In this post I share my personal experiences with the best providers, explain what you need to pay attention to when choosing, and reveal which insurance I currently use and why.<\/p>\n
Why you need travel health insurance \u2014 the hard facts<\/h2>\n
Many people think, "I'm young and healthy, nothing will happen to me." I thought that too\u2014until I ended up in the hospital in Colombia with severe food poisoning. Without insurance, the emergency room visit alone would have cost me over \u20ac2,000. In the US, even simple treatments can quickly run into five figures.<\/p>\n
Here's the reality:<\/p>\n
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- USA:<\/strong> A broken arm can cost \u20ac15,000\u2013\u20ac40,000.<\/li>\n
- Australia:<\/strong> An ambulance transport costs 800\u20133,000 AUD.<\/li>\n
- Thailand:<\/strong> A hospital stay in a private hospital costs \u20ac500\u20132,000 per night.<\/li>\n
- Peru:<\/strong> Altitude sickness treatment in Cusco: \u20ac300\u20131,200<\/li>\n
- Return flight for medical reasons:<\/strong> \u20ac10,000\u2013\u20ac80,000 depending on distance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your statutory health insurance covers a maximum of 6 weeks in other EU countries \u2014 and even then, only to a limited extent. Outside of Europe? No coverage at all. Private supplementary insurance policies often have exclusions for "dangerous activities" \u2014 and that sometimes includes something as simple as snorkeling.<\/p>\n
The best travel health insurance policies compared in 2024<\/h2>\n
Over the past ten years, I have personally tested the following providers and compare them here according to the criteria that are truly important for long-term travelers.<\/p>\n
1. HanseMerkur \u2014 My personal favorite<\/h3>\n
I've been using HanseMerkur since 2019 and it has never disappointed me. Their long-term "Travel Health Insurance for Long Trips" covers stays from 56 days up to 5 years. What really impressed me: When I needed a dentist in Saudi Arabia, the reimbursement was processed within two weeks\u2014no questions asked.<\/p>\n
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- Cost:<\/strong> From \u20ac1.15\/day (depending on age and destination)<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Up to 5 years<\/li>\n
- Deductible:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n
- Return transport:<\/strong> Including (medically appropriate)<\/li>\n
- Pre-existing conditions:<\/strong> Acute deterioration covered<\/li>\n
- Special feature:<\/strong> Stays at home of up to 6 weeks between trips are also insured.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. ADAC international health insurance<\/h3>\n
ADAC insurance is cheaper, but also more limited. It's unbeatable for short trips up to 63 days\u2014but less suitable for long-term travel. I had it on my first European trips and was happy with it, but then switched to something else for longer trips.<\/p>\n
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- Cost:<\/strong> From \u20ac12.80 per year (single person) for trips up to 63 days<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> 63 days per trip<\/li>\n
- Deductible:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n
- Return transport:<\/strong> Including (medically sensible AND justifiable)<\/li>\n
- Special feature:<\/strong> Extremely affordable for short trips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Allianz Travel \u2014 the premium provider<\/h3>\n
Allianz offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is also the most expensive. It's a solid choice for business travelers and those who want to play it safe. I used them for a three-month trip to South America\u2014the claims process was professional, but the costs were noticeably higher.<\/p>\n
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- Cost:<\/strong> From \u20ac2.50\/day for long-term trips<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Up to 365 days (extendable)<\/li>\n
- Deductible:<\/strong> Varies depending on the tariff<\/li>\n
- Return transport:<\/strong> Including<\/li>\n
- Special feature:<\/strong> 24\/7 emergency call center with German-speaking doctors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. WorldNomads \u2014 the backpacker classic<\/h3>\n
WorldNomads was long the standard among backpackers because you could purchase insurance while traveling. However, prices have risen significantly in recent years, and reimbursements sometimes take months. For me, as a frequent traveler, it's no longer the first choice.<\/p>\n
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- Cost:<\/strong> From \u20ac3\u20136 per day depending on the region<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Flexible extension possible<\/li>\n
- Deductible:<\/strong> \u20ac100\u2013250 depending on the tariff<\/li>\n
- Return transport:<\/strong> Including<\/li>\n
- Special feature:<\/strong> Can also be locked after the trip has started<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cost comparison \u2014 Overview of all providers<\/h2>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Flexible extension possible<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Up to 365 days (extendable)<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> 63 days per trip<\/li>\n
- Maximum travel time:<\/strong> Up to 5 years<\/li>\n
- Australia:<\/strong> An ambulance transport costs 800\u20133,000 AUD.<\/li>\n
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