claims portal as soon as possible. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as receipts and medical reports, along with your policy details. Most insurers offer 24/7 support for long term policies to assist you throughout your trip.
Is my UAE medical insurance valid for long term travel abroad?
Most UAE medical insurance policies offer limited coverage for short trips and rarely extend comprehensive protection for long term stays. You typically need a specialist long term travel insurance plan to cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation when abroad for six months or more.
Does long term travel insurance cover multiple countries?
Yes, most long term travel insurance plans offer global coverage, allowing you to travel between countries during your journey. It is important, however, to check any specific exclusions for destinations and ensure your policy duration matches your entire time abroad.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory for certain destinations such as countries requiring proof of comprehensive coverage for student or work visas. While it is not universally required, it is strongly recommended for anyone planning to spend several months or more abroad. For example, a traveler studying in France or working in Australia may need insurance for visa approval, and unplanned medical emergencies without coverage can result in severe financial loss.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase long term travel insurance as soon as your extended travel dates are confirmed, ideally before booking flights or accommodations. Arranging insurance early ensures you benefit from trip cancellation coverage and guarantees that policy conditions are valid from day one of your journey.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
First, compare policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable, cost-effective options. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions—attention to maximum coverage limits and long-term conditions is essential. Purchase your policy online and receive the insurance certificate immediately, supporting your visa or travel requirements.
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 important to do so before departure. Purchasing early gives you access to the widest range of coverage, especially for cancellation or pre-existing medical conditions, and ensures continuous protection from your first travel day.
How do I make a claim with long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline or claims portal as soon as possible. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as receipts and medical reports, along with your policy details. Most insurers offer 24/7 support for long term policies to assist you throughout your trip.
Is my UAE medical insurance valid for long term travel abroad?
Most UAE medical insurance policies offer limited coverage for short trips and rarely extend comprehensive protection for long term stays. You typically need a specialist long term travel insurance plan to cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation when abroad for six months or more.
Does long term travel insurance cover multiple countries?
Yes, most long term travel insurance plans offer global coverage, allowing you to travel between countries during your journey. It is important, however, to check any specific exclusions for destinations and ensure your policy duration matches your entire time abroad.
On the same topic
