- The Best long term Travel Insurance Plans
- What is long term travel insurance?
- 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 your current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
- FAQ
long term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Long-term travel insurance provides extended medical and travel cover for trips lasting several months to over a year.
2. Price: A six-month policy for Europe can cost between ₱15,000 and ₱25,000, depending on your age and coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers major medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and local HMOs like PhilHealth or Maxicare offer very limited or no long-term international medical cover.
5. Tips: Verify your policy meets the minimum medical coverage required for your visa, such as for Schengen area travel.
6. Other useful info: Proof of comprehensive insurance is often mandatory for Filipino applicants of working holiday visas to countries like Australia.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the Philippines, 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 Philippines in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, making them strong choices for extended journeys.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₱5.6M | ₱0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₱5.6M | ₱0 |
|
| Tourist Card | ₱2.8M | ₱1,700 (₱3,400 for USA/Canada) |
|
| World Travel | ₱3.9M (USA/Canada), ₱1.7M (others) | ₱2,800 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | ₱1.7M | ₱0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | ₱2.8M | ₱0 |
|
- Annual extension option.
- Immediate online claims.
- English-speaking 24/7 hotline.
- Refund for visa denial.
- Mobile app for medical help.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- No exclusion for age.
- Sports and study included.
- Fast digital reimbursements.
- Covers pre-existing conditions.
- Emergency dental included.
- Flexible cancellation terms.
- Quarantine hotel coverage.
- Passport assistance.
- Psychological support.
- Political evacuation.
- No paperwork on signup.
- Digital support.
- Moderate premiums.
- Useful for digital nomads.
- For trips up to 12 months.
- Stable premium past age 60.
- Visa support letter.
- Help in several languages.
The best long term travel insurance may vary according to your individual circumstances. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits your needs and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is long term travel insurance?
Long term travel insurance is coverage designed for Filipinos travelling abroad for extended periods, typically six months to two years or more.
It provides sustained protection for medical emergencies, repatriation, personal liability, and loss or theft of belongings throughout the stay.
This type of insurance is essential for gap year students, expatriates, working holiday travelers, or digital nomads from the Philippines.
Long term travel insurance is sometimes confused with standard short-stay travel insurance, but only this type covers trips much longer than 90 days.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out long term travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the Philippines:
- For studying abroad or joining a long exchange program.
- When participating in a working holiday visa program overseas.
- If you are a digital nomad traveling while working remotely.
- For extended backpacking trips or a sabbatical over six months.
- To meet mandatory long-stay visa insurance requirements for entry.
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- As an expatriate before your local health plan is active.
The price of long term travel insurance
On average, long term travel insurance typically costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (PHP) | Indicative price per person (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Round-the-world trip, 6 months across Asia | ₱350,000 | ₱10,500 to ₱21,000 |
| 1-year working holiday in Australia | ₱450,000 | ₱13,500 to ₱27,000 |
| 18-month digital nomad journey in Europe | ₱800,000 | ₱24,000 to ₱48,000 |
| Annual plan: 3 trips to France per year | ₱300,000 | ₱9,000 to ₱18,000 |
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.
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the total insurance cost.
- destination: traveling to countries with high medical costs, such as the United States, Japan, or Western Europe, increases the premium.
- traveler’s age: older travelers usually pay a higher price.
- level of coverage: plans with higher medical limits, lower deductibles, or extra benefits cost more.
- activities covered: coverage for adventure sports, hazardous activities, or valuable belongings can raise the price.
- pre-existing medical conditions: policies including coverage for known conditions are more expensive.
What does long term travel insurance cover?
Long term travel insurance is designed for Filipinos who travel or stay abroad for extended periods.
