- The best long term travel insurance plans
- What is long term travel insurance?
- What is the price of long term travel insurance?
- What does long term travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of long term travel insurance
- Why take out long term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right long term travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel?
- FAQ
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance is for extended trips, typically over 90 days, offering continuous protection abroad.
2. Price: A six-month long-term policy for Europe can cost between R8,500 and R15,000 from South Africa.
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 and medical aids like Discovery or Momentum offer very limited cover abroad, especially for long trips.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and verify that your planned activities, like adventure sports, are fully covered.
6. Other useful info: Many policies cater to working holiday visas and may offer protection against Rand (ZAR) currency fluctuations.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in South Africa, 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 South Africa in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, providing robust protection for extended travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R10,0M | R500 | • Includes lost luggage protection. • Free emergency teleconsultation 24/7. • Customizable travel duration. • Direct billing with hospitals abroad. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R10,0M | R500 | • Free multilingual support. • Rapid claims approval. • Covers adventure sports. • Visa compliance certificate issued. |
| Tourist Card | R5,0M | R1,000, R2,000 for USA/Canada | • Long stay/expat coverage. • Offers coverage renewal online. • Repatriation included. • No age surcharge below 60. |
| World Travel | R8,0M (USA/Canada), R3,5M (others) | R750 per claim | • Annual multi-trip option. • Political evacuation included. • Covers trip interruption. • Mental health support. |
| Globe Partner | R3,5M | R500 | • Suitable for students. • Unlimited claims. • No up-front payment required. • Immediate coverage confirmation. |
| Globe Traveller | R5,0M | R500 | • Valid for trips up to 12 months. • Stable pricing for all ages. • Multilingual claim handling. • Pays for missed flights. |
• Free emergency teleconsultation 24/7.
• Customizable travel duration.
• Direct billing with hospitals abroad.
• Rapid claims approval.
• Covers adventure sports.
• Visa compliance certificate issued.
• Offers coverage renewal online.
• Repatriation included.
• No age surcharge below 60.
• Political evacuation included.
• Covers trip interruption.
• Mental health support.
• Unlimited claims.
• No up-front payment required.
• Immediate coverage confirmation.
• Stable pricing for all ages.
• Multilingual claim handling.
• Pays for missed flights.
The best long term travel insurance may vary depending on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is specialised cover for South Africans needing protection during extended trips abroad, typically lasting over six months.
It ensures continuous financial security for medical emergencies, personal belongings, liability, and travel interruptions throughout long stays.
Long term travel insurance is different from standard or annual travel policies, which only cover shorter or multiple short trips and may not protect extended journeys.
This insurance is essential for those studying, working, or living outside South Africa for longer periods.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially important if you live in South Africa:
- When your trip abroad lasts longer than 90 days.
- If you are undertaking a working holiday or a gap year.
- When living as a digital nomad or working remotely overseas.
- If your long-stay visa requires proof of insurance cover.
- When your South African medical aid's travel benefit expires.
- For extended travel across multiple countries or continents.
- During an expatriate assignment before local healthcare is active.
What is the price of long term travel insurance?
On average, long term travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months in the UK or Europe | 60,000 | 2,400 to 4,800 |
| 1 year working holiday in Australia | 120,000 | 4,800 to 9,600 |
| 18 months digital nomad trip across North America | 200,000 | 8,000 to 16,000 |
| 2 years worldwide expatriation (family of 3) | 450,000 | 19,000 to 32,000 |
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: a longer trip or stay abroad will increase the premium.
- destination: destinations with higher medical costs or higher risk may increase the price.
- traveller’s age: premiums rise with age, especially over 65.
- level of coverage: choosing higher limits or including benefits like liability, personal belongings, and legal assistance increases the total cost.
- medical history and options selected: cover for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or the ability to extend a policy mid-trip will raise the price.
What does long term travel insurance cover?
Long term travel insurance is designed for those who will be abroad for several months to several years.
It is suitable for extended trips such as working holidays, gap year travel, or expatriate assignments.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of pre-paid travel costs if you cancel before departure for covered reasons. | Minimum cover should be R50,000 with a deductible not above R1,000. Change of mind, government advisories, or work changes are usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Personal belongings | Protection for luggage, electronics, and valuables while abroad for a long stay. | Opt for at least R30,000 cover and avoid deductibles above R1,000. Unattended items, gradual wear and expensive items not declared are excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra travel costs if you miss your transport due to a covered delay. | At least R10,000 with no deductible preferred. Missed connections due to late arrival, poor planning, or lack of proof are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment overseas during your long term trip. | Recommend a minimum of R5M cover, deductible not above R1,000. Routine treatment, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for transport home if your health requires it. | Choose at least R5M or unlimited cover, no deductible if possible. Non-medical reasons or going against doctor’s advice are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment during an extended stay abroad. | R7,500 minimum, deductible no more than R500. Routine, orthodontic, or cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Pays costs if you accidentally injure others or damage property overseas. | Minimum R2M advised, deductible below R1,000. Injury to family, intentional acts, or damages to rented items are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses abroad | Covers legal costs or bail abroad during an incident. | At least R250,000 for legal fees, max R1,000 deductible. Criminal offences, business disputes, or acts under the influence are excluded. |
| 🏨 Emergency accommodation | Pays extra hotel costs if you need to extend your stay due to emergencies. | R10,000 per incident, max deductible of R400. Upgrades by choice or non-emergency stays are excluded. |
| 📞 24/7 emergency assistance | Provides around-the-clock support, medical help, repatriation and advice. | Always confirm this service is unlimited, available in your destination and multilingual. Routine advice or non-emergency requests are excluded. |
Change of mind, government advisories, or work changes are usually excluded.
