Planning an adventure around the globe is exciting, but have you thought about your protection yet? Long-stay travel insurance for around the world is not a luxury, but a necessity that will provide you with support in...
Planning an adventure around the globe is exciting, but have you thought about your protection yet? Long-stay travel insurance for a round-the-world trip is not a luxury, but a necessity that will provide you with support in every corner of the planet.
Around the World Travel Insurance: Complete Guide and Coverage
Why is insurance essential for your around-the-world trip?
Embarking on an around-the-world adventure is a dream for many, but the reality is that such an extensive trip exposes travelers to multiple unforeseen events. From a simple flu to an unexpected accident, having coverage makes the difference between a minor scare and a financial catastrophe. Taking out adequate travel insurance is the best investment to guarantee the peace of mind you need on this journey. It is not only a precautionary measure, but a fundamental pillar to enjoy every stage without worries.
- Peace of mind: Traveling for months or even years requires knowing that, in the event of any eventuality, there is backup. An insurance for your world trip provides you with that peace, allowing you to focus on living the experience.
- Financial protection: Medical emergencies abroad can be exorbitant. An appendicitis in the United States could cost more than $30,000 USD, while in Thailand, although more economical, it would still be a considerable expense for a traveler. Insurance protects you from these unexpected debts.
- Compliance with entry requirements: Many countries, such as those in the Schengen Area in Europe, require travel insurance with minimum coverage to allow entry. Without it, your trip could end before it even begins.
- 24/7 global assistance: Imagine being in a distant country, with an emergency and not knowing who to turn to. Your insurance will connect you with an assistance network that speaks your language and will guide you in any situation, at any time.
The cost of around-the-world travel insurance is a minimal fraction of the total travel budget. For example, a premium plan of $8.99 USD daily represents less than 10% of the average daily budget of a backpacker.
Key coverages your long-stay travel insurance should have
For a long-stay trip around the globe, standard coverages are not always enough. It is vital to go beyond the basics and ensure that your policy covers the breadth and risks of a worldwide adventure. Robust insurance must be your indispensable companion, offering you a complete range of protections that adapt to any unexpected situation.
- Medical assistance for accident or illness: This is the backbone of any travel insurance. For an around-the-world trip, a recommended medical assistance coverage is at least 100,000 USD, ideally 100,000 USD or more, to guarantee peace of mind in destinations with expensive private health care such as the United States or Canada. Think about the cost of medical services on different continents: an emergency consultation, analysis, medication, and even hospitalization, can add up to large amounts very quickly. A high coverage amount is your financial lifeline.
- Medical and funeral repatriation: This is an essential and non-negotiable coverage for a long-duration trip. In the event of a serious illness, an accident that prevents the continuation of the trip, or unfortunately a death, this coverage guarantees your transfer or that of your remains to your country of origin. Repatriation costs can easily exceed $50,000 USD, so its inclusion is crucial.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Planning an around-the-world trip involves a significant investment of time and money. This coverage protects you if you have to cancel your trip before starting for justified reasons (e.g., serious illness, death of a family member) or if you are forced to interrupt it once it has started. Do not underestimate the importance of protecting your flights, accommodations, and other non-refundable expenses.
- Loss, theft, or delay of luggage: Your luggage is your life on a long trip. It includes documents, clothes, electronic equipment, and souvenirs. Loss or theft can ruin your experience and generate unexpected expenses. This coverage indemnifies you for your belongings or covers basic necessities if your luggage is delayed. Be sure to know the limits per item for specialized equipment.
- Adventure sports coverage: If your itinerary includes trekking in the Andes, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, skiing in the Alps, or practicing any other adventure sport, it is essential that your policy explicitly covers it. Exclusions for risky activities are common, so verify that the activities you plan are included or request a specific extension. Injuries related to these sports can be serious and costly.
- Legal assistance and civil liability: In a foreign country, getting involved in a legal problem can be intimidating. This coverage provides you with legal advice and support. Civil liability, on the other hand, protects you if you involuntarily cause damage to third parties or their property.
