Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance

As travel has become cheaper and more affordable to the masses, many families are now taking several trips abroad instead of the single annual vacation that used to be the norm.  Purchasing a single trip policy can work out more expensive when travelling upwards of two to three times a year so it's worth considering an annual multi trip policy.

With annual multi trip insurance, you can ensure you are covered for a number of trips within a 12 month period, giving you the peace of mind you need on those all important breaks.

                                                                              

Who is annual travel insurance suitable for?

Whether you are a solo traveller or a couple, annual cover can be the cheapest option when it comes to making sure you are covered to travel more than three times each year.

If you plan to travel with a group or with your family you may find that it is more cost effective to purchase a group travel insurance policy or family cover and this is worth investigating before you proceed to purchase annual multi trip cover.

Likewise, if you plan to take a year out to travel the globe then it may be worth investigating a backpackers policy as this is designed to cover you to travel to a variety of destinations for a longer duration.

What level of cover will I receive?

The level of cover you receive can vary a great deal from insurer to insurer but the average policy should at least include medical cover, cancellation cover and loss of baggage cover.  Other covers included in a comprehensive annual multi trip policy could include: cover for valuables and holiday money, scheduled airline failure insurance, personal accident/personal liability cover and legal expenses cover.

As a good rule of thumb, you should aim to have the following amounts in each area of cover:

Medical cover in the region of £2million (double this if travelling to the USA).  This should also cover the cost of emergency repatriation.

Personal liability cover amounting to around £1 million.

Cancellation cover of equal value to your holiday (including the cost of prepaid excursions).  Cover is usually on a per person basis so to cover a £2,000 holiday you'd need cover of £1,000 each as a minimum.

Baggage and personal possessions cover to cover the cost of replacing your suitcase and contents should it be lost or stolen.  You should also consider the cost of single items such as your digital camera or laptop and factor this into the cover level you require (it is commonplace for insurers to apply a cap to the amount you can claim for on any one item so read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully).

Holiday spending money cover of around £500 or equal to the value of the cash you will be taking with you.

What about the EHIC, do I need one of those?

The European Health Insurance Card or EHIC is designed to ensure that you will receive free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment in any of the EU member countries - plus Switzerland - and is available for those aged 16 and over free of charge.

It is a good idea to apply for one if you will be travelling within Europe as you will be asked for this first in the event of you needing healthcare whilst on holiday.

It is important to remember that the EHIC does not fully cover the cost of your medical treatment and will not entitle you to free or reduced price private treatment.  It will also not cover the cost of emergency repatriation to the UK, so it is always wise to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.

To find out more about the European Health Insurance Card, please click here.

How many days can I travel for?

Annual travel insurance is designed to cover those travelling three or more times a year and it is common for the cover period to be limited to around 31 days of consecutive travel per trip.  The number of trips per year will more often than not be unlimited as long as you return within the number of days specified by the insurer.

You may however find that some insurers offer extended periods of travel up to 60 days and over but this could be at an additional cost.

When is annual multi trip cover not suitable?

Annual holiday insurance may not be suitable if you will be staying at your holiday destination for longer durations (see restrictions above).

Multi trip cover may also not be the best option if you are undergoing tests for a medical condition that could mean you'd need to declare pre-existing conditions before you travel later in the year.  In this instance a pre-existing medical conditionssingle trip policy taken out just before travelling would ensure you are correctly covered.

It is also important to note that some insurers may have an upper age restriction on their multi trip policies so you should verify this before purchasing the policy.

If you plan to take part in activities that the insurer deems to be dangerous - such as skiing, water sports or bungee jumping - then you may not be covered under the standard terms and conditions of the policy but you might be able to bolt on this cover element.

Travel Insurance In UK

Tourist boards across the UK are running a campaign to persuade us that 'Holidays at Home are Great'.

Staycations can prove cheaper than holidays abroad, so the campaign is likely to appeal to cash-strapped consumers, especially as a range of special deals is on offer.

But a cheap holiday in the UK can turn out to be expensive, unless you pack a travel insurance policy along with your umbrella.

Why do I need travel insurance for UK holiday??

Many people assume that travel insurance is an unnecessary expense for a holiday in the UK. In fact, less than half of travellers bother to take out insurance for a staycation.

Of course, you won't need insurance for medical treatment in the UK because you can rely on the NHS. So, if you have an accident or fall ill during your holiday, you don't need to worry about a big bill.

But travel insurance is about more than medical cover. What happens if you fall ill before the date of departure and have to cancel your holiday?

Without insurance you could lose your deposit, or even the full cost of the trip. And what if your camera is stolen or you lose your favourite necklace while you are away?

What does UK travel insurance cover?

It's important to read the details of any insurance carefully. Some UK travel policies are basic, perhaps covering only cancellation. Others might include a range of extras, such as breakdown cover, that you don't really need. 

Cancellation and curtailment

Most UK travel policies include cancellation and curtailment. In other words, if you have to cancel or cut short your holiday, perhaps due to illness or bereavement, the policy should cover your expenses. And the expenses can add up. Hotels in the UK can be just as pricey as abroad. The cost of a holiday cottage can also run into hundreds of pounds, especially during peak season. Don't forget any pre-booked transport, such as train fares or even flights if you are travelling to a far flung corner of the country.

