Choosing between annual and single-trip cover mostly comes down to how often you travel, and whether your trips are similar enough for one policy to cover them all.
Single-trip insurance
Typically fits if you:
- Travel 1–2 times a year
- Have very different destinations or activity levels
- Want to tailor cover precisely to one trip (e.g. cancellation + ski)
The downside is remembering to buy a new policy every time — and that the price per trip can get high if trips are long.
Annual insurance
Typically fits if you:
- Travel several times a year (e.g. weekend trips + a summer holiday)
- Want to avoid remembering a new policy before every departure
- Have needs within the same coverage area for most of the year
Watch maximum trip length per journey, and whether short business trips are included.
Rule of thumb (not a verdict)
Put the cost of your expected single-trip policies side by side with an annual policy with comparable cover. If you are near break-even — or above — annual cover is often more practical. Still check exclusions for sports, cancellation, and pre-existing conditions.
Questions to ask yourself
- How many travel days do I expect in the next 12 months?
- Do several household members need cover?
- Do I already have cover via a credit card or membership?
- Do I need cancellation on every trip — or only the expensive one?