Written by Julie Jones, HaveWheelchairWillTravel, February 5, 2025
Have you ever considered purchasing an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy? I’ve taken an annual multi-trip policy over the last few years. I worked out that if I was planning on doing at least three trips it was more economical, not to mention convenient, to buy an annual policy. I’m sure many of our well-travelled readers already do this but just in case it hasn’t occurred to some of our travellers I thought I’d share why we find an annual travel insurance policy worthwhile.
How an annual travel insurance policy can save you money
Travel insurance is always a bit of a minefield. The product disclosure statement (PDS) requires a law degree to understand and when taking into account any existing medical conditions, it can be enough to bring the most form-savvy person to their knees. If you’ve been following along with us for a while you’ll know I am a firm believer in never travelling without travel insurance. In fact, for our readers, many of whom have disabilities and other conditions considered as existing medical conditions, I think it is imperative to get an obligation free quote on insurance BEFORE booking and paying for a trip. You can read about my thoughts about existing conditions and why you should get a quote before booking in this post.
I have done the maths and for my travels, which usually includes one trip to the USA (the top tier of the insurance pyramid and the most expensive), it is cheaper for me to take an annual multi-trip policy if I am doing a minimum of three trips. Last year I did more so I definitely saved quite a bit of money compared to individual policies per trip. My policy is a worldwide multi-trip annual policy so it also covers domestic travel. This policy covers the excess on car hire so we don’t need to purchase the very expensive car hire insurance offered when we pick up our vehicle. If this is important to you, always check with the insurance company you choose to see what the conditions are and what it covers. I specifically check this as this is a good budget saver for us.
We don’t take an annual policy for all family members. Due to my travel overseas for work and Amelia’s current travels it is the most cost-effective way for us. Hubby and Braeden usually get individual insurance to cover their travels as they don’t travel as much. I make sure I book car hire and any domestic accommodation in my name to ensure my insurance policy covers us in the event of cancellation or anything going array.
For anyone with an existing medical condition (and please keep in mind a disability like MS or cerebral palsy is considered an existing medical condition) there is the added bonus with an annual policy as you only need to answer the medical questions and get clearance once from the travel insurer.
It also pays to keep an eye out for specials or discounts on travel insurance and purchase an annual policy at that time if it fits with your travels. Like any insurance, it really is a matter of doing research, comparing costs and making sure you are getting value for money.
Don’t travel without insurance, we’ve been in the situation of having Braeden in hospital and had the need to change flights and cancel tours and although disappointing to have arrangements changed, at least we weren’t out of pocket as badly as we had insurance.