All you need to know about annual travel insurance policies

Ashley Kosciolek

As demand for travel soars and everything from weather to staffing issues leads to higher prices and cancellations, it's more important than ever to protect your trip arrangements with travel insurance .

However, it's not always easy figuring out which type of plan to pick. There are standard policies that cover general delays, interruptions and cancellations; "cancel for any reason" plans that account for personal whims in addition to unforeseen circumstances; and lesser-known annual options.

In this article, I'll go over what you need to know about the third type: annual travel insurance coverage.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

What is annual travel insurance?

post office annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance plans (also known as multi-trip plans) last for one year and generally cover all trips taken within that period until either the policy expires or the maximum payout amounts are reached. The policy usually kicks in for trips that take you more than a certain distance from home.

For example, my Allianz AllTrips Prime annual plan remains in effect for one year following the purchase date of my policy. I'm covered on all trips during which I'm at least 100 miles from my residence.

This differs from standard travel insurance, which is purchased on a per-trip basis and covers only one specifically insured journey per policy. Standard policies begin when travel for the insured trip begins and end when the insured trip ends, rather than covering multiple travel experiences within a specific period of time.

What does annual travel insurance cover?

Coverage depends on the plan you purchase. There are usually several tiers from which to choose, with the lowest offering the least coverage and the highest offering the most.

Using my policy as an example, I'm covered for up to $3,000 per year in trip interruption expenses, including hotel room coverage at $250 per night, which I used when I was recently isolated for 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.

My policy also offers a $3,000 annual trip cancellation benefit, $20,000 in emergency medical coverage, $100,000 in emergency transportation (including medevac services), $45,000 in rental car theft and damage protection, $25,000 in travel accident coverage and $1,000 for essentials in the event of baggage loss or damage, along with a handful of other small benefits.

Note that many annual policies do not include things like "cancel for any reason" coverage or trip interruption benefits. If those items are important to you, check with your provider before making a purchase.

How much is an annual travel insurance policy?

Sure, an annual travel insurance policy may sound great, but how much does one cost? I was surprised to find that insuring your trips for a whole year with an annual policy is often not much more expensive than insuring one or two trips individually, depending on the options you select.

A decent annual travel insurance plan will likely set you back a couple hundred dollars. The more coverage you add, the more expensive the plan will become. The cost also changes depending on variables like your age and where you live.

The best thing to do is contact your preferred provider for a quote or check out an aggregator like InsureMyTrip to compare premiums.

Which companies offer annual travel insurance plans?

post office annual travel insurance

The Points Guy recommends the following travel insurance providers , all of which sell annual or semi-annual policies:

  • Allianz Travel Insurance .
  • Seven Corners .
  • Travel Guard .
  • World Nomads .

When should I purchase annual travel insurance?

There are several reasons why annual travel insurance might be better for you than separate policies for individual trips. If you travel a lot — more than two or three times annually — it could be more cost-effective than purchasing separate policies for each journey.

For me, it makes sense because I travel for a living, often taking a dozen or more trips each year. Also, much of my travel is comped, which makes insurance more difficult to acquire. (If I haven't paid for a cruise, flight or hotel, I can't attach a dollar amount to it and, therefore, often can't insure it. I also wouldn't be able to provide purchase receipts in the event something went wrong and had to file a claim.)

Other factors to consider include your health, how adventurous your travels might be, whether you have coverage as a credit card perk and how much your travel arrangements cost versus how much coverage you can get with an annual plan versus individual policies.

Another consideration right now is COVID-19. For me, the annual plan made sense because most of Allianz's individual plans don't cover issues linked to COVID-19. However, the annual coverage I purchased does.

Other things to know about annual travel insurance policies

Here are a few additional tidbits I learned after filing a trip interruption claim under my annual travel insurance policy. Keep them in mind when deciding if an annual policy is right for you.

