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The feeling is electric. You handed in your notice, your one-way ticket is booked, and the world is waiting.
But in this excitement, there is one detail that can make or break your entire trip. Getting the right insurance for quitting job travel is not just a box to check; it is the safety net that lets you explore freely.
Without it, you are one accident away from a financial catastrophe that could follow you home.
I’ve seen it happen. A simple mistake, a sudden illness, and a dream trip turns into a nightmare of hospital bills.
This guide will show you how to secure proper coverage, what to look for, and how to protect yourself after leaving your job-based health plan behind.
Your First Step with Insurance for Quitting Job Travel
When you leave a job, you also leave its health coverage. Your domestic insurance plan almost certainly will not cover you for extended periods abroad.
This is where specialized travel medical insurance comes in. It is designed for people like us—nomads, backpackers, and sabbatical-takers.
Getting this protection is your most important pre-trip task. It shields you from massive medical expenses for injuries or illnesses that occur on the road.
Do You Really Need Health Insurance for Long-Term Travel?
Yes, absolutely. To think otherwise is a massive gamble. The cost of medical care in other countries can be shocking.
A minor scooter accident in Southeast Asia or a sudden case of appendicitis in Europe could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
I once met a traveler in Peru who needed emergency medical evacuation after a bad fall while hiking. The cost was over $80,000. His insurance covered it all.
Without it, his family would have been financially ruined. This is not an area where you should try to save money.
⚠️The Real Cost of No Insurance
An emergency medical evacuation (medevac) can easily cost between $80,000 and $200,000 in 2025. Standard hospital stays for serious injuries can add tens of thousands more. The small price of an insurance policy is your shield against life-altering debt.
Source: U.S. Department of State & current industry data
What Is the Difference Between Travel and Health Insurance?
This question causes a lot of confusion, so let’s clear it up. Understanding this is key to getting the right insurance for quitting job travel. They serve very different purposes.
One protects your trip investment, while the other protects your life and finances. For a long-term trip, you need to prioritize medical coverage.
Covers trip cancellation, which is its main job.
Reimburses you for prepaid flights and hotels if you must cancel.
Includes benefits for lost luggage and travel delays.
Good for short, expensive, well-planned vacations.
Medical coverage is often very low, maybe $25,000.
Not designed for long-term, open-ended travel.
Will not cover you if you decide to change your plans on a whim.
It’s primarily for protecting the money you spent before you left.
High medical limits, often $250,000 to $1 million or more.
Includes emergency medical evacuation, which is critical.
Designed for long-term stays outside your home country.
Offers flexibility to extend coverage while you are still traveling.
Does not usually cover trip cancellation.
Won’t cover routine check-ups, only emergencies and new illnesses.
May have exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
You buy this for health security, not for lost bags.
For anyone planning a 6 month backpacking trip or longer, the choice is clear. You need a dedicated Travel Medical Insurance policy.
How to Get Insurance After Quitting a Job: A 3-Step Plan
Getting covered is a straightforward part of your planning, just as crucial as preparing your house for a long trip. Your old employer might offer COBRA, but it costs $500-$800+ monthly in 2025 and is not meant for international travel. Instead, follow this process.
Step 1: Assess Your Travel Plans
First, you need to know what to ask for. A policy for backpacking in Asia is different from one for skiing in the Alps. Your insurer needs specific details to give you an accurate quote and the right coverage.
Know your estimated travel time, like 6 months or a full year.
Most policies let you extend your coverage from the road.
This is a key factor in the total price of your plan.
It is better to buy a longer plan than to let it lapse.
List all the countries you plan to visit, if possible.
Most providers exclude the USA unless you pay extra.
Some policies may have restrictions for high-risk countries.
Be honest about your itinerary for proper coverage.
Standard plans cover hiking and swimming.
Scuba diving, skiing, or rock climbing often need an adventure add-on.
This costs more but is necessary for your safety.
Always read the policy to see what activities are included.
Step 2: Compare Policies from Reputable Providers
Now that you know what you need, it is time to shop around. There are a few companies that specialize in insurance for quitting job travel. They understand the needs of long-term travelers. Do not just pick the cheapest option; look at the details.
💡Musa’s Tip: Check the Fine Print
Pay close attention to the medical coverage maximum and the medical evacuation limit. I never consider a policy with less than $250,000 in medical and $500,000 in evacuation coverage. Also, check the deductible—the amount you pay before the insurance kicks in.
Here are some trusted resources to start your search.
- For Flexibility & Nomads: SafetyWing is popular for its monthly subscription model. You can start and stop it anytime, with Essential plans starting at $56 monthly for ages 10-39.
- For Adventure Sports: World Nomads is well-known for covering 150+ adventurous activities with comprehensive Standard and Explorer plans.
- For Comprehensive Coverage: IMG Global offers various plans with medical limits up to $8 million, including specialized options for different traveler needs.
- U.S. State Dept. Advice: Read the official guidance on Medicine and Health for international travel.
- Insurance Aggregators: Websites that compare plans can be a useful starting point, but always verify details on the provider’s official site.
Step 3: Purchase and Prepare Your Documents
Once you have chosen a plan, the final step is to purchase it and get your documents in order. Do this before you leave your home country. Some policies are harder or impossible to buy once you are already traveling.
- 1Use a contactless payment method or credit card for the purchase and keep the receipt.
- 2Confirm the start and end dates of the coverage.
- 3Read the confirmation email carefully to ensure all details are correct.
- 1Save a digital PDF of your full policy to your phone and cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- 2Print a physical copy of your insurance card and policy summary to keep in your wallet.
- 3Share your policy number and the insurer’s 24/7 emergency contact number with a trusted family member back home.
Getting the right insurance for quitting job travel is your ticket to true peace of mind. It is a small investment that protects your health, your savings, and your entire adventure.
Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy the freedom you have worked so hard for.
FAQs: Your Questions on Travel Insurance
What kind of insurance for a 6 month backpacking trip is best?
For a trip of this length, you need a long-term travel medical insurance policy. Standard trip insurance is not enough. Look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and evacuation, like those from SafetyWing (Essential Plan starting at $56/month) or World Nomads with their comprehensive coverage options.
Can I get travel insurance if I am already abroad?
Some companies, like SafetyWing, allow you to purchase a policy even after you have started your trip. However, many others do not. It is always best and often cheaper to buy your insurance before you leave your home country.
Does travel medical insurance cover my pre-existing conditions?
This varies greatly by policy. Most basic plans exclude pre-existing conditions or have a waiting period. If you have a chronic condition, you must read the policy details carefully and may need to find a specialized plan that offers coverage, which will likely cost more.
How do I make a claim from another country?
In an emergency, contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 assistance line immediately. They will guide you. For smaller claims, you will typically pay the doctor or hospital yourself and then submit the receipts and claim forms online for reimbursement. Many insurers now offer mobile apps for easy claims processing. Always keep all your paperwork.