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Annual Travel Insurance

Discover the benefits of annual travel insurance over single-trip policies and enjoy peace of mind on multiple trips each year. Get a quote!

A happy couple at the airport, woman standing on luggage cart with arms raised, enjoying their travel experience with international insurance coverage.
A happy couple at the airport, woman standing on luggage cart with arms raised, enjoying their travel experience with international insurance coverage.

Annual travel insurance or multi-trip coverage is the ideal solution for individuals who travel frequently. Plans cover a full year of trips, whether for business or pleasure, with a maximum trip duration.

These comprehensive policies offer a complete package of benefits. Coverage is available for individuals or families taking multiple trips abroad during the policy year.

Review and compare some of the benefits, coverage options, and costs of yearly travel insurance as detailed below. Please note that there is a limit on the number of days you can travel for each trip. Oftentimes, you can select 30, 45, 60, or 90 days of coverage for each trip.

Year-Round Travel Protection

Get comprehensive coverage for every trip you take—wherever the year takes you.

What is Annual Travel Insurance?

Annual travel insurance, also known as multi-trip insurance, provides coverage for an unlimited number of trips within a single year under a single plan. Frequent travelers, such as business professionals, benefit from protection against risks like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage, without having to purchase separate policies for each trip.

This insurance offers convenience and cost-effectiveness by providing consistent coverage year-round. Although you can take unlimited trips, each trip usually has a maximum duration limit, depending on the policy. If you travel frequently, annual travel insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection, enabling you to travel with confidence every time.

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

Travel health insurance protects you from unforeseen events that disrupt your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you agree to pay a premium in exchange for coverage. You can file a claim with your insurance provider if an unexpected event occurs, such as a medical emergency or flight cancellation. They will then assess the situation and reimburse you for covered expenses, helping to mitigate the financial impact.

Coverage typically includes emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and compensation for trip disruptions. It may also cover lost baggage, personal liability, and other travel-related risks. You can customize your policy to suit your specific needs, ensuring you have adequate protection during your trip.

Benefits and Limits of Annual Travel Insurance

If you don’t travel more than once a year, then single-trip insurance is usually the most cost-effective option. All you need to do is pay for the days you must be covered. Ensure that each trip is no longer than the period you indicated when you purchased the policy.

In contrast, an annual travel policy will cover you for multiple trips. But you do not have to travel four or five times a year to make the purchase of yearly travel insurance worthwhile. Even if you plan on traveling just a couple of times a year, annual travel insurance plans can save you money on buying two separate single-trip plans, especially if you are traveling with your spouse or children.

Of course, annual travel insurance pays for itself if you are making multiple trips within a year. You are ready for a year of short trips with just one application and one payment. You can leave at a moment’s notice without worrying about arranging travel insurance because you already have it in place.

Suppose you frequently travel to visit friends or relatives, head overseas for business, or enjoy traveling for pleasure. In that case, multi-trip travel insurance is the ideal option for you.

Key Benefits and Features

A significant benefit of annual travel insurance is that it is cost-effective for your family as well. Spouses and children can also be covered under a single comprehensive policy, so you don’t need to purchase individual plans for everyone traveling. And not everyone named on the policy has to travel every time the primary policyholder is traveling.

You can also choose the maximum trip duration for your annual travel insurance plan, which specifies the maximum number of days you will be covered for each trip. With coverage for up to 30 or 45 days per trip, you will not have to rush home because of limited coverage.

Exclusions and Limitations

Annual travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage but comes with specific exclusions and limitations. For instance, these policies often exclude high-risk activities, such as extreme sports, unless additional coverage is purchased.

Some plans offer pre-existing condition coverage if the policyholder has primary health insurance, but coverage is subject to limits and conditions. Additionally, trip duration is restricted, with most policies covering trips up to a specific number of days (e.g., 30 or 90 days per trip).

Understanding these exclusions and limitations is crucial for selecting the right coverage and ensuring adequate travel protection.

The Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans

Several annual travel insurance plans cater to different nationalities and age groups. You can find a plan that best suits your needs and travel requirements by exploring these options.

The Best Annual Travel Policy for All Nationalities

The IMG Patriot MultiTrip plan is an excellent option for those who take multiple trips outside their country of residence throughout the year.

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

  • Annual travel medical coverage
  • Designed for individuals and dependents
  • Full year of cover for trips of 30, 60, or 90 days in length

The Best Annual Travel Medical Insurance for US Citizens

The BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip Platinum plan is the best option for US citizens and residents who travel frequently throughout the year. The plan provides comprehensive medical and trip protection coverage for up to 70 days per trip.

Multi-Trip Platinum Travel Insurance

  • Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
  • $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
  • Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days

The Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors

For seniors who travel frequently, annual or multi-trip travel insurance is a cost-effective option. This plan allows you to purchase coverage for a full 12 months with just one payment. This plan is often cheaper if you travel three or more times a year. To choose the right plan, consider your current health conditions, the activities you plan to participate in during the trip, and the duration of your travel.

The Best Multi-Trip Plan for U.S. Citizens Up to Age 95

BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip Platinum provides $100,000 in medical coverage for U.S. citizens and residents aged 70-95, and $1,000,000 for insureds aged 69 or younger. There is also no limit on the number of trips in 364 days.

Multi-Trip Platinum Travel Insurance

  • Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
  • $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
  • Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days

The Best Annual Plan for All Nationalities Up to Age 79

The Patriot MultiTrip plan offers $1,000,000 in medical coverage to insureds up to age 69 and $50,000 to insureds aged 70-79. Seniors covered under this plan can extend it for up to 36 continuous months.

Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

  • Annual travel medical coverage
  • Designed for individuals and dependents
  • Full year of cover for trips of 30, 60, or 90 days in length

Annual Coverage for Employees Living Abroad

For individual employees living abroad, you might consider an expatriate insurance plan. These international health insurance plans provide comprehensive worldwide coverage, including in your home country. One example is the Cigna International Plan, which offers a flexible plan design, excellent service, and a range of benefits to meet your needs.

Consider a group global medical insurance plan if you have multiple employees who regularly live or travel abroad. Our specialists in global benefits will work with you to provide your employees with comprehensive benefits while abroad.

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Cost of Annual Travel Insurance

The cost of an annual travel insurance plan varies depending on your age, the number of days per trip you want covered, the deductible you choose, and your destination.

For a 35-year-old traveler purchasing an IMG Patriot Multi-Trip plan with coverage for up to 30 days per trip and a $250 deductible, the annual cost is $282*. Travelers can also purchase the IMG Patriot Multi-Trip with coverage for up to 60 or 90 days per trip.

The BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip Platinum plan offers coverage for up to 70 days per trip and costs $184* per year, with a $100 deductible. The Gold plan, with lower medical limits, will cost $131* per year with a $200 deductible.

Note: The BCBS Global Solutions Multi-Trip Plan is only available to U.S. citizens abroad, and you must be enrolled in another primary medical plan in the U.S. when traveling.

*Annual costs last updated March 13, 2025.

Annual trip insurance plans cost less if you

  • are younger;
  • choose a higher deductible;
  • choose fewer days for your maximum number of days abroad per trip; and/or
  • are traveling outside of the U.S.

How to Choose an Annual Plan

We offer a wide range of annual travel insurance policies, ideal for frequent travelers who want to take short trips year-round. These plans provide outstanding value with comprehensive coverage, and our exceptional service is included at no additional cost.

Buying an annual travel insurance policy is usually straightforward, with most providers offering the option to get a quote and purchase coverage entirely online. However, it is essential to consider specific details when selecting your policy.

Make Sure to Review the Following Before Clicking Buy

  • Policy Start and End Dates: Your policy typically begins when you start your travels and ends a year later. Note that coverage for each trip cannot exceed your chosen maximum trip length.
  • Claims Process: Most insurers provide policyholders with an online portal that allows them to file claims, contact customer support, and access helpful documents.
  • Add-On Riders: Providers offer customizable add-on options, such as increased trip cancellation coverage or adventure sports riders, for an additional cost. These allow you to tailor the policy to your specific needs.

Year-Round Travel Protection

Get comprehensive coverage for every trip you take—wherever the year takes you.

FAQs

  • Yes, annual travel insurance is ideal for frequent travelers who make multiple trips throughout the year, whether for business or leisure. It is especially beneficial for business professionals, digital nomads, or anyone with a lifestyle involving frequent travel, as it provides continuous coverage under a single policy, removing the need to purchase separate insurance for each trip.

    If you frequently take short vacations or regularly visit family abroad, an annual travel insurance policy can also offer peace of mind and financial protection for each journey, eliminating the hassle of arranging coverage for every trip.

  • Yes, an annual travel insurance policy can cover your entire family for the whole year. Typically, the first person covered will be the most expensive. Adding a spouse increases the price but to a lesser extent. Including children usually has little impact on the cost of the annual plan, and some plans even cover children at no extra charge.

  • Single-trip travel insurance covers you for one specific trip, from departure until you return home. It’s ideal for infrequent travelers or for those only planning a single trip in the near future. This type of insurance typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related risks for that specific journey.

    In contrast, multi-trip or annual travel insurance covers multiple trips within a year under a single policy. This option is beneficial if you travel several times a year, as it provides coverage for each trip up to a maximum duration (e.g., 30-90 days per trip) specified in the policy. Multi-trip insurance offers the convenience of not having to purchase separate insurance for each journey and can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers.

  • Annual travel insurance plans like the GeoBlue Trekker and IMG MultiTrip do not provide trip cancellation coverage. These plans are designed to cover emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and other travel-related incidents that might occur during your trips throughout the year.

    The Trawick Safe Travels Voyager and IMG iTravelInsured plans are excellent options if you want coverage specifically for trip cancellations. These plans provide comprehensive trip cancellation coverage, ensuring that you are protected if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Both plans also offer optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

    Please note that the Trawick Safe Travels Voyager and IMG iTravelInsured plans are only available to U.S. residents.

  • The best annual travel insurance plan depends on your specific travel needs and preferences. Factors such as the frequency and duration of your trips, the activities you’ll be participating in, and the level of coverage you want for medical emergencies or trip cancellations all play a role in determining which plan is right for you.

    Compare our annual travel insurance plans to see the differences in coverage, benefits, and costs. This will help you find the plan that best suits your individual needs and provides the peace of mind you need for your travels.

  • Annual travel insurance is worth it for frequent travelers, as it provides the following benefits:

    • Cost Savings: It’s cheaper in the long run than purchasing multiple single-trip policies.
    • Convenience: It covers all trips within a year under one policy, eliminating the need for repetitive paperwork and planning.
    • Comprehensive Protection: It ensures coverage for every trip for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
    • Peace of Mind: It provides continuous coverage, so you don’t have to worry about buying insurance each time you travel.

    However, it might not be worth it for infrequent travelers for these reasons:

    • Higher Cost: It costs more than single-trip insurance, which can be wasteful if you only travel once or twice a year.
    • Unnecessary Coverage: If your travel is limited, you might end up paying for coverage that you won’t use.
    • Better Options: Single-trip policies can be more tailored to specific trips, offering just the right amount of coverage for infrequent travel.

Joe Cronin| President of ICI

Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.

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