  • Before committing to the purchase of any travel insurance plan, make sure to inquire about specific components that are important to you. For me, those were COVID-19 coverage, trip interruption benefits and medevac coverage.
  • Know that your coverage does not reset each time you travel when you opt for an annual policy. So, if you have a trip that goes awry, you file a claim and you max out the benefit allowed by your plan, you won't have that benefit available to you for the remainder of your policy year.
  • Depending on your policy, you might have to return home between travel sessions in order for each trip to be covered. Taking several back-to-back trips could prevent them from qualifying for coverage under your annual insurance plan, so be sure to read the fine print, and plan accordingly.
  • If you purchase annual or multi-trip travel insurance, keep your policy card and provider phone number with the other important documents you bring when you travel so they're easily accessible in a pinch.
  • If you find yourself in a covered situation for which you'd like to seek reimbursement, keep all receipts and take photos that will help to support your claims when they're submitted.
  • Don't assume all your expenses will be reimbursed, even if you think they'll be covered. It doesn't hurt to try, but in my case, my Allianz plan only partially covered the hotel expenses I submitted.
  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Best Annual Travel Insurance in 2024

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you’re a frequent traveler, annual travel insurance may be something you’ve been considering. Unlike single-trip insurance, annual travel insurance plans can cover you for an entire year, no matter how often you’re on the road.

Let’s look at the best yearly travel insurance companies, why we choose them and the coverage you can expect.

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies

We used the following criteria when choosing which companies we thought were best:

Cost . Annual plans can be expensive — depending on the type of coverage you choose — so we wanted ensure that they stayed affordable. 

Types of coverage . Travel insurance for annual travelers can be limited in its coverage. We picked the ones with the broadest range of coverage for possible travel disruptions.

Coverage amounts . Annual trip insurance isn’t worth much if your limits are too low. Instead, we wanted plans with reasonable coverage amounts. 

Customizability . If your travels take you to different places, you’ll want the ability to customize your plan. The best annual travel insurance plans can provide this. 

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

An overview of the best annual travel insurance

We gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies to determine the best annual travel insurance policies. In these examples, we used a year-long trip by a 22-year-old from Alabama. We indicated the main countries of travel as France and Malaysia, and when asked, put the total trip costs at $6,000.

The average cost for an annual travel insurance plan came out to $220. The plans ranged from $138-$386.

Let’s take a closer look at our top recommendations for annual travel insurance.

post office annual travel insurance

1. Allianz Travel

What makes Allianz travel insurance great:

Lower than average cost.

Provides health care and travel insurance benefits.

Includes rental car insurance up to $45,000. 

Here’s a snippet from our Allianz Travel insurance review :

“AllTrips Basic (annual plan) is suitable for those who would like emergency medical coverage while abroad but don't need trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The AllTrips Prime, Executive and Premier plans provide an entire year of comprehensive travel insurance benefits.

The Executive and Premier plans offer various levels of trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The Executive plan is specifically designed for business travelers since it offers protection for business equipment.”

post office annual travel insurance

2. Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Offers up to $20,000 for acute coverage of pre-existing conditions. 

Includes up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation. 

Optional add-on for adventure sport activities.

$0 deductible available. 

Here’s a snippet from our Seven Corners review :

“Seven Corners offers one annual policy called Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip. The policy can be customized depending on how long you plan to be away from home for any one trip. You can travel as much as you like during the 364 days, so long as any one trip doesn’t exceed the option selected — 30, 45 or 60 days.”

post office annual travel insurance

What makes IMG great:

Good customizability with medical evacuations and sports coverage. 

Low $250 deductible.

Includes coverage for semi-private hospital rooms. 

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review:

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important to you if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

post office annual travel insurance

4. Trawick International

What makes Trawick International great:

100% coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 

Emergency medical evacuation included. 

Trip delay reimbursement coverage. 

Here’s a snippet from our Trawick International review :

“Trawick International is a comprehensive travel insurance provider that offers trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, medical coverage and medical evacuation, rental car damage protection, and even COVID-19 coverage among its various policies.

Trawick covers trips for worldwide destinations, including for foreign nationals coming to the U.S.”

What does travel insurance cover?

You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you're purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan. Here are some common types you can expect to find:

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy

While we’ve highlighted some of the best annual travel insurance companies, the truth is that the best plan for you isn’t going to be the best plan for someone else. If you’re interested in buying annual travel insurance, you’ll want to collect a variety of quotes to see which policy best fits your needs.

This may mean opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or one that specifically includes high-risk activities. Or, if you’re in a country where health care is notoriously expensive, you may want to choose a policy with higher maximums.

Many credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance .

