Compare annual multi-trip travel insurance

The level of COVID-19 cover in your policy can vary quite a lot between insurers. Examples of what may be covered include:

• Emergency medical expenses: Including repatriation (getting you home), and additional expenses (quarantine hotels, etc) if you fall ill with COVID-19.
• Cancellation: If you test positive (or a close relative passes away due to COVID-19) prior to your holiday and are unable to travel.
• Curtailment: If you test positive for COVID-19 pre-departure, upon arrival at your destination, or while on holiday. Additionally, look for a policy that offers curtailment cover in the event a close relative passes away from COVID-19 during your holiday.

Your specific cover needs will depend on your situation. That said, there is a basic level of cover that all good annual multi-trip travel insurance policies should cover. When shopping around for your policy, you could look for the following:

• Medical expenses: £5,000,000
• Personal liability: £1,000,000
• Cancellation: £3,000 (or amount equal to total holiday cost)
• Delay cover: The amount can vary, but should be included
• Missed departure: £500
• Loss, damage or theft of baggage: £1,500
• Policy excess: Under £100
• Holiday cash: £250-£500
• Emergency assistance: 24/7 support

You may also wish to include cover for ‘end supplier failure’ for any non-refundable element of your travel. It will cover you if, for example, your airline or hotel ceases trading before or during your holiday.

A standard annual multi-trip travel insurance policy will cover you against the most common travel mishaps and issues, be aware that these policies will usually limit your trip to a certain number of days (say, up to 30 days away).

There are also some situations where you won’t be protected. These include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a standard annual multi-trip travel insurance policy will not cover you in the event of a medical emergency.
• Natural catastrophe and terrorism: Although very rare, extra cover will be needed if you want to protect your holiday against natural catastrophes and terrorism.
• Accidents resulting from excessive drinking or drug use: If excessive alcohol consumption or drug use plays a significant factor in injury or accident while abroad, your insurer may be able to void your insurance.
• Gadget travel insurance: If you travel with multiple gadgets, a standard single trip travel insurance policy is unlikely to provide enough cover. Most policies offer a flat rate for stolen or lost baggage (generally, between £1,500 to £2,000), with a “per item cap”. Gadget travel insurance provides cover for a range of items, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The type of travel insurance you choose depends on how often you travel. If you only take one or two trips abroad within a 12-month period, single-trip travel insurance is probably the best option for you.

For people who travel more than three times a year, an annual multi-trip policy is likely to be the better choice. Though you’re likely to pay more upfront than you would for a single trip policy, it often works out cheaper for regular travellers. Plus, you are covered for every trip you take within a 12-month period (Be aware that each trip is usually limited to a certain number of days).

To make a claim on your travel insurance while you’re away, simply call the hotline provided to you by your insurer. You will find this in your policy document; it should operate on a 24/7 basis. For ease of access, make sure you take a digital (via email) or hard copy of your policy on holiday with you.

If you have been a victim of a crime, it’s likely that you will need a police report. Some insurers require this to be obtained within 24 hours. Other evidence you may need to support your claim includes medical notes, and receipts.

Always check the claims process of your insurer before you travel.

Looking for something else? At icelolly.com, we can help you compare a range of cheap travel insurance policies to offer you peace of mind while away on holiday.

These include:

• Single trip insurance: One-off plans for single holidays. Ideal for people who only take one to two trips a year.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Specialist health insurance for travellers with pre-existing health issues, such as heart, respiratory, or psychological conditions.
• Gadget insurance: Extra cover for expensive gadgets, such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras.

Who regulates us?

The icelolly.com travel insurance comparison site is operated by CYTI Limited. Registered in England (company number: 07368288). CYTI Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number: 594298).

How much is annual multi-trip travel insurance?

The cost of annual multi-trip varies according to the level of cover a policy offers. Policies can start as low as £12.00* and reach upwards of £100.

*Annual cover from £12.00 based on an individual aged 25 with no pre-existing conditions taking annual cover for travel in Europe. Cover starts on 11th December 2021 and ends on 10th December 2022. Prices correct as of 10th December 2021.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC/EHIC card?

Yes, you still need travel insurance, even if you have a GHIC/EHIC card. These cards only cover certain types of healthcare and will not cover the cost of repatriation or private emergency care.

Will my annual policy cover holidays in the UK?

An annual travel insurance policy for Europe or Worldwide should cover all UK trips. Be sure to check your policy details before travel.

Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you need to declare all pre-existing medical conditions before you buy an insurance policy. If you don’t, your insurer may refuse to pay out.

If you're struggling to find adequate cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPs) can provide you with a list of specialist insurers through the MaPs directory website. Alternatively, you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.

Do I need extra cover for gadgets, sports or activities?

Winter sports, such as skiing, require extra cover, as do adventure activities, such as rock climbing and scuba diving. Likewise, a standard policy will not cover expensive gadgets.

Can you cancel an annual travel insurance policy?

You can cancel an annual travel insurance policy within the “cooling off period” – 14 days of receiving your policy documents – and receive a premium refund. After this period, you may not be entitled to a refund.