Frequent travelers can purchase multi-trip or annual travel insurance to cover all their journeys within a 12-month period under a single policy. This approach simplifies the insurance process and often proves more cost-effective than buying separate policies for each trip. Annual plans typically cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and interruptions, though coverage limits and optional benefits vary by provider. The ideal candidates are individuals taking three or more trips per year, with most policies capping individual trip durations between 30 to 40 days.

• Annual travel insurance costs range from $100 to $500, with an average spend of $340 ^[3]
• Key providers include Allianz, Seven Corners, Nationwide, and IMG, each offering different coverage limits and benefits ^[6]
• Coverage commonly includes medical emergencies (up to $1,000,000), trip cancellations (up to $30,000), and baggage protection (up to $2,000) ^[5]
• Policies may exclude trip cancellation benefits or limit coverage for pre-existing conditions ^[3]

How to Get Travel Insurance for Multiple Trips

Understanding Annual vs. Single-Trip Insurance

Annual travel insurance, also called multi-trip insurance, provides continuous coverage for all trips taken within a 12-month period. This differs from single-trip insurance, which covers only one journey and requires repurchasing for each new trip. The primary advantage of annual plans is convenience: travelers avoid the hassle of buying insurance repeatedly and may save money if taking multiple trips. However, these plans often have stricter limits on trip duration (typically 30-40 days per trip) and may exclude certain benefits like trip cancellation coverage ^[1].

Key differences between annual and single-trip insurance include:

• Cost efficiency: Annual plans become economical after approximately three trips per year, with average costs ranging from $100 to $500 ^[3]
• Coverage scope: Single-trip policies often include more comprehensive benefits like baggage loss or rental car insurance, while annual plans focus on medical emergencies and trip interruptions ^[1]
• Flexibility: Single-trip insurance allows customization for each journey's specific needs, while annual plans offer standardized coverage ^[9]
• Eligibility: Annual plans may have age restrictions (e.g., IMG's Patriot Multi-Trip limits maximum coverage to $50,000 for travelers aged 70-79) ^[5]

Providers like Allianz and Seven Corners emphasize that annual plans are best suited for frequent travelers, digital nomads, or business professionals who take multiple short trips annually. For example, Seven Corners' annual plan covers unlimited trips of up to 40 days each, with medical benefits reaching $250,000 and evacuation coverage up to $500,000 ^[7]. In contrast, occasional travelers or those planning long-duration trips (exceeding 40 days) may find single-trip policies more appropriate ^[8].

Selecting and Purchasing a Multi-Trip Policy

To obtain multi-trip travel insurance, start by evaluating your travel frequency, typical trip duration, and coverage priorities. Most providers require travelers to return to their home country between trips to maintain coverage eligibility ^[8]. The selection process involves comparing plans from reputable insurers, reviewing coverage limits, and understanding exclusions.

Steps to purchase multi-trip insurance:

• Assess your needs: Determine whether you prioritize medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, or baggage insurance. For instance, IMG's Patriot Multi-Trip focuses exclusively on medical emergencies (up to $1,000,000) without trip cancellation benefits ^[5], while Seven Corners includes $30,000 for trip cancellations ^[7].
• Compare providers: Use comparison platforms like Squaremouth or consult individual insurers' websites. Notable providers include:
• Allianz: Offers the AllTrips Prime plan with trip cancellation, medical care, and baggage protection ^[4]
• Nationwide: Provides three multi-trip options (Travel Pro, Travel Plus, Travel Pro Deluxe) with varying coverage levels ^[6]
• World Nomads: Specializes in multi-destination trips with 24/7 emergency assistance and passport theft coverage ^[2]
• Check eligibility: Verify age restrictions, residency requirements, and trip duration limits. For example, Seven Corners' plan excludes New York and Washington residents and caps Florida trips at 30 days ^[7].
• Review policy details: Pay attention to:
• Pre-existing conditions: Some plans like IMG's cover sudden recurrences up to $5,000, while others require a 60-day waiting period ^[5]
• Deductibles and coinsurance: IMG charges a $250 deductible per illness (waived for accidents) and offers 100% coverage outside the U.S. ^[5]
• Refund policies: Seven Corners allows full refunds within 10 days of purchase if no claims are made ^[7]
• Purchase and document: Complete the application on the provider's website or through a broker. Save your policy documents and the insurer's 24/7 emergency contact information for easy access during travels ^[8].

Cost considerations vary significantly based on coverage levels. Squaremouth reports average annual insurance costs of $340, with basic medical-only plans starting around $100 and comprehensive packages reaching $500 ^[3]. For context, a 35-year-old traveler might pay $280 annually for a plan with $50,000 medical coverage and $250,000 evacuation benefits, while a 65-year-old could expect premiums near $450 for similar coverage ^[3].