Whatever the case, do your research first and review all the plan details before making your purchase.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you want to buy annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance can be a great option if you’re often out of town. With such a wide range of policies available, selecting a plan that fits your needs is easy. We’ve done some of the work for you by choosing the best annual travel insurance companies, all of which made the top of the list for their cost, customizability, types of coverage and plan maximums.

Like any travel insurance policy, the cost of your plan is going to vary. Factors that may affect the cost of your annual travel insurance include your age, where you’re going, how long you’ll be traveling, your policy maximums and whether preexisting conditions are included.

Although not all travel insurance providers offer annual travel insurance, many of them do. We’ve gathered together the five best, including Allianz Travel, World Nomads, Seven Corners, IMG and Trawick International.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

post office annual travel insurance

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

For the Frequent Traveler: The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

Ryan Smith's image

Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 197 U.S. States Visited: 50

Jessica Merritt's image

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

For the Frequent Traveler: The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

GeoBlue Trekker Choice

Geoblue trekker essential, trawick international safe travels annual basic, trawick international safe travels annual deluxe, allianz travel alltrips basic plan, allianz travel alltrips prime plan, allianz travel alltrips executive plan, allianz travel alltrips premier plan, aig travel guard annual travel insurance plan, usi affinity voyager annual travel insurance, seven corners travel medical annual multi-trip, a plan that didn’t make our list, how annual travel insurance works, when to buy an annual travel insurance policy, what annual travel insurance policies do and don’t cover, understanding trip length rules, is annual travel insurance worth it, how much do annual travel insurance policies cost, does credit card travel insurance apply annually, choosing an annual travel insurance policy, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you take multiple trips every year, insuring each one can be a hassle. There are forms to fill out, comparison shopping over and over again, and then remembering the policy documents for each specific trip. And then there’s the risk you might forget to take out travel insurance for one of your trips.

Plus, those costs add up. There must be a better way.

Enter annual travel insurance. Also known as multi-trip travel insurance, taking out an annual policy covers you for a whole year of travel. Not only is it simpler, it may be cheaper than taking out multiple single-trip policies. But is it right for you?

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t exactly the same as the trip insurance you’d buy for a weeklong holiday with your family. Here are the best annual travel insurance policies, what they do and don’t cover, and how to decide whether taking out a yearly policy might be right for you.

The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

GeoBlue Travel Insurance annual plan comparison chart

GeoBlue offers 2 Trekker plans for annual coverage, which are unique in several ways. These plans cover preexisting conditions, COVID-19, and all travel outside the U.S.

However, they don’t cover any trips inside the U.S. or provide any coverage for canceled, delayed, or interrupted trips. Instead, these are travel medical insurance plans . With the GeoBlue Trekker Choice plan , you’ll get higher maximum payouts in all categories and pay a lower deductible ($100). However, note that this is still secondary coverage .

You’ll get unlimited access to telemedicine and coverage for trips up to 70 days in length . Additionally, coverage is available up to age 95, which isn’t offered on most other policies.

The GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan offers the same pros and cons as the Choice plan. The main differences are the lower maximum payout values and the higher deductible ($200 instead of $100). You also won’t get the Choice plan’s lost baggage and personal effects coverage, which can provide up to $500 per trip. Again, this secondary medical insurance policy is only valid on trips outside the U.S.

Trawick International Safe Travels Annual Basic page banner

Trawick International offers 2 annual plans, and the Safe Travels Annual Basic plan is more economical. You’ll have coverage for everything you expect in a trip insurance policy , such as 100% coverage for trip cancellation or interruption (up to a $2,500 annual maximum) and coverage for delays, lost luggage, delayed luggage, and even medical expenses. To make up for the lower cost of the plan, coverage limits are lower than what you’ll find elsewhere . However, if you want peace of mind while traveling, you can get it for a year and cover trips up to 30 days in length.

While Trawick International’s Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan offers higher maximum coverage limits than the Basic plan, its maximum payouts for medical and evacuation benefits are lower than what you’ll find with competitors . Where this plan shines is in the coverage for change fees, lost deposits on tours, and coverage for lost items if an airline misplaces your luggage.

You’ll be covered for up to $300 per trip for prepaid excursions, up to 100% of your trip cost (with an annual maximum of $5,000) for trip cancellations or interruptions, and up to $150 per item and $750 per trip for personal effects. After signing up for a plan, you’ll also get a 10-day free look period.