Unattended items, gradual wear and expensive items not declared are excluded.
Missed connections due to late arrival, poor planning, or lack of proof are not covered.
Routine treatment, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures are excluded.
Non-medical reasons or going against doctor’s advice are excluded.
Routine, orthodontic, or cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Injury to family, intentional acts, or damages to rented items are excluded.
Criminal offences, business disputes, or acts under the influence are excluded.
Upgrades by choice or non-emergency stays are excluded.
Routine advice or non-emergency requests 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, compare plans and guarantees easily on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance applies only if several important conditions are fulfilled by the traveler and according to the policy. The main requirements in South Africa are as follows.
- Subscription before departure: you must buy the insurance before leaving South Africa for your long term stay abroad.
- Residency requirement: you must be a South African resident at the time of purchasing your long term policy.
- Continuous travel period: cover is valid only for uninterrupted travel abroad within the insured duration, usually 6 months to 24 months.
- No existing overseas presence: coverage cannot start if you are already overseas, except for allowed extensions explicitly stated by the insurer.
- Maximum age limits: you must respect the age limits specified in your policy, which may vary by insurer.
- Trip extension declaration: if your stay is extended, you must notify the insurer and apply for an extension before your current cover expires.
- Covered destinations only: coverage applies only to regions or countries included in your policy, some areas may be excluded due to risk.
- Compliance with exclusions: pre-existing medical conditions, hazardous activities or claims from excluded causes are not covered by most long term policies.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming your South African bank card's insurance is sufficient for long trips. These policies are typically limited to 90 days and offer minimal coverage, leaving you dangerously exposed abroad. Always purchase a dedicated long-term policy for proper protection on your extended journey.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Extended trips come with uncertain risks, and without long term travel insurance, even routine medical events abroad can quickly result in serious financial difficulties.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to R15,000,000 |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
- Europe: R3,500
- North America: R8,500
- Asia: R1,800
- Europe: R180,000
- North America: R280,000
- Asia: R150,000
- Europe: R85,000
- North America: R450,000
- Asia: R35,000
- Europe: R2,800
- North America: R6,200
- Asia: R1,200
- Europe: R4,200
- North America: R9,800
- Asia: R2,100
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 urgent medical cover, long term travel insurance often includes valuable guarantees such as trip cancellation, protection for personal belongings, civil liability abroad, emergency accommodation, legal expenses and 24-hour assistance.
Good to know
Your local medical aid won't cover a long trip. An accident in the USA could cost over R450,000. Long-term insurance is crucial for medical emergencies, repatriation, and visa requirements. Plans from insurers like Chapka provide peace of mind, so you can focus on your adventure, not the bills.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance plans can offer very different levels of cover, from medical limits to support services. Understanding which criteria matter most makes it easier to compare and select cover that matches extended travel needs from South Africa.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Long trips increase total risk, so limits must be high enough to cover any crisis | Choose medical cover of at least R5,000,000 for developed countries including USA |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles can lower premiums but mean larger out-of-pocket payments | Opt for a deductible you can afford, especially for more frequent claims |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Specific rules may apply to extensions, renewals, or residency requirements | Read the fine print for renewal options or penalties before committing to a policy |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age heavily impacts eligibility and price, especially for long term cover | Confirm there are no sudden premium increases or restrictions after age 60 or 65 |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Solos, couples, and families each need tailored cover for personal and work risks | Look for family or couple discounts and ensure dependants are covered for all benefits |
| 📆 Trip duration | Long term insurance is essential for travel over 90 days or beyond | Ensure your policy can be extended if your trip lasts longer than planned |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Each location may have unique risks and requirements | Select worldwide cover if your itinerary is not fixed or includes several continents |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Short-term or bank card policies rarely cover travel exceeding 90 days | Verify what is and is not covered for long trips, and buy additional cover as needed |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Working, volunteering, or sports change the risk profile for long trips | Always declare all planned activities to avoid exclusions or claim denial |
Do my current insurance policies cover long term travel?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like those linked to bank cards or medical aids, could replace a dedicated long term travel insurance policy when spending months or years abroad, but unfortunately these usual solutions are rarely sufficient. 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 (Discovery Health) | Never | Covers emergency treatment up to R150,000 per year. Repatriation and baggage are not included. No coverage for liability, cancellation, personal belongings, or full repatriation after 90 days. | Travel insurance covers up to R10,000,000 for medical care, plus baggage, cancellation, and personal liability up to R5,000,000. Unmatched for length and scope. |
| Private health insurance (Momentum Health, Bonitas Medical Fund) | Almost Never | May provide emergency medical up to R100,000 per trip, no repatriation. No personal liability or long term protection. No coverage for lost documents, legal expenses, or non-medical emergencies. | Travel insurance provides up to R10,000,000 for medical, repatriation, and extras, such as lost documents or emergency accommodation, essential for extended stays. |
| Classic credit card (ABSA Gold, Capitec Global One) | Never | Medical cover up to R100,000 for up to 30 days, baggage up to R2,000. No coverage for long stays, adventure sports, routine medical care, or trip interruption. | Travel insurance secures up to R150,000 for cancellation, plus adventure activities, extended travel, and continuous assistance, vital for long term journeys. |
| Premium credit card (FNB Private Clients, Standard Bank Private) | Limited Coverage | May offer emergency medical up to R750,000 for a maximum of 90 days, baggage up to R15,000. No long term or multi-year protection, limited liability, or legal cover. | Travel insurance can offer non-stop cover for up to 2 years or more, liability up to R5,000,000, and legal support worldwide, truly tailored for long term travel needs. |
No coverage for liability, cancellation, personal belongings, or full repatriation after 90 days.