It provides continuous protection for health, belongings, liability, and travel interruption for trips often longer than 6 months.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund for trip costs if you cancel before leaving for a covered reason. | Choose at least ₱70,000 cover and a deductible not exceeding ₱3,000. Cancellations due to change of mind, work reasons or known issues are usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged belongings during an extended trip. | Aim for at least ₱100,000 cover and avoid policies with a deductible over ₱3,000. Items left unattended, wear and tear, and valuable jewelry are often not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical abroad | Key guarantee. Covers medical expenses for unexpected illness or accident overseas. | Secure a cover of ₱5,000,000 minimum, with a deductible below ₱3,000. Exclusions for pre-existing conditions, routine care and elective treatment are common. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Evacuation to the Philippines if medically necessary. | Unlimited or at least ₱2,000,000 and always coordinated by the insurer. Non-emergency transport and personal choices are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Urgent dental treatment for pain, infection or trauma while abroad. | We recommend a minimum of ₱30,000 and deductible below ₱1,500. Cosmetic, orthodontic and preventive care are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Coverage if you accidentally injure a person or damage their property during your trip. | Cover should be at least ₱2,000,000 with deductible under ₱5,000. Damages to family, business property or intentional harm are always excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation for delays to your departure or during your trip. | Look for no less than ₱10,000 after 12 hours delay, normally without deductible. Delays under 12 hours or not supported by evidence are not included. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund of unused travel costs if an emergency cuts your trip short. | Minimum ₱70,000 with deductible below ₱2,000 is best. Voluntary early returns or minor disruptions are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Payment of legal expenses or bail during unexpected disputes abroad. | Cover for at least ₱100,000 in legal fees, ₱300,000 for bail. Claims linked to business activity, criminal intent or family disputes are generally not accepted. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for death or permanent disability during travel. | At least ₱1,000,000 and preferably no deductible. Dangerous sports, suicide or intoxication commonly result in exclusion. |
Cancellations due to change of mind, work reasons or known issues are usually excluded.
Items left unattended, wear and tear, and valuable jewelry are often not covered.
Exclusions for pre-existing conditions, routine care and elective treatment are common.
Non-emergency transport and personal choices are not covered.
Cosmetic, orthodontic and preventive care are excluded.
Damages to family, business property or intentional harm are always excluded.
Delays under 12 hours or not supported by evidence are not included.
Voluntary early returns or minor disruptions are excluded.
Claims linked to business activity, criminal intent or family disputes are generally not accepted.
Dangerous sports, suicide or intoxication commonly result in exclusion.
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 profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of long term travel insurance
To ensure that your long term travel insurance remains valid throughout your trip, several conditions must be met. Below are the most important requirements for Filipino travelers:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy your long term policy before leaving the Philippines and before any incident or illness occurs.
- Residency: you must be a legal resident of the Philippines when you apply for the policy.
- Trip purpose: coverage applies only to leisure, study, or working holiday trips, not for permanent moves or emigration.
- Trip period compliance: your total travel period must not exceed the maximum allowed by your plan, usually up to 24 months.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be abroad when purchasing the insurance; coverage starts only for future trips.
- Home return clause: if your policy allows returns to the Philippines, you must follow the rules on how long and how often you can return.
- Incident notification: report medical emergencies, accidents, or losses to your insurer as soon as possible after the event.
- Required documents: you must provide medical certificates, receipts, police reports, or other evidence for any claim made.
Watch out!
A critical mistake many Filipino travelers make is assuming they can buy long-term insurance after leaving the country. Most policies must be purchased before you depart from the Philippines. Buying it late often means you won't be covered at all for your extended journey abroad.
Why take out long term travel insurance?
Long journeys abroad expose travelers to ongoing health, accident, and liability risks, with potential costs quickly becoming unaffordable.
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%, within the policy annual maximum |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if medically required |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to sum insured, depending on limits |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% after any deductible is applied |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Sometimes partial, often with a sub-limit |
- Europe: ₱14,000
- North America: ₱28,000
- Asia: ₱7,000
- Europe: ₱560,000
- North America: ₱840,000
- Asia: ₱280,000
- Europe: ₱1,120,000
- North America: ₱2,240,000
- Asia: ₱560,000
- Europe: ₱8,400
- North America: ₱16,800
- Asia: ₱4,200
- Europe: ₱16,800
- North America: ₱33,600
- Asia: ₱8,400
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical care, long term travel insurance can cover other important risks: trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or theft, civil liability, repatriation support, and special assistance services like teleconsultation or emergency cash advances.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency abroad drain your savings. A simple accident can lead to massive hospital bills, far exceeding costs in the Philippines. A comprehensive plan, like those from Heymondo, provides peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring your long-term adventure continues without worry.