If you want an annual plan with a low price tag , this could be what you’re looking for. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Basic plan covers you for unlimited trips up to 45 days each over the course of a year. Coverage includes emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss and delays, travel delays, rental car theft and damage, and travel accident coverage.

However, there’s a fair list of exclusions from this plan . That includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connections, and change fees. As the name implies, you’ll get basic coverage at a basic price.

Allianz AllTrips annual plan options

The Allianz Travel AllTrips Prime option covers 365 days of trips, though the maximum trip length is just 45 days. While you’ll get coverage for all the standard travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, delays, and baggage mishaps, there are limits you should know about with this plan.

The travel accident coverage, which applies to death or the loss of a limb, maxes out at $25,000 per trip, baggage delay maxes out at $200, and baggage loss or damage maxes out at $1,000. The maximum coverage for emergency medical is $20,000, and costs can exceed that quickly in a true emergency.

However, this is a decent option if you want a fair amount of coverage across numerous categories without a high price tag.

For those worried about expensive business equipment or losing points and miles, this plan has you covered. On top of higher maximum payouts in categories such as trip cancellation, emergency medical transportation, or travel delays, you’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage, change fee coverage, and reimbursement for renting business equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed during a trip.

Moreover, you can be reimbursed up to $500 to cover fees for reinstating your points and miles if a covered trip is canceled or interrupted. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Executive plan also provides coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy at least 14 days before the first trip.

Allianz AllTrips Premier start quote page

Allianz also has a customizable AllTrips Premier plan , allowing you to choose between several payout tiers for trip cancellation and interruption. You’ll pay more when choosing higher maximums, but this allows you to choose exactly what you want in coverage and not pay for more than you need. Another positive is coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy your policy at least 14 days before your first trip.

You’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage , $500,000 of emergency medical transportation coverage, $50,000 of emergency medical, and coverage for travel delay expenses after a delay of 6 hours or more. The baggage delay coverage is up to $2,000, but it requires a delay of 12 or more hours. The maximum trip length allowed is 90 days.

The AIG Travel Guard Annual Travel Insurance plan isn’t available to Washington state residents. Still, it provides coverage for trip interruption, trip delay, lost baggage, delayed baggage, and missed connections, as well as both medical and security evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel medical expenses. However, the coverage limit for dental is just $500, and the maximum coverage for travel medical expenses is just $50,000. Those are lower limits than other plans. Additionally, trip cancellation isn’t included.

However, Travel Guard has some strengths. Trip delay coverage applies for up to 10 days and requires a delay of just 5 hours, and the missed connection benefit applies after just 3 hours. You get a “free look” period of up to 15 days to cancel for a refund, so long as you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim. Maximum coverage for any particular trip is 90 days.

ASI Affinity Voyager annual plan

USI Affinity’s Voyager plan has a Silver and Gold option , and pricing is easy to determine from the chart. Simply find your age bracket and the associated cost. The key differences between the plans are in the higher maximum payouts for nearly every coverage type with the Gold plan, other than emergency dental and accidental death and dismemberment. However, the Gold plan also includes coverage types the Silver plan doesn’t: political and natural disaster evacuation, airline ticket change fees, and trip interruption. However, trip cancellation isn’t included with either plan .

The maximum trip length is 90 days, and coverage for Silver and Gold plans lasts for 364 days. An unlimited number of international and domestic trips are covered, and you’re covered for trips as little as 100 miles from home. That’s a lower requirement than most other plans (which tend to require 150 miles).

This plan is ideal for those who don’t live in the U.S., as other plans on this list are only available to U.S. residents and citizens. While the plan technically lasts for 364 days, Seven Corners’ Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip plan is customizable. It lets you choose a maximum trip length of 30, 45, or 60 days and include or exclude coverage for the U.S. Note U.S. citizens and residents cannot add coverage for inside the U.S.

Seven Corners also provides coverage for travelers aged 14 to 75 years, though maximum payouts decrease in some categories for those aged 65 and older. If you receive medical care in the U.S., Seven Corners will pay 90% of the first $5,000 of covered expenses and 100% of the cost afterward. You’re covered 100% outside the U.S. Note that coverage doesn’t apply to your home country (which includes the U.S. if you’re a citizen, even if you live in another country) and isn’t available in Antarctica, Cuba, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, Syria, or Ukraine.

