What is annual travel insurance?
Annual travel insurance can save you time and money if you go on more than one holiday a year. Instead of buying a new single trip travel policy for every trip, an annual multi-trip policy could cover you for a year’s worth of trips.
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What does annual travel insurance cover?
A typical annual multi-trip policy will cover as standard:
- Cancellations or cutting your holiday short
- Medical emergencies
- Helping you get home in an emergency
- Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
- Lost passport or money
- Travel delays
There are levels of cover for different regions around the world. When you get a quote, choose the highest level of cover you’ll need for your trips. The regions to choose from are:
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Australia and New Zealand
- Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Bermuda & Caribbean, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Mexico
- Worldwide including USA, Canada, Bermuda & Caribbean, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Mexico
If you’re not sure which region to choose, enter your destination when you get your quote and we’ll be able to tell you.
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What won’t be covered?
Travel insurance can give you reassurance if something goes wrong, but there are some things that can’t be covered. Some common claims that won’t be covered include:
- Accidents related to alcohol or drugs
- A medical condition you should’ve declared
- Choosing not to travel
- Travelling against the advice of your doctor
- Travel for medical treatment
Don’t forget to read the policy documents before you buy. This will help you check you’re covered for things that are important to you.
When should I buy an annual travel policy
It’s a good idea to buy your annual travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. This way, you’ll be covered for cancellations before you go on your trip. You’ll be covered for 12 months from your policy start date, so this will include any holidays within this time frame, within your policy limits.
How much does annual travel insurance cost?
An annual policy is normally better value if you’re going on more than one trip in a year. The cost of your travel insurance will vary from person to person based on different factors, including:
Age
Your travel insurance policy will usually get more expensive as you get older. This is because you’re more likely to have an accident or need medical assistance abroad. But you can compare cover for over 50s, over 60s and over 70s to find the policy to suit your needs.
Medical conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, this could make your policy more expensive, as you may be more likely to need medical help on your holiday. But it’s important to be honest about any conditions you live with, so you can get the right cover.
Destinations
Healthcare in some countries, like the USA, can be expensive. So where you go on holiday can impact the cost of your travel policy. Some countries also have a higher risk of natural disasters like earthquakes, which can also affect your policy.
Activities
If you’re heading on a ski trip, or taking a cruise holiday, adding on winter sports or cruise cover will increase the cost of your travel policy. These add-ons include extra cover that standard policies don’t have. But it’s important to add these onto your policy when you get a quote, so you know you have everything you need on your trip.
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What are the key benefits of travel insurance?
Before you buy a policy, it’s important to understand what you’re covered for and what you’re not.
Cancellation cover
Cancellation cover is designed to pay back any pre-paid expenses that would be lost if you’re forced to cancel your holiday before you travel.
It’s important to make sure that you choose a policy with enough cancellation cover for the costs you would need to claim for.
Medical Emergency Cover
Travel insurance is designed to pay the costs for a medical emergency while you’re on holiday. You may have to pay an excess contribution to the total costs or you can choose a ‘nil excess’ option if you wish.
Some policies will cover emergency dental treatment if it’s for the immediate relief of pain.
All policies will pay to bring you back to the UK when this is recommended.
Treatment in a private hospital or clinic abroad is not usually covered if a suitable public or state facility is available.
PayingTooMuch meets the eligibility requirements for inclusion on the Money Helper travel insurance directory, which the FCA has confirmed meets its criteria for a 'medical cover firm directory'. The Money Helper customer contact centre freephone number is 0800 138 7777.
