Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific.
With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East.
You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.
Annual travel insurance guide
Travel often....Say whaaat!?
Provided we're able to defeat or learn to live with COVID-19 and all its tricky variants, 2022 may just be the year of change we've all been waiting for. As the world beings to open up after almost two years of travel restrictions and lockdowns, there are plenty of pent-up Aussies that can't wait to explore it.
If you have a serious case of wanderlust, an annual travel insurance policy (also known as a 'multi-trip' or 'frequent traveller' policy) might be right for you. Designed for frequent travellers, it's an annual policy that can offer an affordable way to keep your trips covered all year round.
Frequent travellers can save time and money with an annual policy and jet-set worry-free!
Annual Travel Insurance 101
Don’t get confused! Unlike a single trip policy that covers you for one trip (that can last 12 months in duration), an annual policy covers you for lots of trips (usually an unlimited number of trips, aka as many trips as you take) over the course of a year.
The biggest benefit of taking out annual travel insurance before you travel is that you can relax knowing you're covered for cancellations, medical costs, lost luggage, theft, and everything else outlined in the policy for the whole year ahead!
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
Annual travel insurance policies are designed to be a cost-effective way for Aussies to purchase medical coverage and other travel insurance benefits for multiple trips throughout the year. Annual policies are generally designed for travellers taking two or more trips within a 12 month period. We've broken down some of the benefits and common terms for your consideration.
Cost-Effective Cover
If you travel more than twice a year, overseas or within Australia, year-round cover can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a single trip policy each time you travel. Whether it's business or pleasure, you could pay lower premiums in total on an annual multi-trip policy than you would if you took out separate policies for all your trips.
Convenient
In addition to being less expensive, purchasing an annual multi-trip policy can be more convenient. Rather than purchasing a new travel insurance policy for each trip you take, just pack your bags and go.
Family Coverage
If you take a few family holidays, you may be able to add your kids and grandkids (ie. your dependants) to your frequent traveller policy for no additional cost. Why rely on naughty teenagers to take out cover when you can make sure they're consistently covered all year round.
Unlimited & Unplanned Trips
The beauty of an annual multi-trip policy is that you don't have to think about each trip. Take off as many times as you like in 12 months without any hassle. You're often also covered for domestic trips (provided it's more than a certain distance from your home).
Take It To The Limits
There are maximum trip duration and age limits that apply. Most annual policies cover trips of 15 days, 30 days, 45 days and some more lenient policies will allow up to a 90-day trip length. You will need to choose the trip duration that will cover your longest journey.
Pay attention to The Limits
Maximum trip lengths vary between insurers and policies, so be sure to check these suit your planned holidays before you sign on the dotted line. Bear in mind that you need to return to your home in Australia between each trip. To help you out we’ve done the hard slog for you so you can easily compare the limits below.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, several insurers have temporarily ceased issuing new international annual travel insurance policies, so not all insurers shown below are currently issuing policies. If you're looking for more options or do not meet the criteria for an annual policy, you should consider a single trip policy. Single trip travel insurance policies can cover longer trips, with some international medical policies extending well beyond 90 days.
Grey-haired Globetrotters Need To Do Their Research
If you’re a sexy 70 (or over) it can be harder to find a multi-trip insurance policy. But don’t despair, if you can't find a multi-trip policy that works, you can also consider getting a few single trip policies instead, as they often have more generous age cut-offs. Check out our Seniors Guide to help find the cover you’re looking for.
| Insurer | Underwriter | Single Trip Age Limit | Multi-trip Age Limit | Max trip duration (multi-trip policy) | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover |
Certain underwriters at Lloyd's | All ages* | 64 and under | 90 days | |
 Fast Cover |
Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd | All ages* | 59 and under | 63 days | |
 Go insurance |
Certain underwriters at Lloyd's | 75 and under | 75 and under | 60 days | |
 Insure4Less |
Go Insurance | 70 and under | 70 and under | 93 days | |
 InsureandGo |
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited | 100 and under | 100 and under | 60 days | |
 Medibank Private |
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | 84 and under | 74 and under | 60 days | |
 Travel Insurance Direct |
Pacific International Insurance | 80 and under | 75 and under | 90 days | |
 Travel Insurance Saver |
Pacific International Insurance | All ages* | All ages* | 45 days | |
 Travel Insuranz |
Chase Underwriting Pty Ltd | 70 and under | 70 and under | 93 days | |
 Virgin Money |
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | 74 and under | 74 and under | 45 days | |
 Worldcare |
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | 85 and under | 71 and under | 37 days (leisure) | |
 Zoom Travel Insurance |
Certain underwriters at Lloyd's | 85 and under* | 69 and under | 45 days |
General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
Which Destination Do I Pick?
Some policies allow you to travel anywhere in the world (when you pick worldwide cover). While others, for regions like Europe or Asia, allow you to be more specific. The region you choose can alter the price you pay, so think about the trips you’ll be taking over the next 12 months and which region best suits your needs. Money can be saved by picking a cheaper region. For example, travel insurance for a trip to the USA is notoriously more expensive than a trip to Asia. So if you're planning several trips within AsiaPac only, why pay for cover in the USA!?. But if you want peace of mind without limitation, choose Worldwide and the world is your oyster.