How to choose the right long term travel insurance
Long term travel insurance policies differ widely in reimbursement ceilings, deductibles, allowed activities, and renewability. It is important to compare each plan against your needs, especially for extended trips from the Philippines where risks and costs can increase over time.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Reimbursement limits | Higher limits protect you from high hospital or evacuation costs in expensive countries. | Choose a plan with at least ₱2,800,000 in medical and evacuation coverage for long stays abroad. |
| 📉 Deductible | Out-of-pocket payments for each claim can impact your savings if you need frequent medical care. | Opt for low or zero deductible plans to control costs during multiple incidents or check-ups. |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Terms may restrict coverage periods, renewals, or impose waiting times for certain benefits. | Check policy renewability and extension rules to avoid losing coverage if your trip is prolonged. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums and acceptance conditions change with age, with restrictions for seniors on long trips. | Confirm senior acceptance and pre-existing condition coverage to avoid problems on renewal. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Coverage varies by region and country; some insurers restrict coverage for long stays in the US. | Verify all target countries are included, especially for working holiday or multi-country trips. |
| 🏥 Existing coverage | Most PH health or credit card insurance only covers short trips and has low foreign limits. | Supplement existing plans to bridge gaps in medical, evacuation, or accident benefits. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports, volunteering, or work abroad may require additional options or waivers. | Declare planned activities to ensure you are covered for sports, risky jobs, or internships. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Traveller profile | Single, couple, or family plans affect policy limits and claim flexibility. | Choose the right policy format if you travel with dependents or want to adjust coverage mid-trip. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Essential for reviewing, renewing, or claiming remotely while abroad for long periods. | Favor insurers with online management tools for policy updates and fast communication worldwide. |
Do your current insurance policies cover long term travel insurance?
It is reasonable to consider if your public health insurance or credit card insurance can serve as a long term travel insurance, but unfortunately these options are often insufficient for extended trips. 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 (PhilHealth) | Never | Limited emergency care in select countries, benefits up to ₱56,000. No repatriation, no multi-country, no trip interruption, no medical for most destinations, no coverage for more than 90 days. | Travel insurance pays up to ₱5,600,000 with repatriation, trip interruption, and global help for extended periods, none available with PhilHealth. |
| Private health insurance (Maxicare, Medicard) | Almost Never | Emergency abroad in limited locations, up to ₱280,000. Duration capped at short trips. No worldwide or year-long coverage, no adventure sports, no 24/7 global assistance, return home resets policy terms. | Travel insurance covers up to ₱5,600,000 for year-long/remote stays, with adventure coverage and worldwide help, unlike local health insurance plans. |
| Classic credit card (BPI Blue, Metrobank Classic) | Never | Accidents or emergency medical up to ₱140,000 for 30–90 days only. No follow-up or chronic medical. No repatriation, no renewal abroad, no belongings or liability, policy ends after short stay. | Travel insurance covers up to ₱5,600,000 for medical/repatriation for 6–24 months, and covers baggage, delays, and all family members traveling. |
| Premium credit card (BPI Amore Platinum, BDO Elite Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Accident and select emergency care up to ₱2,800,000 for each trip, trip duration limit 90 days. No policy extension, no worldwide customer support, no cover for most high-value items or chronic claims abroad. | Travel insurance permits unlimited or annual trip durations, large claims limits up to ₱5,600,000, extension while abroad and year-round global access. |
No repatriation, no multi-country, no trip interruption, no medical for most destinations, no coverage for more than 90 days.
No worldwide or year-long coverage, no adventure sports, no 24/7 global assistance, return home resets policy terms.
No repatriation, no renewal abroad, no belongings or liability, policy ends after short stay.
No policy extension, no worldwide customer support, no cover for most high-value items or chronic claims abroad.
