Find the best annual travel insurance for frequent travellers. Compare 10+ brands to find the right policy and get covered for unlimited trips throughout the year.
the benefits
An annual travel insurance policy covers you for an unlimited number of trips over a 12-month period, all for a single premium. For Kiwis who travel twice or more a year, it’s almost always more cost-effective than purchasing individual single trip policies each time you travel.
One of the biggest advantages of annual cover is the freedom it provides. Once your policy is in place, you can book and depart for trips without notifying your insurer each time; making it the ideal choice for spontaneous travellers and frequent flyers alike.
Not sure where your travels will take you over the next 12 months? An annual worldwide policy ensures you’re covered no matter where you go, giving you the flexibility to roam freely without the need to arrange separate cover for each destination.
For Kiwis who book flights using frequent flyer points, annual travel insurance can provide cover for trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances – even when tickets were purchased using points rather than cash.
Most annual travel insurance policies cover both business and leisure travel, making them a practical choice for Kiwis who travel for work as well as pleasure. Cover and benefits may vary between insurers though, so it’s definitely worth comparing policies carefully if you travel frequently for business.
Our annual travel insurance comparison is completely free to use. You’ll be directed straight to the insurer’s website to complete your purchase at their direct price – no markups, no surprises.
key considerations
The main consideration when choosing annual travel insurance is how frequently you travel. If you take two or more trips a year, an annual multi-trip policy is likely to offer better value than purchasing a single trip policy each time. However, depending on your age, destinations, and trip durations, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to purchase individual policies, so it’s always worth comparing both options before committing.
The most important feature to understand with annual travel insurance is the maximum trip duration; that is, the longest single trip you can take under your policy. Common limits include 30, 45, 60, and 90 days per trip. If you regularly take longer holidays, make sure the duration limit on your policy accommodates your longest planned trip, as exceeding it could void your cover.
When purchasing an annual policy, you’ll need to select a destination region that covers all the countries you plan to visit. If you’re unsure of your exact travel plans, a worldwide policy provides the broadest cover. It’s worth noting that stopovers of less than 48 hours generally don’t need to be included, though the USA and Canadaare exceptions to this rule.
Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared regardless of whether you’re purchasing a single trip or annual policy. Look for insurers who offer online medical screening so conditions can be assessed upfront. Declaring your conditions accurately is essential to ensure your cover remains valid, and some insurers will waive the excess for conditions that have been properly disclosed.
Frequent travellers often seek out a range of experiences throughout the year. If your trips are likely to include activities such as skiing, scuba diving, hiking, or other adventure sports, make sure your annual policy covers them as basic policies often apply exclusions or limitations to higher-risk activities. And check whether add-ons such as winter sports cover or rental vehicle excess are available too.
Annual multi-trip policies typically have age limits of around 65 years, though this varies between insurers. If you’re an older frequent traveller, it’s worth checking the age eligibility criteria carefully when comparing policies, as some insurers do offer annual cover beyond this threshold.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
get answers
An annual travel insurance policy – also known as a multi-trip or frequent traveller policy – provides cover for an unlimited number of trips over a 12-month period for a single premium. It differs from a single trip policy, which covers one continuous journey of up to 12 months in duration. Annual policies are best suited to Kiwis who travel regularly throughout the year on shorter trips, offering both convenience and cost savings compared to purchasing individual policies each time.
Trip duration limits are one of the most important features to understand when purchasing an annual travel insurance policy. When you buy an annual policy, you select a maximum trip duration – for example, 30, 45, or 60 days – which represents the longest single trip you can take under that policy. You can take as many trips as you like throughout the year, provided no single trip exceeds that limit. Exceeding your nominated duration could result in your cover being void for that trip, so it’s essential to choose a limit that reflects your longest planned journey.
Annual multi-trip policies typically have age limits of around 65 years, though this does vary between insurers. Older travellers are not necessarily excluded from annual cover, so it’s worth using our comparison tool to see what options are available for your age. For travellers who fall outside standard age limits, a single trip policy may be a more suitable alternative.
Most annual travel insurance policies cover both business and leisure trips, making them a practical and versatile option for Kiwis who travel for a mix of purposes throughout the year. However, the benefits available for business travel can vary between insurers – and it's worth noting that business equipment may not be covered under a personal policy if you are not personally out of pocket. If you have specific business travel requirements, we recommend comparing policies carefully or contacting your insurer directly.
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