Annual multi-trip travel insurance guide

An annual travel insurance policy could save you heaps.

Annual travel insurance, commonly known as frequent traveller or a multi-trip policy provides standard or comprehensive travel insurance for a twelve month period.

For one price you can travel as often as you like and be covered for as many trips as you like. However, trip duration restrictions apply. Maximum trip lengths vary anywhere from 28 days up to 90 days depending upon the insurer and policy.

Some travellers get caught out by thinking that this means that provided they move on to another destination within that timeframe, they are covered. This is not the case. The trip length applies to the duration that you are away from New Zealand.

The main benefit of an annual multi-trip is the cost savings for frequent travellers and the convenience of not having to arrange travel insurance with each trip you take.

Key things to consider

Maximum trip duration

You need to be aware of the amount of time you have for each trip. If your trip exceeds the maximum trip duration in the policy, any claim would become null and void so be very certain of your travel dates. If you have annual travel insurance and are travelling longer than the specified time, make sure you take out adequate cover.

When the policy should start from

An annual policy is valid for 12 months from your chosen start date. So, there is no point in starting it six months before you book your travel. Cancellation cover will begin from the start date, so starting it from when you book your travel is advisable.

Planned activities

It is important to think about the activities that you plan to partake in. Read the policy details in full to make sure that your planned activities are covered. If not, consider taking out a specialist single trip policy to get covered.

Destinations

Like single trip travel insurance, you have options when purchasing annual travel insurance, so be sure to check that your travel insurance covers you for the regions you are visiting. Also it pays to check whether your annual multi policy includes domestic travel within New Zealand and what the conditions are.

Who needs cover

If your kids are travelling with you for any or all of your planned trips, you will need to add them to the policy. Most insurers allow you to add children to your policy even if your policy has already started.

Get the best deal

Compare policies to make sure you’re getting a great deal. You can save over 50% by purchasing online rather than through a travel agent. Use our annual travel insurance comparison to compare quotes, policies and levels of cover.

As previously stated, inclusions and exclusions are going to vary between policies so it's imperative that you read, understand and follow each insurers’ Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making your final decision on a travel insurance policy.

If you need more help deciding on annual multi-trip travel insurance, we have a great article on comparing frequent traveler insurance policies that's full of handy tips to help you along.