Single Trip vs Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance: Which is right for you?

Whether you’re heading off for a weekend break in the UK or planning multiple holidays across Europe and beyond, Travel Insurance is essential. It offers protection against unexpected costs, gives you peace of mind, and ensures help is there when you need it most.

But when buying Travel Insurance, many people pause at one key question: “Should I choose Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip cover?”

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, explore the advantages of each, and help you choose the best Travel Insurance policy based on your unique travel plans.

Why Travel Insurance matters

Planning a holiday is exciting, but even the best-laid plans can go wrong. From delayed flights and stolen luggage to sudden illness while abroad, travel comes with a degree of risk – especially if you’re venturing far from home or managing a medical condition.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), having travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Emergency medical treatment overseas can be shockingly expensive. For example, treatment and repatriation after a fall in Spain once cost over £124,000. In another case, getting a traveller with COVID-19 home from Cyprus came to £70,000 – costs that were fully covered by their insurer.

So, why do people buy travel insurance? Common reasons include:

• Peace of mind while travelling
• Protection from the unexpected, such as illness, injury, or travel disruption
• Concern over losing the financial investment made in a holiday, in case things don’t go to plan

But beyond these insights lies a more personal truth. Imagine spending thousands on a dream holiday, only to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency – or falling ill abroad and being faced with unexpected medical bills costing tens of thousands. These aren’t rare events, they’re real risks that many travellers face. That’s where Travel Insurance steps in: it’s your financial safety net and support system, helping turn a potential disaster into a manageable situation, and offering reassurance when you need it most.

And not all Travel Insurance policies are the same. Choosing the right type of policy – Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip – can significantly affect how well you’re protected and how much you pay over time. Each has its own strengths depending on your travel habits, how often you go away, and where you’re heading.

Let’s help you work out which policy is the best fit for your next adventure.

What’s the difference between Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance?

Understanding the key differences between these two types of policies will help you choose confidently.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

An Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance policy covers you for an unlimited number of trips over a 12-month period. Here’s what that means:

• You only need to buy insurance once per year
• You can travel as often as you like, as long as each trip falls within the policy’s trip length limit
• You choose a region of cover – such as Europe, Worldwide excluding USA, or Worldwide including USA
• You can leave and return to the UK multiple times, even on the same day

Example: You’re planning a few short breaks – one to Spain, one to Italy, and one to Morocco. Rather than buying three separate policies, an annual plan could cover them all.

However, each trip usually has a maximum duration, such as 35, 45, or 55 days, depending on your provider.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

A Single Trip Travel Insurance policy covers you for one specific trip, with defined start and end dates. It’s tailored to your exact journey.

Here’s what to expect:

• You list the exact destinations you’re visiting
• Your cancellation cover begins as soon as you buy the policy
• You’re covered for the full duration of the trip – which can be weeks or even several months
• You’re only covered for one departure from the UK and one return

Example: You’re planning a 3-week trip to Australia and returning home afterwards. A Single Trip policy gives you all the protection you need – without paying for unused cover.

Single Trip vs Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance: key differences

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance.

Pros of Single Trip Travel Insurance

A Single Trip Travel Insurance policy is designed to cover one specific journey, with a defined start and end date. It’s often the most straightforward and cost-effective option – especially for holidaymakers with limited travel plans in the next 12 months.

Here’s when it makes the most sense:

When to choose single trip cover

• You’re planning just one or two holidays this year
• You’re travelling to a higher-cost destination (such as the USA or Canada) only once, and don’t want to pay an annual premium for regions you won’t revisit
• You’re going away for a longer duration – many annual policies cap trips at 35 or 45 days, while single trip cover can usually be extended to 60, 90, or even 180 days
• You want cover tailored to your exact destination, which can help reduce your premium if you’re only going to one country (e.g. “Spain” vs. “Europe”)

5 Benefits of Single Trip Travel Insurance

1. Cost-effective for one-off travel. You only pay for the specific trip you’re taking, without paying for unused cover.
2. More targeted pricing. Selecting your exact destination (rather than a broader region) often results in a lower premium, especially if you’re staying within the UK or visiting nearby European countries.
3. Ideal for long-duration travel. If you’re taking a gap year, extended sabbatical, or visiting family abroad for several months, a single trip policy is often your only option.
4. No assumptions or commitments. You’re not locked into a year-long plan. If your circumstances change and you don’t travel again, you haven’t overpaid.
5. Great for occasional travellers. Whether it’s a one-time cruise or a honeymoon, this option gives you flexible, event-based protection without long-term financial ties.