- Emergency dentistry: A toothache can turn a beautiful adventure into a nightmare. This coverage allows you to access emergency treatments to relieve pain, although generally with specific limits.
- Fund transfer: If you run out of money or if your cards are stolen, this coverage facilitates the transfer of funds from your country of origin.
Long-duration travel insurance offers a single policy with global coverage, eliminating the complexity and risk of taking out local insurance in each country visited.
How to choose the best insurance plan for a world trip
Selecting the ideal travel insurance for an around-the-world trip is a strategic decision that requires analysis and foresight. Not all insurance is the same, and what works for a short trip does not apply to an adventure of several months or years. Pay attention to the details to ensure that each stage of your journey is adequately and efficiently protected.
- Evaluate duration and flexibility: For an around-the-world trip, you need insurance that covers extended periods, generally more than 90 days. Do you need annual insurance or long-stay insurance for a specific period? Baraglo offers flexibility for long trips, allowing you to contract policies for months and, in some cases, extend them from abroad. This is crucial if your plans are fluid and the exact duration is not yet defined.
- Analyze destinations: Make sure the plan offers global coverage. Some insurance has geographical exclusions or lower coverage amounts in certain regions. Pay special attention if you will visit countries with very expensive health care such as the United States, Canada, or Switzerland. These destinations significantly increase the financial risk in the event of a medical emergency.
- Define the amount of medical coverage: For a trip of this magnitude, do not skimp on medical coverage. A slip on a staircase in Asia or a health complication in South America may require costly hospital care. A plan with USD 100,000 in medical coverage (like our Premium Plan) is the safest option. Remember, hospitals in many tourist countries, especially in Southeast Asia or Central America, are private and expensive for foreigners.
- Review exclusions and pre-existing conditions: Before contracting, read the fine print carefully. Find out about pre-existing conditions: your insurance will only cover medical emergencies not related to medical conditions you already had at the time of contracting the policy. Also, make sure it covers the activities you plan to do (extreme sports, high altitude trekking, etc.). Policies usually have clear exclusions for certain risky activities.
- Customer service and assistance: What is the assistance service like in case of emergency? Is it available 24/7 and in your language? For Baraglo, efficient assistance is fundamental. Having a global emergency contact number and a team that can guide you anytime, anywhere is invaluable.
- Payment method: Does the insurance require a single payment or allow monthly payments? For long-duration trips, payment flexibility can be an important factor to consider.
The correct choice of your insurance will not only accompany you, but will protect you every mile of this extraordinary adventure, whatever unforeseen event may arise.
Baraglo plans for your around-the-world trip: compare and choose
At Baraglo (baraglo.com), we understand that every around-the-world traveler has different needs and budgets. Therefore, we have designed flexible plans with robust travel assistance coverages that adapt to the magnitude of your adventure. Our recommendation for such an extensive trip is always to go for the most complete coverage possible to avoid unpleasant surprises.
| Baraglo Plan |
Price per day (USD) |
Main Medical Coverage (USD) |
Ideal Traveler Profile for Around the World |
| Premium Plan |
$8.99 |
100,000 |
The most recommended. Ideal for travelers seeking maximum peace of mind and coverage in any country, including those with very high medical costs like the United States or Europe. Covers adventure sports, theft, and any eventuality with total support. |
| Essential Plus Plan |
$5.29 |
50,000 |
Excellent balance between cost and coverage. Perfect for travelers who want solid protection without opting for the most expensive plan. Suitable for most destinations in the world, including the Schengen Area. |
| Standard Plan |
$4.99 |
35,000 |
Economical option, meets the minimum requirements for the Schengen Area. Recommended if your main route is concentrated in regions with lower health costs, such as Southeast Asia or certain parts of South America, but you still want reliable coverage. |
| Schengen Visa Plan |
$2.99 |
30,000 |
Specifically designed for Dominican, Ecuadorian, and Bolivian citizens who require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Covers the minimum requirements imposed by the European Union for short stays. Suitable if your around-the-world trip includes this region and you are of these nationalities. |
For an around-the-world trip, a recommended medical assistance coverage is at least 100,000 USD to guarantee peace of mind in destinations with expensive private health care such as the United States or Canada.