Expert advice
Filipino travelers, be aware: bank cards and local health insurance often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Scrutinize your policy to prevent issues abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is required for entry or visa approval in certain countries, such as Schengen states, Australia, or New Zealand for specific long-stay visas. While not always legally required, it is strongly recommended for Filipino travelers spending several months abroad. For example, medical emergencies in North America or Europe are extremely costly and basic health or travel insurance rarely covers extended stays.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long term travel insurance is as soon as your travel plans and intended destinations are set, ideally before departure from the Philippines. Early purchase ensures your coverage protects you from the first day and includes pre-trip events, such as trip cancellation or changes due to emergencies. This timing is also necessary to fulfill most countries’ visa requirements.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing reputable policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform for Filipinos. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure coverage limits, destinations, and policy duration are appropriate for long term travel. Once you’ve decided, purchase the policy online and you’ll receive your insurance certificate via email, ready for all visa and travel needs.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after arriving abroad?
It is possible to purchase some long term travel insurance policies after departure, but this may restrict your benefits and exclude certain pre-existing conditions or trip interruption coverage. Many insurers require the policy to be in place before you leave the Philippines for full protection. Buying before departure is always safer and more comprehensive.
How do I make a claim on my long term travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline or online claims platform as soon as possible after an incident. Prepare your policy number, receipts, medical reports, and any supporting documents related to the event. The insurer will guide you through the process and inform you when your claim is approved or if more details are needed.
Does long term travel insurance cover COVID-19 and quarantine expenses?
Most modern long term travel insurance plans now include coverage for pandemic-related medical costs, quarantine accommodations, and trip interruption caused by COVID-19. However, the extent of coverage and deductibles differ. Check your chosen policy for COVID-19 clauses and requirements, especially for destinations with strict health regulations and travel rules.
Are there options to extend or modify long term travel insurance while abroad?
Many long term travel insurance providers now allow policy extensions or upgrades online, subject to specific terms. To avoid any lapses in coverage, request extensions before your original policy ends. Always confirm the process and check if limitations apply for changes requested from outside the Philippines.
Is long term travel insurance mandatory?
Long term travel insurance is required for entry or visa approval in certain countries, such as Schengen states, Australia, or New Zealand for specific long-stay visas. While not always legally required, it is strongly recommended for Filipino travelers spending several months abroad. For example, medical emergencies in North America or Europe are extremely costly and basic health or travel insurance rarely covers extended stays.
When is it recommended to purchase long term travel insurance?
The best time to purchase long term travel insurance is as soon as your travel plans and intended destinations are set, ideally before departure from the Philippines. Early purchase ensures your coverage protects you from the first day and includes pre-trip events, such as trip cancellation or changes due to emergencies. This timing is also necessary to fulfill most countries’ visa requirements.
How do I purchase long term travel insurance?
Start by comparing reputable policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform for Filipinos. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure coverage limits, destinations, and policy duration are appropriate for long term travel. Once you’ve decided, purchase the policy online and you’ll receive your insurance certificate via email, ready for all visa and travel needs.
Can I purchase long term travel insurance after arriving abroad?
It is possible to purchase some long term travel insurance policies after departure, but this may restrict your benefits and exclude certain pre-existing conditions or trip interruption coverage. Many insurers require the policy to be in place before you leave the Philippines for full protection. Buying before departure is always safer and more comprehensive.
How do I make a claim on my long term travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline or online claims platform as soon as possible after an incident. Prepare your policy number, receipts, medical reports, and any supporting documents related to the event. The insurer will guide you through the process and inform you when your claim is approved or if more details are needed.
Does long term travel insurance cover COVID-19 and quarantine expenses?
Most modern long term travel insurance plans now include coverage for pandemic-related medical costs, quarantine accommodations, and trip interruption caused by COVID-19. However, the extent of coverage and deductibles differ. Check your chosen policy for COVID-19 clauses and requirements, especially for destinations with strict health regulations and travel rules.
Are there options to extend or modify long term travel insurance while abroad?
Many long term travel insurance providers now allow policy extensions or upgrades online, subject to specific terms. To avoid any lapses in coverage, request extensions before your original policy ends. Always confirm the process and check if limitations apply for changes requested from outside the Philippines.