Example: You’re planning a 90-day holiday in Australia and have no other trips planned for the year. An annual policy wouldn’t cover such a long trip – but a single trip policy would.

Pros of Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

An Annual Multi-trip policy provides cover for an unlimited number of holidays taken within a 12-month period. It’s designed with frequent travellers in mind – those who are always planning their next getaway, or who like the freedom to travel at a moment’s notice.

If you expect to travel more than twice a year, or you enjoy spontaneous short breaks, this option can offer significant value and convenience.

When to choose Annual Multi-trip cover

• You’re taking three or more trips over the course of the year
• You travel regularly for leisure, business, or to visit family
• You want to avoid the hassle of buying a new policy every time you travel
• You need a policy that allows you to travel flexibly within a region, without committing to exact destinations in advance

5 Benefits of Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

1. Cost savings for frequent travellers. If you’re taking multiple holidays, buying an annual plan is usually cheaper than purchasing multiple single trip policies.
2. Hassle-free travel. Once your policy is in place, you’re covered for all eligible trips without having to notify your insurer or fill out new forms each time.
3. Destination flexibility. You only need to choose a region of cover – like Europe or Worldwide. You don’t have to confirm exact countries or dates in advance.
4. Convenient for last-minute plans. If you decide to go away on short notice, you’re already covered – just pack and go.
5. Adjustable if needed. If your plans change mid-year, you can often upgrade your region of cover (e.g., from Europe to Worldwide) without starting over.

Example: You’re planning a city break in Paris, a ski holiday in Austria, and a family beach week in Portugal. All three could be covered by an annual European policy – saving you time and money.

When do annual policies make sense financially?

If you’re planning two short-haul trips – for example, a spring break to Spain and an autumn city break to Prague – the cost of an Annual Multi-trip policy may still be comparable to two separate Single Trip policies, especially when both holidays fall within the same region of cover, such as Europe. In these cases, the convenience of one policy might outweigh a small difference in price.

However, once you reach three or more holidays within 12 months, an annual plan typically becomes the more cost-effective option. The savings can be particularly noticeable if your trips are shorter in duration or concentrated within the same region, such as multiple European getaways or visits within the UK and Ireland.

Annual cover is especially ideal for those who enjoy weekend breaks, frequent family visits, or spontaneous getaways. It eliminates the need to arrange new cover for each trip and ensures you’re protected year-round – whether you’re heading to Rome for a birthday weekend, visiting relatives in Belfast, or booking a last-minute beach escape to Portugal.

Which Travel Insurance policy should you choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right type of policy depends on how often you travel, where you’re going, and how long you plan to be away.

Here are some general scenarios to help you understand how different types of cover may work in practice:

Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip – which cover works best for you?

Ultimately, the right policy comes down to your travel habits. If you’re only going away once or twice, a Single Trip policy may be more cost-effective. If you’re a regular traveller, love last-minute breaks, or plan multiple holidays throughout the year, an Annual Multi-trip policy can offer better value and peace of mind.

Whatever you choose, make sure it includes the cover that matters most to you, whether that’s cancellation, medical expenses, or support with pre-existing conditions.

FAQs: Single Trip vs Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

Is Annual Travel Insurance cheaper than Single Trip cover?

It depends on how often you travel. If you’re taking three or more holidays in a year – especially within the same region – annual cover is usually more cost-effective. However, for one longer or more expensive trip, a Single Trip policy may be the better value.

Do both policies offer the same level of cover?

Yes – whether you choose Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip, you’ll get the same core benefits. This includes cover for medical emergencies, baggage, and more. The difference lies in how the cover is structured, not in what is included.

Can I get Travel Insurance for multiple trips to different countries?

Yes – with Annual Multi-trip cover, you can choose a region such as Europe or Worldwide, and travel to multiple countries within that zone. For Single Trip cover, you can also include more than one destination, as long as it’s part of the same journey.

What is the maximum trip length covered by Travel Insurance policies?

Our Single Trip Travel Insurance covers journeys up to 365 days in duration, making it suitable for extended holidays or long-term travel. While our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance typically covers multiple trips within a 12-month period, with each individual trip lasting up to 45 days. Some policies may offer extensions up to 55 days, depending on the specific plan chosen.