No coverage for lost documents, legal expenses, or non-medical emergencies.
No coverage for long stays, adventure sports, routine medical care, or trip interruption.
No long term or multi-year protection, limited liability, or legal cover.
Expert advice
Your bank card or medical aid often won't cover trip interruptions, like a relative's illness. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip and needs.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory when required by certain visa applications, such as for studying or working holidays in countries like Australia, Canada, and many Schengen states. For most destinations, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended, since a single medical emergency during extended travel can result in costs of hundreds of thousands of rand without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to buy long term travel insurance is as soon as your trip dates are confirmed and your payments begin. This ensures your cancellation coverage is active from day one, and gives you the broadest protection if plans change before you depart.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
First, compare available offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find long term policies best suited to your needs. Then, check guarantees and exclusions in detail, paying attention to duration and specific long stay requirements. You can then purchase online and quickly receive your insurance certificate for visa and travel proof.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy long term travel insurance even after you have booked your trip, but you must do so before you depart. Buying early ensures you access full cancellation and pre-departure benefits, and avoids issues with late-start date exclusions.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline or claims portal as soon as possible and provide all necessary documents. This includes medical reports, receipts, a copy of your passport, and proof of travel. Many insurers now offer online claims with quick response and settlement times.
Does long term travel insurance cover working or volunteering abroad?
Most long term travel insurance policies can include coverage for work, internships, or volunteer activities abroad, but specific terms apply. Some policies exclude manual labour or professional sports, so always check the small print and select a policy that matches your overseas activities.
What happens if my trip is extended and my insurance is set to expire?
Many long term insurance providers offer extension options so you can prolong your coverage as needed. It is crucial to contact your insurer before your current policy expires, as coverage lapses may prevent extension or leave you uninsured abroad. Always plan extensions ahead for seamless protection.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by long term travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some offer options to include declared stable conditions while others exclude them entirely or require an additional premium. Always declare your medical history in full when purchasing to avoid claim rejections and check for available waiver options.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is mandatory when required by certain visa applications, such as for studying or working holidays in countries like Australia, Canada, and many Schengen states. For most destinations, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended, since a single medical emergency during extended travel can result in costs of hundreds of thousands of rand without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to buy long term travel insurance is as soon as your trip dates are confirmed and your payments begin. This ensures your cancellation coverage is active from day one, and gives you the broadest protection if plans change before you depart.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
First, compare available offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find long term policies best suited to your needs. Then, check guarantees and exclusions in detail, paying attention to duration and specific long stay requirements. You can then purchase online and quickly receive your insurance certificate for visa and travel proof.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy long term travel insurance even after you have booked your trip, but you must do so before you depart. Buying early ensures you access full cancellation and pre-departure benefits, and avoids issues with late-start date exclusions.
How do I make a claim on long term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline or claims portal as soon as possible and provide all necessary documents. This includes medical reports, receipts, a copy of your passport, and proof of travel. Many insurers now offer online claims with quick response and settlement times.
Does long term travel insurance cover working or volunteering abroad?
Most long term travel insurance policies can include coverage for work, internships, or volunteer activities abroad, but specific terms apply. Some policies exclude manual labour or professional sports, so always check the small print and select a policy that matches your overseas activities.
What happens if my trip is extended and my insurance is set to expire?
Many long term insurance providers offer extension options so you can prolong your coverage as needed. It is crucial to contact your insurer before your current policy expires, as coverage lapses may prevent extension or leave you uninsured abroad. Always plan extensions ahead for seamless protection.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by long term travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some offer options to include declared stable conditions while others exclude them entirely or require an additional premium. Always declare your medical history in full when purchasing to avoid claim rejections and check for available waiver options.