We considered another plan. Here’s why this annual travel insurance policy didn’t make our “best of” list.

IMG Patriot Multi-Trip International : For trips inside the U.S., you may be on the hook for 20% of your medical expenses if you visit a provider outside IMG’s PPO network. Additionally, the maximum trip length is 30 days, and coverage limits are quite low in multiple categories. These include $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation and $10,000 for political evacuation, a maximum of $50 per item and $250 overall for lost luggage, a $100 maximum for dental treatment, and $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment 24/7 coverage.

Annual travel policy plans vary considerably. Most provide secondary medical insurance, so you may need to submit to your other coverage (home healthcare plan, credit card insurance provider, etc.) first and then submit to your travel insurance provider for any remaining expenses or deductibles. If you won’t have other coverage, you may want to look for a plan that provides primary health coverage instead. Also, understand that most plans provide reimbursement, so you would pay out of pocket for overseas hospital visits and then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement after the fact.

What Is Annual Travel Insurance?

Annual travel insurance covers you for many trips over the course of a year (or sometimes 364 days). Rather than needing to buy a travel insurance policy for each trip separately — which can add up — you can buy a single policy that covers all your trips for the next year. It’s important to understand the terms of these policies, though. Some may require buying coverage in advance, such as 14 days before your first trip, while that requirement normally doesn’t exist on single-trip travel insurance.

It’s also important to note which types of trips and destinations are covered by your policy — and which aren’t. Look for how far from home you must travel to be covered and whether domestic trips are included. Moreover, consider what benefits you’re looking for. These can vary from medical-only to all the bells and whistles, such as baggage delay and medical evacuation. Once you know the type of coverage you want, you can find a policy or policies that align with your needs, helping you narrow down your options to conduct a more effective comparison.

Annual travel insurance works as an umbrella policy, covering all your trips during the policy period. You don’t need to inform the policy provider about each trip’s start and stop dates or destinations. You simply buy a policy, and then you’re protected for every trip that meets the conditions while your policy is in effect. Some regions may be excluded from coverage, and you may be subject to a maximum trip length.

Trip length is an important element to pay attention to. Annual travel insurance doesn’t cover you for a year-long trip. It covers you for a year for many small trips within that time, typically up to 30 or 45 days per trip. If you’re looking for a plan to cover you during a year-long trip to another country, you should look for specialized plans for study abroad, mission work, or other situations that apply to you. Traveling full-time? You may need a policy geared toward digital nomads and backpackers.

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and determine that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than that of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want.

Considering that single-trip plans can sometimes be found for $10, yet an annual trip is likely to cost $150 or more per adult, you’d need 15 trips to justify the annual policy. However, that’s not really an apples-to-apples comparison, as a $10 basic travel insurance policy won’t provide as much coverage as you’re likely to find on even the most basic of annual policies.

It’s also not just about the number of trips you take but the types of trips, the complexity of the trips, and money at risk in nonrefundable costs. The more of these you foresee in your next year of travels, the more likely an annual plan would be good for you.

Couple reviewing financial documents

We already highlighted that annual policies don’t cover traveling nonstop for a year due to their restrictions on the maximum trip length. Annual travel insurance policies also restrict how far you must travel for coverage to kick in. Driving to the next town over may be a trip in your kids’ eyes, but it’s probably not far enough for your travel insurance to kick in.

While coverage varies by policy, you’ll typically have coverage for sickness, accidental death and dismemberment, lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellation, and possibly injuries during skiing or snowboarding. However, it’s important to read the terms of each policy because coverage maximums and inclusions vary widely. Some policies only provide medical coverage, while others offer robust coverage across the board.

Each policy specifies a maximum trip length. How trips longer than that are treated can vary. Most policies won’t cover any expenses related to a trip longer than the maximum trip length. Suppose you take a trip of 41 days on a policy with a maximum of 40 days. In that case, claims for delayed luggage or medical expenses may be rejected when the claim evaluator asks for your trip confirmation details.

However, GeoBlue covers the first 70 days of any particular trip. If something goes wrong during that time, you’re covered. You’re on your own for anything that happens on days 71 or beyond. Still, you’re covered on those first 70 days, despite taking a longer trip.

If you foresee long trips in the future, make sure you understand these rules.