Some international annual policies provide cover for trips within Australia, as long as your trip takes you to a certain distance from your home.
Are You A Domestic Frequent Traveller?
So you’re a domestic explorer? Well, there are policies just for you! If you travel within Australia a few times a year, a domestic frequent traveller policy may be perfect for you. While they vary in price and benefits (you can spend anywhere from $90 to $500 on a policy), it could suit the frequent interstate business traveller or someone who has family spread across several states. The big benefit for many travellers is the year-long rental vehicle excess benefits.
Consider Your Travel Plans
As well as considering the length of your trips and where you're going, you should consider the type of trip or activities you will be participating in. Annual travel insurance may not cover certain activities like winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. These activities are usually considered high-risk and can only be covered by paying an extra premium. You may require a specialist single ski trip policy to ensure your winter sports activities are covered, or if you are planning multiple ski holidays, consider an Annual Ski Policy.
Some policies automatically include rental vehicle excess and others may charge an additional premium. So if you're planning on hiring a car, make sure it's included in your annual policy.
The good news is, you don't need to advise your insurer of all your travel plans and the details of each trip. You just purchase your policy and you're covered all year round. However, in the event of a claim, your insurer will request a copy of your travel itinerary to ensure that you were using your policy within the terms.
Is An Annual Policy Right For Me?
If you’re not sure if your travel habits put you in the globetrotting category, think about whether you travel for work or take more than two holidays a year. Annual cover is usually the cheapest option if you're making more than two trips in the next 12 months, while a single policy can usually be more cost-effective if you're taking one or two holidays.
With the uncertainty surrounding travel due to Covid-19, you may be unsure of how many trips you will actually be able to take, so this might be a decision that's easier to make further down the track.
Other determining factors include:
- How long you're travelling: Maximum trip length restrictions apply. If you’re planning on being away from your home for more than 90 days, you’ll need a single-trip policy.
- Any additional cover you require: You may require additional cover for planned activities such as cruising and skiing, any high-value items you want to be covered, or pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurers may cover certain things automatically or allow you to add them to your annual policy for an additional premium.
Now Voyager, What’s Covered?
These policies will give you all the benefits of comprehensive insurance but for a full year. A good policy will usually provide cover for the following scenarios:
- It’s 3 am and you’ve had your travel documents stolen, well with travel insurance you’ll have 24/7 emergency assistance services to help with any travel or unexpected medical emergencies.
- Overseas emergency hospital and medical expenses are also covered. So if you lose a filling, or your appendix bursts while overseas your dental, hospital and medical expenses are covered.
- Broke your leg skiing down the alps? Your policy will cover emergency rescue and medical transportation.
- Involved in a motor vehicle collision – well you’re covered for personal liability. And it’s a must-have if you're taking part in any activity that involves any risk.
- You’ve lost your luggage, including your new swanky camera! No worries, as your policy will cover lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items.
- Stuck in an unexpected blizzard and your flight is grounded? Well travel delay expenses, including costs for unexpected accommodation, meals, and transport is covered too should your travel be delayed or disrupted
...and much more!
What's Not Covered?
Like all insurances, there are some things insurers simply won't cover. Travel insurance covers the unexpected, not events that are likely to happen, or have happened as a result of negligence, or the insured acting irresponsibly.
The following are some examples of common sense exclusions that may apply:
- Going against the Australian Government 'do not travel' advice and travelling to no-go regions.
- Being drunk or under the influence and causing a motor vehicle collision, or being at fault in any accident while under the influence.
- You left your bag by the departure gate while you went to the bathroom? Well goods stolen as a result of them being unattended aren’t usually covered.
- If you’re an adrenaline junkie and planning on participating in any extreme sports, you’ll need to check whether your planned activities are covered.
- If your flight is delayed due to the airline, they’ll need to cover any delay expenses in this situation.
- A medical condition that exists before you travel is generally not covered.
Read The Small Print
The devil is in the detail, so remember to check your inclusions and exclusions. Reading the Policy Documentation means you wont get any nasty surprises.
You don't need to advise your insurer of all your travel plans, just purchase your policy and you're covered all year round. However, in the event of a claim, your insurer will request a copy of your travel itinerary to ensure that you were using your policy within the terms.
Compare Annual Travel Insurance Online And Save Money!
If you’re an avid adventurer, always on the go to someplace exotic, or a regular business traveller, it’s worth comparing annual travel insurance policies – and with us it’s easy!
Compare quotes effortlessly and find the best policy for your travel habits. Comparing online with us will give you the same competitive price as buying direct – but without the legwork of shopping around.
Save time, worry and loads of money! Comparing annual travel insurance online will leave you plenty of time for globetrotting fun!
Eugene Wylde
Eugene is the king of insurance! Having spent more than ten years raising awareness on the importance of holiday protection, he is a self-confessed insurance geek extraordinaire when it comes to the world of travel cover. Eugene loves helping people save time, worry and loads of money with the right policy at the right price. His ideal holiday is any one where he has a pina colada in his hand. Salut!
Travel Insurance Extraordinaire At Your Service
Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!
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