Annual Travel Insurance Guide

Travel often....Say whaaat!? If you have a serious case of wanderlust, an annual travel insurance policy (also known as a 'multi-trip' or 'frequent traveller' policy) might be right for you. Designed for frequent travellers, it's an annual policy that can offer an affordable way to keep your trips covered all year round.

Frequent travellers can save time and money with an annual policy and jet-set worry-free!

Annual Travel Insurance 101

Don’t get confused! Unlike a single trip policy that covers you for one trip (that can last 12 months in duration), an annual policy covers you for lots of trips (usually an unlimited number of trips, aka as many trips as you take) over the course of a year.

The biggest benefit of taking out annual travel insurance before you travel is that you can relax knowing you're covered for cancellations, medical costs, lost luggage, theft, and everything else outlined in the policy for the whole year ahead!

Pay attention to The Limits

Maximum trip lengths vary between insurers and policies, so be sure to check these suit your planned holidays before you sign on the dotted line. Bear in mind that you need to return to your home in Australia between each trip. To help you out we’ve done the hard slog for you so you can easily compare the limits below.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, several insurers have temporarily ceased issuing new international annual travel insurance policies, so not all insurers shown below are currently issuing policies. If you're looking for more options or do not meet the criteria for an annual policy, you should consider a single trip policy. Single trip travel insurance policies can cover longer trips, with some international medical policies extending well beyond 90 days.

Grey-haired Globetrotters Need To Do Their Research

If you’re a sexy 70 (or over) it can be harder to find a multi-trip insurance policy. But don’t despair, if you can't find a multi-trip policy that works, you can also consider getting a few single trip policies instead, as they often have more generous age cut-offs. Check out our Seniors Guide to help find the cover you’re looking for.

Which Destination Do I Pick?

Some policies allow you to travel anywhere in the world (when you pick worldwide cover). While others, for regions like Europe or Asia, allow you to be more specific. The region you choose can alter the price you pay, so think about the trips you’ll be taking over the next 12 months and which region best suits your needs. Money can be saved by picking a cheaper region. For example, travel insurance for a trip to the USA is notoriously more expensive than a trip to Asia. So if you're planning several trips within AsiaPac only, why pay for cover in the USA!?. But if you want peace of mind without limitation, choose Worldwide and the world is your oyster.

Some international annual policies provide cover for trips within Australia, as long as your trip takes you to a certain distance from your home.

Are You A Domestic Frequent Traveller?

So you’re a domestic explorer? Well, there are policies just for you! If you travel within Australia a few times a year, a domestic frequent traveller policy may be perfect for you. While they vary in price and benefits (you can spend anywhere from $90 to $500 on a policy), it could suit the frequent interstate business traveller or someone who has family spread across several states. The big benefit for many travellers is the year-long rental vehicle excess benefits.

Consider Your Travel Plans

As well as considering the length of your trips and where you're going, you should consider the type of trip or activities you will be participating in. Annual travel insurance may not cover certain activities like winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. These activities are usually considered high-risk and can only be covered by paying an extra premium. You may require a specialist single ski trip policy to ensure your winter sports activities are covered, or if you are planning multiple ski holidays, consider an Annual Ski Policy.

Some policies automatically include rental vehicle excess and others may charge an additional premium. So if you're planning on hiring a car, make sure it's included in your annual policy.

The good news is, you don't need to advise your insurer of all your travel plans and the details of each trip. You just purchase your policy and you're covered all year round. However, in the event of a claim, your insurer will request a copy of your travel itinerary to ensure that you were using your policy within the terms.

Is An Annual Policy Right For Me?

If you’re not sure if your travel habits put you in the globetrotting category, think about whether you travel for work or take more than two holidays a year. Annual cover is usually the cheapest option if you're making more than two trips in the next 12 months, while a single policy can usually be more cost-effective if you're taking one or two holidays.

With the uncertainty surrounding travel due to Covid-19, you may be unsure of how many trips you will actually be able to take, so this might be a decision that's easier to make further down the track.

Other determining factors include:

• How long you're travelling: Maximum trip length restrictions apply. If you’re planning on being away from your home for more than 90 days, you’ll need a single-trip policy.

• Any additional cover you require: You may require additional cover for planned activities such as cruising and skiing, any high-value items you want to be covered, or pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurers may cover certain things automatically or allow you to add them to your annual policy for an additional premium.

Now Voyager, What’s Covered?

These policies will give you all the benefits of comprehensive insurance but for a full year. A good policy will usually provide cover for the following scenarios:

• It’s 3 am and you’ve had your travel documents stolen, well with travel insurance you’ll have 24/7 emergency assistance services to help with any travel or unexpected medical emergencies.

• Overseas emergency hospital and medical expenses are also covered. So if you lose a filling, or your appendix bursts while overseas your dental, hospital and medical expenses are covered.

• Broke your leg skiing down the alps? Your policy will cover emergency rescue and medical transportation.

• Involved in a motor vehicle collision – well you’re covered for personal liability. And it’s a must-have if you're taking part in any activity that involves any risk.

• You’ve lost your luggage, including your new swanky camera! No worries, as your policy will cover lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items.

• Stuck in an unexpected blizzard and your flight is grounded? Well travel delay expenses, including costs for unexpected accommodation, meals, and transport is covered too should your travel be delayed or disrupted ...and much more!

What's Not Covered?

Like all insurances, there are some things insurers simply won't cover. Travel insurance covers the unexpected, not events that are likely to happen, or have happened as a result of negligence, or the insured acting irresponsibly.

The following are some examples of common sense exclusions that may apply:

• Going against the Australian Government 'do not travel' advice and travelling to no-go regions.

• Being drunk or under the influence and causing a motor vehicle collision, or being at fault in any accident while under the influence.

• You left your bag by the departure gate while you went to the bathroom? Well goods stolen as a result of them being unattended aren’t usually covered.

• If you’re an adrenaline junkie and planning on participating in any extreme sports, you’ll need to check whether your planned activities are covered.

• If your flight is delayed due to the airline, they’ll need to cover any delay expenses in this situation.

• A medical condition that exists before you travel is generally not covered.

Read The Small Print

The devil is in the detail, so remember to check your inclusions and exclusions. Reading the Policy Documentation means you wont get any nasty surprises.

You don't need to advise your insurer of all your travel plans, just purchase your policy and you're covered all year round. However, in the event of a claim, your insurer will request a copy of your travel itinerary to ensure that you were using your policy within the terms.

Compare Annual Travel Insurance Online And Save Money!

If you’re an avid adventurer, always on the go to someplace exotic, or a regular business traveller, it’s worth comparing annual travel insurance policies – and with us it’s easy!

Compare quotes effortlessly and find the best policy for your travel habits. Comparing online with us will give you the same competitive price as buying direct – but without the legwork of shopping around.

Save time, worry and loads of money! Comparing annual travel insurance online will leave you plenty of time for globetrotting fun!