Missed or delayed departure

If you miss your flight, ferry or train due to circumstances beyond your control, you might be able to claim on your UK travel insurance. You might also be covered if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours. But check the small print as some insurers do not cover internal flights.

Baggage and belongings

There are thieves in Great Britain just as there are thieves abroad, but a UK travel insurance policy will cover your baggage and personal possessions in case they are stolen. You should also be insured against loss or damage, although you will have to prove that you were not negligent with your belongings.

It's worth checking your home contents insurance as it might cover your personal possessions when you take them out of the home. However, some people prefer not to claim on their home insurance in order to protect their no claims discount. You might also find that the contents policy does not include all your holiday equipment, such as a tent or diving kit, and that certain limits apply.

                                                         

Hospital transfer

A UK travel insurance policy does not cover medical treatment, but it may pay for a transfer to a hospital near to your home. If you fall ill on holiday and need to go into hospital, you can then be sure that you will not be stuck in a remote or inaccessible part of the country, far away from friends and relatives.

Common exclusions

If you are planning a staycation, your policy might only cover your holiday if you are travelling a certain distance from home, usually at least 25 miles, though it can be more. The insurer might also insist on a minimum number of nights away. Also bear in mind that UK travel insurance usually only covers pre-paid accommodation and transport - and private medical treatment is not included.

How much does UK travel insurance cost?

Premiums vary according to the type of policy and level of cover. A family policy can often work out cheaper than individual cover for each family member. And if you are planning several UK holidays in a year, an annual policy could prove cost effective. 

One of the best ways to cut the cost of UK travel insurance is to shop around. MoneySupermarket's free independent comparison service is a quick and easy way to compare prices and save money. 
                

                                                  

Click on the link below to start comparing travel insurance for UK trips.

Compare UK travel insurance

United States: Travel Insurance

                                                                                                                     

Travel & Medical Insurance

Discuss with your Doctor GP (General Practitioner) what your travel insurance policy should cover based on your unique medical history and the daily cocktail of medications that you are prescribed to inhale, inject or swallow. 

Here is a link to information about travel insurance. It is meant as a preliminary advice source only. What is the cost of travel insurance offered by your travel agent (TA) ? It makes a difference if you are after travel insurance for a single trip or an annual policy to cover a number of international trips (business and or pleasure).

Always start by asking your credit card provider whether your credit card provides complimentary travel insurance if you purchase your airline ticket with that credit card. Enquire about upgrading your credit card from bronze to silver, gold or platinum to gain complimentary travel insurance. What is the cost of the credit card upgrade? It is cost justified in your eyes. It will depend on your status with your bank etc whether you are offered a no fee upgrade. You may or may not be charged an annual fee on your existing and on your new upgraded card. Make a list of a few simple questions and phone or visit the credit card provider (bank or credit union or ?) and  ask your questions. Online tool Credit Card Navigator can also help you find out more details about the medical travel insurance available through your credit card.         

                                                                                        

What is the cost of travel insurance provided by your existing household and or car insurance provider ? Are you a member of a road service organisation ? These are some examples AAA or CAA or NRMA. What will they charge you for travel insurance ? You can also review visitor travel insurance comparison sites likeVisitorshield.com , VisitorsHealth.com, nriol.net, insuremytrip.com and Squaremouth.com.

Several visitor insurance plans are available from top-rated companies based in USA which offer visitor medical insurance with health coverage protection at affordable premiums. Fixed  plans limit the medical benefit as listed in the plan brochure, while comprehensive plans cover up to the policy maximum selected. Below is a listing of popular plans are classified as fixed benefit plans or comprehensive, do a Google search on the plan name and you will find them.

Comprehensive coverage plans: 

Atlas America Insurance

Patriot America Insurance

Liaison Continent Insurance

Liaison Majestic Insurance

Diplomat America Insurance

Visit USA Insurance

Fixed benefit plans: 

Inbound USA Insurance

Visitors Care Insurance

Immigrant Secure Insurance

For international traveller - consider carrying an international travel insurance plan that provides coverage for both travel and medical emergencies. To get an idea about the pricing and the benefits, refer to site likes www.VisitorsCoverage.com(speciallizing in internnational travel insurance) or contact www.ustia.org for recommendations and assistance to obtain a suitable travel insurance policy.

For all travelers - it is also important to be aware that most travel insurance providers do not cover regions or countries which the national government considers to be unsafe.  Thus, if you intend to travel to a foreign destination which has a travel advisory warning by your national government, it is very important to contact your travel insurance provider to understand what coverage you will or will not have if you decide to go there.  Generally speaking, if your government considers it dangerous to be in a certain foreign destination, your travel insurance provider may not cover you for any problems you encounter while there.  

It's also important to consider that even for uncommon incidents like a plane crash, providers may not cover unanticipated expenses like diverted flights to a new airport, even though you incur an additional expense, such as rental car fees. Allianz, which is offered in the U.S. by most major airlines, said a rental car extra charge due to traveling to a new airport quite a distance away, would not be covered.

                                                   

In the next post, we will discuss about the travel insurance in UK