Our Premium Plan is our main recommendation for your around-the-world trip. With USD 100,000 in medical coverage, you will be prepared for any situation, even in countries with the most expensive healthcare systems. It is the smart choice for those seeking maximum protection without compromising safety. It offers comprehensive coverage ranging from urgent medical care to repatriation, including compensation for lost luggage and much more.
The Essential Plus Plan is an excellent alternative, offering USD 50,000 in medical coverage, it is a perfect middle ground. It offers very robust protection at a competitive price, meeting the requirements of most countries and providing great support for a world trip. It is a good balance for travelers who want to be very protected without the cost of the top plan.
The Standard Plan, with USD 35,000 in coverage, is a viable option if your route is concentrated in low-cost health regions such as Southeast Asia or parts of South America. In addition, this plan meets the minimum requirements for entering the Schengen Area, which makes it useful if your trip includes European destinations.
If you are Dominican, Ecuadorian or Bolivian and your route includes the Schengen Area, the Schengen Visa Plan for $2.99 USD/day (USD 30K coverage) is the right option to meet the visa requirement.
Remember that if the traveler is 75 years or older, a +50% surcharge applies to the premium cost, ensuring that all age segments can enjoy the adventure with the same protection.
Practical tips for using your insurance during the trip
Having travel insurance is just the first step; knowing how to use it effectively is just as important, especially on such a long adventure as an around-the-world trip. Prepare for any eventuality by following these practical tips that will save you time and stress when you need it most.
- Keep all essential information: Before leaving, make sure you have a digital copy (in your email, in the cloud, on your phone) and a physical copy of your insurance policy. Write down or save the emergency contact numbers of the insurer, including the 24/7 assistance center number and your policy number. This simple step can save you crucial minutes in an emergency.
- Contact the assistance center first: In a non-life-threatening emergency, your first action should be to contact your insurance assistance center. They will guide you on the steps to follow, indicate preferred hospitals or clinics in the area, and manage payments directly, preventing you from having to advance money from your pocket. For serious emergencies where prior contact is not possible, seek immediate attention and notify the insurer as soon as possible after receiving attention.
- Keep all receipts and documents: If for any reason you had to pay for a medical service, medication, emergency transport, or any other expense covered by the policy, make sure to keep all original receipts, detailed invoices, medical reports, and diagnoses. These documents will be indispensable for requesting a reimbursement upon your return or during the trip. Take photos of everything as a backup.
- Understand the claims process: Before traveling, familiarize yourself with your insurer's claims process. What documents are needed? What is the deadline for filing a claim? Is there a deductible? Knowing these details in advance will prepare you to act quickly and efficiently if necessary. This can vary depending on the insurer and the type of incident.
- Inform your family or contact person about your insurance: Leave your policy details and emergency contact numbers with a trusted family member or friend in your home country. In the event of a severe emergency, they can also contact the insurer on your behalf.
- Review your coverage periodically: If your trip is extended or if your plans change drastically (e.g., you decide to do an extreme sport not initially covered), review your policy to ensure you still have adequate coverage. If possible, Baraglo allows you to extend your insurance from abroad or adjust coverages.
Don't wait any longer! Quote and buy your Baraglo travel insurance now and travel with complete peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
How much does around-the-world travel insurance cost?
The cost depends on the duration and coverage. For an around-the-world trip, we recommend robust plans like Baraglo's Premium Plan for approximately $8.99 USD daily, which offers high medical coverage of up to $100,000 USD, essential for such a long and diverse trip.
Which travel insurance covers several countries?
You need "long-stay" or "multi-destination" travel insurance. Baraglo plans offer worldwide coverage (excluding your country of origin), so you will be protected at all stages of your adventure without needing to take out several policies.
Do I need special insurance for a year-long trip?
Yes, you require long-duration travel insurance, designed to cover extended periods. Make sure the policy covers the entirety of your trip or is easily renewable from abroad if your plans are extended.
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