A round-the-world trip calls for specialist travel insurance designed for long, multi-destination journeys. The European Health Insurance Card (valid only within Europe and the Schengen Area), your bank card (whose travel cover is usually capped at a set number of days), and your standard health insurance will not provide adequate protection on a global adventure. Before you zip up your bag, here is what you need to know to travel with genuine peace of mind.
Why your existing cover falls short
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Credit: Quorn in the Flinders Ranges. History of the Country Womens Association by denisbin, CC BY-ND 2.0, via Openverse.
Free and issued by the national health service, the EHIC covers part of your healthcare costs in EU and Schengen countries, plus a handful of associated states. It reimburses an average of 70% of eligible expenses under local rules, leaving you to cover the remaining 30%. Outside this area, it is worthless. For a round-the-world trip, the EHIC falls short from the very first stop outside Europe.
To understand exactly how these schemes differ from a dedicated travel insurance policy, read our article on the differences between travel insurance and health insurance.
Your bank card’s travel cover
Some Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, and American Express cards include built-in travel insurance. However, these benefits are typically capped at modest amounts and, crucially, limited to a maximum trip duration set out in each card’s terms and conditions (often 90 consecutive days). For a round-the-world journey of 6, 12, or 18 months, they simply do not hold up.
The public liability tied to your home insurance
This is a risk that is frequently overlooked. If you cancel your tenancy or hand back your keys before leaving, your home insurance, and the public liability cover it includes, disappears with it. An accidental injury caused to a third party abroad can easily run to several hundred thousand euros. Do not leave without checking this, whether your trip lasts three months or three years. Our article on what travellers forget about travel insurance covers these blind spots in detail.
The real financial risks of travelling abroad
The figures speak for themselves: in 2025, the average cost of a hospital stay abroad exceeds €25,000, and can climb above €60,000 depending on the destination. Here are some real-world examples:
- United States: an appendectomy costs between €40,000 and €60,000
- Thailand / Indonesia: a broken leg (often from a scooter accident) between €10,000 and €30,000
- International medical repatriation: between €30,000 and €150,000 depending on circumstances and distance
These sums far exceed what a standard bank card policy covers, and could be enough to financially ruin an uninsured traveller. To learn more about what travel insurance actually does in these situations, read our guide on what travel insurance is for.
Get my round-the-world insuranceEssential cover for a round-the-world trip
Medical expenses: cover limits and upfront payment
This is the core element of any policy. Check two things before you sign:
- The cover limit: a minimum of €150,000 is advisable for moderate-cost regions, but certain destinations (the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the UAE) warrant considerably higher limits.
- Upfront payment: some policies require you to pay on the spot and claim reimbursement later. In a country like the United States, that upfront outlay can run to tens of thousands of dollars. Opt for a policy that settles the bill directly with the healthcare provider, or that guarantees payment to the hospital.
Medical repatriation
This covers medically supervised transport back to your country of residence in the event of serious hospitalisation or death. Costs can exceed €100,000 depending on where you are when an incident occurs. Check that the benefit is unlimited, or that a clearly stated limit is set out in your policy.
Public liability abroad
To cover accidental bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties, a limit of at least €1 million to €4 million for personal injury is recommended, depending on your destinations. Also check that your liability cover applies in every country on your itinerary.
Adventure and high-risk activities
High-altitude trekking, scuba diving, motorcycling, extreme sports: always check whether these activities are included or require a separate add-on. Two-wheel accidents are one of the leading causes of claims in South-East Asia. If you plan to rent a scooter, make sure your policy explicitly covers you, and that you hold the appropriate licence.
Luggage and personal belongings
Check the overall limit, but also the sub-limits per item: camera, laptop, drone. These are often well below the actual value of your gear.
How to compare and choose your policy
Questions to ask before you buy
- Which zones and countries does the policy cover? Some policies exclude conflict zones or countries subject to government travel warnings. Ask for the full list.
- Is there a maximum continuous cover period? A round-the-world policy must cover stays of several months without a break.
- Are my pre-existing medical conditions covered? Pre-existing conditions are frequently excluded unless they are stable and declared at the time of purchase.
- Is assistance available 24/7? In an emergency, you need to be able to reach someone regardless of the local time.
- Is there an excess? Even a modest excess can add up if you make several claims over a long trip.
A policy that adapts to your itinerary
A round-the-world trip rarely stays within a single pricing zone. If you move through South-East Asia (moderate medical costs), the United States (very high costs), and South America (mid-range costs), your policy must cover every leg. Some policies adjust their benefits and pricing by destination, which can be an advantage if your itinerary changes as you go. Our guide on affordable travel insurance online helps you compare policies without compromising on essential cover.
What Yupwego offers globe-trotters
Yupwego is a travel insurance designed for residents of Europe, the Schengen Area, and Switzerland heading out to explore the world. The policy covers medical expenses, repatriation assistance, public liability abroad, and luggage. It takes into account the fact that healthcare and legal conditions vary from one country to the next, translating that into cover tailored to each zone you pass through.
You can sign up entirely online, with no paperwork, and the policy can evolve alongside your itinerary. Cover designed for people who travel long and far, not for a two-week all-inclusive package.
FAQ
Is bank card insurance enough for a round-the-world trip?
No. Premium bank card cover is typically time-limited (often 90 consecutive days under the terms and conditions) and medical limits are insufficient for expensive destinations such as the United States or Japan. For a round-the-world trip lasting several months, a dedicated policy is essential.
Is travel insurance legally required for a round-the-world trip?
There is no universal legal requirement, but some countries or visa types do require proof of medical insurance. More importantly, given the real cost of hospital care abroad, often above €25,000 in 2025, travelling without cover represents a considerable financial risk.
What happens if I fall ill in a country excluded from my policy?
If your policy excludes certain countries, you will have to meet the full cost of medical care yourself. Before taking out a policy, always ask for the complete list of excluded countries and zones and make sure your destinations are not on it.
Should I take out insurance before or after booking my flights?
It is advisable to take out a policy as soon as your trip is confirmed. Some benefits, such as cancellation or trip interruption cover, only take effect from the date you purchase the policy.
Does my insurance cover sports activities during the trip?
It depends on the policy. Standard hiking is often included, but high-altitude trekking, scuba diving, extreme sports, or motorcycle riding frequently require a specific add-on. Check the terms and conditions before you leave and, if necessary, add the appropriate option.