For some travelers, yes, annual travel insurance is worth it. For others, it’s not.

Annual travel insurance is worth it when it costs less than what you’d pay to insure each trip individually. It’s also worth it if you think you might forget to purchase some of those individual policies throughout the year and would prefer to be done with them for another 365 days.

However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few trips a year, they’re mostly domestic, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses. If you’re traveling within the U.S. with your standard health insurance policy in effect and you have credit cards that provide trip insurance for delays or cancellations, that coverage may be sufficient.

Family playing at the beach with snorkel

Costs will vary by your home state, age, and number of people included in the policy. Here are the “starting at” costs for our best annual travel insurance policies, sorted from lowest to highest:

Yes and no. Using a credit card to pay for your trip can provide some built-in protections. However, you should be mindful of annual maximums on any policy. You may run into limitations such as a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period or similar exclusions. If you take many trips, that could be an issue.

To better understand what is and isn’t covered, check out our complete guide to credit card insurance .

To choose the right policy, look beyond the cost alone. Rather than immediately choosing the cheapest policy, find the policy or policies that provide the coverage types you want with payout maximums that cover your travel plans for the next year — both confirmed bookings and likely plans.

Consider your coverage needs. Will you be carrying expensive items such as scuba equipment for a trip to the Galapagos or top-notch camera lenses for a bird-watching tour in Papua New Guinea? How many extreme sports will you participate in?

Conversely, how many “never heard of this airline before” flights will you take to get off the beaten path? These are flights where you may be worried about cancelations that lead to extra costs or a misplaced suitcase.

Consider the types of trips you’ll take and the up-front money at risk if something goes wrong or you get delayed, then look at which plans align with your travels. From there, choose the best plan that aligns best with your needs, which may or may not be the cheapest one.

As an annual travel policy holder myself, I promise you that having the right plan is important when you wind up in a remote hospital in Tanzania with malaria.

Woman Sick in Bed Sneezing

Annual travel insurance isn’t right for everyone. However, it makes sense for those who travel often and could save money by taking out a single policy instead of many separate policies. It also makes sense if you’d prefer to avoid filling out paperwork numerous times throughout the year for each trip.

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t great for those who tend to travel closer to home, don’t have major nonrefundable travel expenses, or need to customize coverage for each trip because their travels tend to vary. For example, you might need different coverage for a backcountry ski trip with friends versus a 2-hour drive with your family.

Look at what annual policies do and don’t cover and see if these align with your travel goals and needs. Then, consider the prices for the plans that align well with your situation. After taking an informed look, you should have a good idea of whether an annual policy is right for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yearly travel insurance worth it.

For some, yes. For others, no. Annual travel insurance is worth it when the cost is less than what you’d pay to insure each trip separately or you would prefer to just sign up once then be done for a year. However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few, mostly domestic, trips a year where your healthcare coverage works, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses.

How much does annual trip insurance cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of coverage you want. Annual travel insurance plan costs range from $140 to $500 for a single person. If you take a lot of trips, the cost can be worth it over the course of a year, but each person’s situation is different.

When should I take out annual travel insurance?

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than the cost of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want. Look at the different types of coverage and your expected costs for insuring each trip separately, then see if it makes sense for you.

Does annual travel insurance automatically renew?

It varies by policy provider, but some companies have an auto-renew feature to ensure you don’t have gaps in coverage.

Was this page helpful?

About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Easy Trip Logo

Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

The Post Office is regarded as the largest retail network in the UK as well as the largest financial services chain that’s been there for more than 370 years. However, apart from that, the company also offers insurance products, one of which is the post office travel insurance.

post office annual travel insurance

In this article, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know which regard to this particular travel insurance. But before that, let’s have a look at the achievements of the Post Office regarding insurances.

What is the Post Office?

Post Office has been voted the “Best Travel Insurance Provider” for 9 straight years starting from 2006 to 2015. Apart from that, it also received the Silver award from the British Travel Awards in 2016 and 2017.

As a massive network, the Post Office offers a wide range of options when it comes to their insurance policies. One of them is the rudimentary budget cover through the Super Economy Travel Insurance. There’s also the Premier Plus policy which provides complete coverage.

Primary Insurance Policies Offered

There are three main types of travel insurance policies offered by the Post Office, namely annual multi-trip, backpacker travel cover, and single trip.

