10 Reasons You Need Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travel
If you have long-term travel on the horizon, have you considered getting travel insurance? Such a minor, up-front cost could save you from paying thousands of dollars later. Travel insurance offers coverage for many travel dilemmas and access to a 24/7 travel assistance guide. If you’re traveling for more than six months outside the country, it’s highly recommended to buy travel insurance for your long-term travel. Here are ten, compelling reasons travel insurance is worth the investment for long-term travel.
1. Primary health insurance won’t cover you overseas
That’s right. Most people believe their primary health insurance will cover medical emergencies that happen during travel, but this is most likely not the case. You’ll want to make sure to purchase travel insurance to cover any gaps in coverage for unforeseen emergencies that occur during your long-term travel.
2. You’re traveling for over six months
Did you know that most generic travel insurance policies only cover trips that are under six months? If you’re planning to roam for over 180 days, make sure to look for a long-term policy. That way your insurance policy won’t limit your travel time.
3. You don’t know exact travel plans
Are you the type that likes to wing it? If you know you’ll be traveling for the foreseeable future, but you don’t know your exact travel plans, don’t worry! You can buy travel insurance that covers you for an entire year, regardless of where you travel and when. Volunteer Card’s 365 Plan can even be purchased while you’re on the road!
4. You can access 24/7 emergency assistance
Don’t get caught in a travel emergency alone. If you buy travel insurance for long-term travel, you’ll have access to 24/7 emergency assistance. Regardless of the situation, you can call a real person at any time to help guide you through an emergency situation.
5. Your passport gets stolen
No traveler wants to get stuck outside their home country without a passport. Travel insurance provides passport protection. If your passport gets lost or stolen, your travel insurance policy will reimburse the passport replacement fees–up to your plan’s maximum limit.
6. You participate in extreme sports
Do you have any adventure sports such as canoeing, bungee jumping, wildlife safaris, or spelunking on your itinerary? Then you’ll want to consider annual travel insurance with additional coverage. Our 365 Sport Plan includes $15-50,000 of adventure sports coverage, depending on the traveler’s age.
Pro tip: Please check your description of coverage to ensure your intended adventure sport is listed as a covered activity.
7. You get sick and need to visit a local hospital
International hospital visits can cost thousands of dollars. If your sickness or injury requires an emergency medivac, your travel insurance acts as your best defense against unexpected medical bills.
8. Your flight gets delayed
Flight delays can rack up unexpected costs, especially if your layover incurs last-minute hotel accommodations. If you buy travel insurance, you can expect reimbursements for these costs up to your maximum policy amount.
9. Your luggage gets lost or stolen
Whether you lose your luggage en route or your bags get stolen at your destination, travel insurance will reimburse you for covered items–up to your maximum coverage amount. To avoid claims issues with lost or stolen baggage, make sure to keep your most valuable items with you. To make claims easier, take a picture of your bag contents before you leave. And don’t forget to file a police report for those stolen items!
10. You get a toothache that just won’t quit
A persistent toothache can take out even the toughest of travelers. Travel insurance will cover the amount you pay if you need treatment in an emergency dental situation. Don’t expect to get coverage for that routine cleaning, but unexpected pain should be treated right away. Make sure to check your policy details to ensure that dental coverage is included.
If you’re a student or volunteer in need of annual travel insurance, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our 365 Card, exclusive just for you!
**Disclaimer: Certain restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your travel insurance policy for detailed terms and conditions.
