A Beginners Guide to Annual Travel Insurance

What is Annual Travel insurance?

For those individuals who travel overseas frequently, there exists a type of insurance policy that covers an entire year period. This is often referred to as frequent flyer, multi trip or annual travel insurance. Generally an annual travel cover policy will include both business and holiday trips.

Why Annual Travel Cover?

With an annual insurance policy you should be covered for the following: medical expenses, cancellation costs, additional expenses, loss of income, travel delay and resumption of trip. A quality annual travel cover policy should also cover ones spouse/travel partner and any children grandchildren travelling with the policy holder for the duration of the trip.

Ideally, not only does a quality annual insurance cover include your travel partner, there should also be no maximum number of trips allowed per year.

Annual Travel Insurance & Costs

You should see the savings on your annual travel policy in as little as 2 trips. The main savings you will experience however will be in the case of mishap: with a policy paying for itself in the event of loss, injury or other unforeseen circumstance.

Annual or Multi Trip insurance is a single purchase as opposed to purchasing multiple policies throughout the year. While some insurance providers can allow you to extend your policy whilst away, this is not the same thing as purchasing a policy valid for an entire year.

Don’t forget to hunt around for the best price. The internet is a great place to start your research and comparison of annual insurance plans, make sure to get a few quotes while you are hunting for the best price. Often times it pays to buy directly from a insurance provider online. Purchasing this way can be a great way to save money.

Make sure you are familiar with the parts of the travel insurance policy, which can be understood by reading through the companies “product disclosure statement”. Read the fine print, compare policies and make an informed choice about your chosen travel insurance provider.

When Things Go Wrong

What happens when things go wrong with your trip? That is when you will appreciate the true value of your multi trip insurance policy.

- If your passport is stolen, lost or damaged, contact your nearest embassy or consulate – it pays to have photocopies of your originals to serve as backup documents. These may streamline the process of document replacement.

- If your money, credit cards or travellers cheques are stolen or lost, please contact your bank ASAP to cancel your cards & notify your travellers cheque provider. Money can be wired to you also.

- In the case of theft, remember it important you file a report with the local police, a copy of which will be needed when you file your travel insurance claim form.

- In the case of hospitalization, you must call your travel insurance assistance provider to make contact with your family, insuring you may be transferred to an appropriate location if necessary.