Let’s have a breakdown of each of these policies:

Single Trip

The single trip insurance will provide coverage depending on your age when you obtain your insurance policy. The Post Office website states that those who are below 71 will be covered 365 days per trip. Meanwhile, those who are 71-75 will be covered 90 days and individuals 76-85 are only covered for 31 days.

post office annual travel insurance

As the name implies, a single trip policy will cover for you if you plan to take a single trip in the near future.

Annual Multi-trip

The multi-trip policy allows you to spread your trip abroad using a voluntary add-on. You can receive coverage of around £10 million for a medical emergency. They also have a 24/7 medical emergency helpline available.

This policy is perfect if you plan to travel several times a year without having to go through the hassles of obtaining concealment every single time.

For the single and multi-trip policies, there are five different levels available.

Here’s a detail detailing these levels alongside other important details:

All of the levels come with a personal liability cover ranging from £1-3 million. However, the Super Economy comes with various extras like death, personal accident, personal money, hospital benefits, and passport cover.

Backpacker Travel

The backpacker travel insurance is designed for backpackers who are price aware. As such, the Post Office provides two coverage options for them: Economy and Super Economy.

post office annual travel insurance

The two policies will provide coverage for up to 18 months. Moreover, you can come back home 3 times within a span of seven days. However, you have to keep in mind that the coverage doesn’t apply if you’re in the UK.

This is often the best option if you plan an adventure trip as it covers you from sharks to safaris and more. The policy can be availed of by anyone between 18 and 60 years old. You can also avail of additional cover for business, cruise, golf, and winter sports and add any of them in the above policies but for an extra cost.

Other Policies Offered

Apart from the major insurance policies offered by the Post Office, there are also several other policies which are as follows:

This is perfect for individuals who plan to go on a golfing holiday . Through this policy, you can enjoy the following:

  • Protection in case you can’t play due to injury or poor weather
  • Coverage against injury personal liability cover and while playing
  • Coverage for your golfing equipment against theft

Cruise Cover

If you plan to enjoy the luxury of a cruise, then this policy is for you. It protects you from any unforeseen risks that might come along with cruise holidays. It comes with the following features:

  • Coverage for a delayed transport
  • Coverage for damage or stolen evening dress
  • Replacement of any lost or misplaced damaged

Winter Sports Cover

Winter sports do come with their own risks, but this policy will ensure that you can still have fun despite that. It comes with the following inclusions:

  • 24/7 medical assistance
  • Coverage for sports like ice skating and snowboarding
  • Protection from any injuries
  • Protection for a damaged or stolen equipment

Worldwide Cover

This policy ensures that you won’t suffer from any issues with your insurance when you go traveling around the world. It comes with the following features:

  • Emergency repatriation
  • 24/7 medical emergency helpline
  • Replacement for lost or stolen documents
  • Financial coverage for medical treatment in the event of injury or illness when traveling

Pre-Existing Medical Condition

post office annual travel insurance

Post Office’s coverage for a pre-existing medical condition ensures that you can get to have fun and enjoy life despite your condition. It includes the following features:

  • Quick and easy repatriation
  • Treatment monitoring
  • Payment for any medical expenses while you’re traveling

Family Cover

This is the perfect policy if you plan to travel together with your policy. This will allow you to avoid any hassles that come with obtaining individual policies for each of your family members. It includes the following:

  • Maximum of £10 million emergency medical coverage in the event of injury or illness while traveling
  • Assistance during a vehicle breakdown missed departure or delayed public transport

Cost and Coverage

One of the main reasons why the Post Office travel insurance has managed to outdo most of its competitors in the market is its very cheap cost. In fact, it has the cheapest insurance quotes available on the market.

post office annual travel insurance

When it comes to coverage, Post Office covers all basic forms of coverage including property damage, comprehensive coverage, and bodily injury liability among others. However, you can also gain access to special kinds of coverages that are exclusive to Post Office travel insurance members.

These special coverages come in the form of emergency road service, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance.

