Written by Tiana Lee-Collins
Reviewed by Adrian Taylor
Last updated 11/10/2023
If you travel overseas throughout the year, you may prefer an annual travel insurance policy instead of purchasing multiple single trip policies. Before you purchase annual cover, there are some things to consider:
Taking out travel insurance for your trip is always a good idea, and if you’re a frequent flyer you could consider annual cover. Besides peace of mind on your trip, there may be other benefits to your policy, including:
When comparing annual travel insurance policies, there are several factors you should consider, to help make sure you’re covered for everything you need. Before choosing a policy, be aware of the following:
Our travel insurance expert, Adrian Taylor, has some insider tips to help you choose a suitable annual policy for your travel needs.
Annual cover will always have maximum trip lengths (e.g. 30 to 90 days) for each trip you take. If you continue travelling on a single trip past the end of the trip length mentioned in your policy, you will not be covered.
Some annual multi-trip policies will cover both international travel and trips in Australia, but keep in mind domestic and international trips might have different maximum trip lengths listed in your policy.
COVID-19 cover is available for both single and multi-trip policies with a sufficient level of cover. Without this, you may not be covered for any related losses if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before departure or during your trip.
Annual travel insurance (also known as annual cover, annual multi-trip travel insurance or frequent traveller insurance) can be more convenient and cost-effective than multiple single trip travel insurance policy or other travel insurance plans if you travel more than three times in the same 12-month period.
Annual multi-trip insurance gives you the option to travel multiple times a year under the same policy cover. It offers automatic coverage for any number of trips (international or domestic, depending on the policy) for an entire year up to the maximum number of days per trip.
Annual travel insurance policies cover an unlimited number of trips overseas up to the maximum number of days per trip and may also include cover for domestic trips. Most annual policies provide comprehensive cover, including cover for overseas medical expenses, luggage and personal effects and cancellation fees.
Cover for domestic trips will not include cover for medical or hospital expenses and will usually only cover losses once you have travelled a specified distance from your home. All annual multi-trip travel insurance policies will also stipulate a maximum trip duration for each time you travel. These time limits can range from 30 to 90 days.
It’s important to note that you generally can’t purchase annual travel insurance if you’re already overseas. You must be in Australia when your travel documents, such as your Certificate of Insurance, are issued.
While annual travel insurance and single trip policies are similar in coverage, some differences are worth noting. As mentioned, annual travel insurance covers you for multiple trips in one year. By contrast, a single trip policy only covers one trip. You can still visit various destinations on a single trip policy, but your cover will end when you return to Australia.
Annual travel insurance typically covers multiple trips in one year but the duration of each trip will be capped at a maximum duration (typically 30-90 days). On the other hand, single trip policies cover just one trip that could be as short as one day or as long as 12 months or more.
A significant advantage of an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy is that it provides consistent coverage for your travels during a 12-month period. This gives you the same financial protection and peace of mind for every trip you take, as long as you return home within your chosen maximum trip duration and meet the other requirements of your policy, such as not exceeding your claim limits.
The value of your policy depends on how many trips you take under your annual cover. If you and your dependants are frequent travellers or travel more than three times a year, an annual travel insurance policy could be a more cost-effective option rather than buying multiple single trip policies.
Even though the initial cost may be higher, an annual multi-trip policy can be more cost effective in the long run than taking out separate policies for all your trips.
Annual travel insurance generally offers the same level of cover as single comprehensive travel insurance policies, and may include cover for:
As with any insurance policy, ensure you read your PDS so you understand the inclusions, exclusions and any limits of your cover before purchasing.
Just like single trip policies, annual cover comes with general exclusions, including:
Furthermore, some exclusions apply to travellers over a certain age. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a multi-trip plan, but there may be higher premiums, caps to some benefits or additional exclusions. Read more about travel insurance for seniors.
