Most British expats make the mistake of buying standard holiday insurance. If you are living in Spain or France, a basic policy will likely fail you when you try to visit home or travel within the EU. StaySure expat travel insurance is specifically designed for those who no longer have a UK GP or a permanent UK address.
The reality is that if you want “comprehensive” cover that actually pays out for pre-existing conditions, you’ll pay a premium—but it’s cheaper than a €20,000 repatriation bill. Focus on the “Comprehensive” tier; the basic “Economy” version often leaves too many gaps for a full-time resident.
Why Standard Travel Insurance Fails the Expat
The reality is that insurance companies love “residency.” If you have spent more than six months outside the UK, your old annual multi-trip policy is almost certainly void. I’ve sat in the ports of Dover and Calais many times, smelling that sharp, briny salt air, and talked to expats who realize too late that their “home” is no longer where their policy thinks it is.
Standard policies assume you are starting and ending your journey in the UK. If you are an expat starting a trip from Malaga or Bordeaux, you are “tripping” from your place of residence. This is where StaySure expat insurance fills the gap. They understand that “home” is now the Costa del Sol or the Dordogne, but you still need cover for that trip to see the grandkids in Birmingham or a weekend in Rome.
The Residency Trap
But there’s a catch. To be eligible for StaySure’s expat products, you generally need to be a resident of an EEA country and potentially be registered with a local healthcare provider. You can’t just be a “digital nomad” floating between Airbnbs without a paper trail.
StaySure Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Is it Worth the Hype?
When we at SeaFrance Holidays look at StaySure comprehensive travel insurance, we aren’t just looking at the glossy brochures. We look at the “Limit of Cover” tables. The Comprehensive plan is their flagship. It’s the one Martin Lewis types often point to because it includes things that “budget” policies strip away to save a few Euros.
On my last inspection of insurance providers, I noticed a trend: “Economy” policies often have a massive excess—sometimes as high as £200 per claim. If you lose a suitcase worth £300, you’re essentially self-insuring. The Comprehensive tier usually drops that excess or removes it entirely, while adding “Medical Emergency” cover up to £10 million. In the world of private European healthcare, that’s the number you want.
Comparing StaySure Policy Tiers
| Feature | Economy | Comprehensive | Signature (Top Tier) |
| Medical Emergency | £5 Million | £10 Million | Unlimited |
| Cancellation Cover | £500 | £5,000 | £10,000 |
| Baggage | £300 | £2,500 | £5,000 |
| Excess | High (£150+) | Low or Nil | Nil |
| Dental Cover | Emergency only | Included (£500+) | Enhanced |
Expert Field Note: The Dental “Ouch”
Many expats search for staysure travel insurance dental cover. Be realistic. This is not a policy to pay for your biennial check-up or a new set of veneers. It is for emergency pain relief only. If you’re in a Greek village and an abscess decides to ruin your week, StaySure covers the cost to stop the pain. If you want a root canal, you’re paying for that out of your own pocket.
Medical Conditions: The Martin Lewis Factor
If you listen to Martin Lewis, travel insurance pre-existing medical conditions are the single biggest point of failure for travelers over 50. Most companies see a history of high blood pressure or a minor heart murmur and run for the hills.
StaySure built its reputation on the “uninsurable.” They use a robust medical screening system. The reality is that you must be brutally honest. I once knew a traveler who failed to declare a “minor” asthma inhaler prescription. When they had a respiratory issue in the Alps—the kind where the mountain air is crisp but the altitude is punishing—the insurer denied the claim.
Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for a staysure expat travel insurance oferta (offer), don’t sacrifice your medical declaration to save £20. A “cheap” policy that doesn’t cover your heart condition is just an expensive piece of paper.
The Expat Reality in Spain and France
If you are looking specifically for staysure spain or staysure expat travel insurance .es, you are likely dealing with the specific complexities of the Spanish healthcare system. While the Convenio Especial allows some expats to pay into the state system, many still rely on private insurance.
When driving through the Pyrenees, navigating those winding roads where the French motorway tolls feel like a constant tax on your progress, you realize how quickly things can go wrong. A breakdown is one thing; a broken leg in a remote village is another. StaySure’s expat policies for Spain and France are tailored to work alongside your local state coverage, ensuring you aren’t stuck in a public ward if your policy allows for private repatriation.
Expat Insurance Cost Factors (Annual Multi-Trip)
| Factor | Impact on Premium | Why? |
| Age (Over 70) | Significant Increase | Statistically higher medical risk. |
| USA/Canada Destination | Massive Increase | Healthcare costs in the US are astronomical. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Variable | Based on the severity and stability of the condition. |
| Regional Residency | Minor | Some countries have higher local medical costs than others. |
Expert Field Note: The “90-Day” Limit Trap
Many expat staysure policies have a limit on how long a single trip can last. If you are an expat living in Spain and you decide to take a 4-month trip through Southeast Asia, your “Annual Multi-Trip” policy might stop covering you on day 31 or 91. Always check the “Maximum Trip Duration” clause. If you’re doing a “Big Trip,” you need a specific long-stay policy.
