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Annual Multi-Trip vs Single Trip Travel Insurance

Delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.

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Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone planning one big far-flung trip, the choice between an Annual Multi-Trip and a Single Trip policy can have a significant impact on your cover, as well as your bottom line. Let’s delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.

What is Annual Multi-Trip?

Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance is designed for British globetrotters who embark on multiple journeys within a year. With this type of policy, you’re covered for an unlimited number of trips within a specified region during the policy period. It's a cost-effective and convenient option for those who travel frequently.

What are the benefits and considerations of Annual Multi-Trip?

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective: Instead of purchasing a separate policy for each trip, you pay once for year-round coverage.
  • Convenience: We get it. Travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part in planning a trip. Say goodbye to the hassle of arranging insurance every time you travel with Annual Multi-Trip.
  • Kids go free: World Nomads Annual Multi-Trip policies offer free coverage for children under the age of 18 travelling with an adult, making year-round family travel more affordable.
  • Domestic travel: Our Annual Multi-Trip policy offers cover for both international and (subject to some restrictions – check your policy wording for more information).

Considerations:

  • Trip duration limits: Each trip is capped at a certain number of days (31 days with the Standard plan, 45 days with the Explorer plan).
  • Initial cost: While cost-effective in the long run, the upfront payment may be higher than a Single Trip policy.
  • Policy renewal and auto-renewal: Annual Multi-Trip policies do not auto-renew. You'll need to purchase a new policy each year, but don't worry we will write to you 28 days before expiry so you can get another quote. On the other hand, Single Trip policies expire after each journey, requiring a new purchase for any subsequent trips.

What is Single Trip travel insurance?

As the name suggests, Single Trip insurance provides coverage for a single journey. It's ideal for travellers embarking on one-off vacations or business trips outside their home country.

What are the benefits and considerations of Single Trip?

Benefits:

  • Flexibility: Tailored coverage for a specific trip, allowing you to customize your policy based on the destination, duration and planned activities.
  • Less restrictions on trip duration: Enjoy the freedom to choose the length of your trip without worrying about exceeding coverage limits. Single trip policies have a 365-day limit, but if you wish to continue your trip you can simply purchase a new policy.
  • Simplicity: (depending on your travel plans of course). You only need to focus on the details of one trip at a time.
  • Less commitment: If you’re an occasional traveller rather than a frequent flyer a Single Trip policy offers cover when you need it, without the commitment or expense of an Annual Multi-Trip policy.

Considerations:

  • Potentially higher costs: While cheaper for a Single Trip, multiple Single Trip policies can add up to more than an Annual Multi-Trip policy over time.
  • Need for repeated purchases: You'll need to buy a new policy for each trip.
  • No cover for domestic travel: Single Trip policies do not have cover when travelling within the UK.

Other factors to consider when choosing a travel insurance policy: 

Cover type: Annual Multi-Trip and Single Trip policies share some similarities, including benefits like trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and personal baggage cover. However, the limits and exclusions may vary between Standard and Explorer plans, so it’s essential to review the policy details carefully.

Trip duration: With Annual Multi-Trip insurance, each trip is typically limited to a specific number of days. Ensure the maximum trip duration aligns with your travel plans to avoid gaps in coverage. Single Trip policies offer more flexibility in trip duration. 

Travel companions: With an Annual Multi-Trip policy your children (aged under 18), if named on the policy, will also be covered (for free) when travelling with another adult for the full duration (365 days). A Single Trip policy will also include free cover for your children. However, cover ends when the Single Trip policy expires. 

Pre-existing medical conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered under either Annual Multi-Trip or Single Trip insurance policies. A pre-existing medical condition is defined as any medical or dental condition, or related complication that has required or is awaiting medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribed medication, consultations, check-ups, surgery, tests or investigations in the 180 days before you buy or extend your policy or book your trip (whichever you do last). 

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the actual plans for complete details of cover and exclusions. 

Get a quote today for either an Annual Multi-Trip or Single Trip insurance policy.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Come to a sticky end?
  • Called to jury duty?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need drugs?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • You or a family member dead?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

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Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.