How to Get the Best Rate on StaySure Expat Insurance
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Use the Right Portal: If you live in Spain, use the staysure expat travel insurance .es or the dedicated expat portal. Using the standard UK site might result in a void policy if you can’t provide a UK address.
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Declare Everything: Use the medical screening tool honestly. Even “controlled” conditions must be listed.
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Choose “Comprehensive”: For expats, the baggage and cancellation limits on the “Economy” plan are often too low to cover a trip back to the UK with gifts and electronics.
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Check for “Ofertas”: Look for staysure expat travel insurance oferta codes or “Refer a Friend” discounts which are common in expat forums.
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Review Yearly: Don’t just auto-renew. Your health changes, and so does StaySure’s underwriting. A quick 10-minute re-screen can save you hundreds.
The “Human” Side of Claims: What Happens When it Goes Wrong?
Insurance is a grudge purchase until you need it. On one of my trips through the Loire Valley, I saw a British-plated car that had been involved in a heavy collision. The occupants were fine, but the stress of dealing with French police, a local hospital, and a tow yard was overwhelming.
The value of staysure expat travel insurance reviews often boils down to their 24/7 emergency assistance line. When you’re standing in a hospital corridor smelling of floor wax and burnt coffee, you want a voice on the phone that speaks your language and has a direct line to the hospital’s billing department. StaySure’s “Comprehensive” plan excels here; they take over the “Guarantee of Payment,” so you don’t have to put €5,000 on your credit card just to get admitted.
Expert Field Note: The GHIC/EHIC Myth
“I have a GHIC, I don’t need insurance.” False. The Global Health Insurance Card (or the old EHIC) only covers state healthcare at the same rate as a local. In many countries, locals still pay 20-30% of the bill. It also never, ever covers mountain rescue or flying you home in an air ambulance. If you’re an expat, the GHIC is a backup, not a plan.
FAQ: Your StaySure Expat Questions Answered
What is the difference between StaySure travel insurance and expat insurance?
Standard travel insurance requires you to be a UK resident. StaySure expat insurance is for people who live permanently in countries like Spain, France, or Portugal but still want UK-style cover and service.
Does StaySure cover pre-existing medical conditions for expats?
Yes, this is their specialty. However, you must disclose every condition during the application. Failure to do so is the #1 reason claims are denied.
Can I buy StaySure if I am already abroad?
Usually, no. Most policies must be purchased before you begin your journey. However, if you are an expat living abroad and haven’t started your “trip” yet, you can buy a policy from your country of residence.
What does “Comprehensive” actually cover?
It covers medical emergencies, cancellation, curtailment, baggage, and personal liability. It has higher limits and lower excesses than the “Economy” plan.
Is StaySure expat travel insurance barato (cheap)?
“Cheap” is relative. StaySure is rarely the absolute lowest price on the market because they cover more medical risks. For an expat with health issues, it is often the best value.
Does StaySure cover dental work?
Only emergency work to relieve sudden pain. It will not cover a planned crown, filling, or cleaning.
Can I travel to the UK with this insurance?
Yes, StaySure expat policies typically cover trips back to your “Home Country” (the UK), provided you are no longer a resident there.
What is the maximum age for StaySure expat insurance?
They are known for having no upper age limit on many policies, though the premium will reflect the increased risk as you get older.
Do I need a local GP to get StaySure expat insurance?
Generally, yes. Most expat policies require you to be registered with the local healthcare system in your country of residence (e.g., the SNS in Spain).
What is the “Signature” plan?
This is StaySure’s highest level of cover. It often includes unlimited medical cover and significantly higher cancellation limits—ideal for those booking expensive cruises or long-haul flights.
How do I find a StaySure expat travel insurance reviews?
Look at Trustpilot or expat-specific forums. Focus on reviews that mention “claims” rather than just “ease of purchase.” Anyone can sell a policy; not everyone pays a claim.
Is StaySure affiliated with Martin Lewis?
No, but Martin Lewis’s site (MSE) often includes StaySure in their “Best Buy” lists for people with serious medical conditions.
Technical Comparison: StaySure vs. Local European Insurers
| Feature | StaySure Expat | Local Spanish/French Insurer |
| Language of Policy | English | Local Language |
| UK Repatriation | Standard | Often an expensive add-on |
| Medical Screening | Very Detailed | Often more generic |
| UK Trips Covered | Yes | Sometimes excluded |