Policy Exclusions

These are the general exclusions that apply to any of Post Office’s travel insurance policies:

  • Claims due to war or act of terrorism
  • Traveling for the purpose of receiving treatment overseas
  • Traveling without heeding the advice of a medical professional
  • Personal injury caused intentionally
  • Taking part in an organized sports competition

Other Important Information about the Post Office Travel Insurance

  • Apart from providing coverage for any personal injury or illness sustained while traveling abroad, the Post Office will also offer guidance, assistance, and advice regarding legal proceedings and obtaining proper compensation.
  • When applying for any of their travel insurance policy, you can also choose to add an Excess Waiver. This will allow you to reduce your excess to zero, thereby removing the need to contribute to the cost of your claims. However, be prepared to spend an additional cost for this.
  • Even though there are only a few travel insurance providers that cover business travel, the Post Office’s policy will provide coverage for business travel that can greatly help professionals abroad. This policy will provide coverage for emergency couriers, employee replacement, equipment hire, computer equipment, and business money. This is only optional.
  • Not all optional cover types can be added to every policy type. Only the Cruise cover is applicable for the Premier and Premier Plus policies. Meanwhile, the Golf and Business cover is only applicable to Standard, Premier, and Premier Plus.
  • Various holiday activities and sports will be covered by the Post Office under the Standard policy. However, riskier activities like sailing and jet skiing won’t be covered for any personal accident claims.

Are there any special policy rules for pregnant women who travel?

There are certain limitations for pregnant women who want to travel.

post office annual travel insurance

In line with the Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth policy, coverage for pregnant women will only include the following:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Emergency Caesarean sections and medically necessary termination
  • Gestational hypertension
  • Hydatidiform mole
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum
  • Placental abruption
  • Placenta praevia
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Postpartum hemorrhage
  • Retained placenta membrane
  • Stillbirths and miscarriage
  • Premature births more than 8 weeks before the expected delivery date

Will the policy provide cover during a war or terrorist act?

Unfortunately, you won’t be covered for any terrorist act that doesn’t involve the use of chemical agents and nuclear weapons.

How many people are included in a family?

A family can either consist of a couple or a group consisting of up to 8 travelers.

post office annual travel insurance

It can also include a person with his/her partner, dependent children, and dependent grandchildren below 18 years of age. Keep in mind that you will have to pay the appropriate premium for this.

Wrapping Things Up

Post Office is one of the leading health insurance companies in the UK. With their wide range of travel insurance policies, you will be able to enjoy peace of mind as you go traveling into other countries.

post office annual travel insurance

The best part is, the policies offered by the Post Office are one of the most affordable options currently on the market.

Related Articles

Read Insurance for International travelers

Easy Trip Guides

Recent Posts

Solar Power Calculator (100% free)

Solar Power Calculator Overview Solar Power Calculator Solar Power Calculator Adjustable Variables Solar Panel Wattage Average Daily Sunlight...

Weight Conversion Calculator (100% free)

Weight Conversion Calculator Overview Weight Converter Kilograms Pounds Ounces Grams Kilograms Pounds Ounces Grams Convert Use a...

  • Nationwide Travel Insurance
  • AXA Assistance USA
  • Travel Guard
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance
  • WorldTrips Travel Insurance
  • Trawick International Travel Insurance
  • Travelex Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Tips

  • Why You Should Trust Us

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews ( here's how we assess insurance products ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners ; however, our opinions are our own.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this travel insurance guide, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies

  • Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
  • AXA Assistance USA : Runner-Up
  • Travel Guard : Best for Cruises
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Best Reputation
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance : Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions
  • WorldTrips Travel Insurance : Best for Digital Nomads
  • Trawick International Travel Insurance : Best Low-Cost Option
  • Travelex Travel Insurance : Best for Road Trips

Compare the Top Travel Insurance Offers

Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

  • Cancel for any reason coverage available

AXA AXA Assistance USA

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
  • Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

  • Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
  • Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, a minimum of up to $750 in luggage losses, and 24/7 worldwide travel insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers up to 100% trip cancellation refund for eligible travel
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans are customizable with relevant add-ons
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good customer service and easy sign up according to traveler reviews
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. More affordable plans offer low caps on medical and emergency coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums are on the expensive side relative to comparable competitor plans
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer during peak travel seasons

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is one of the leading insurance brands on the market. It offers several plans with key add-ons for travelers.

  • This provider underwrites travel insurance policies for a number of other companies in addition to offering its own plans
  • Travelers can file claims directly from a smartphone by using the BHTP app

TinLeg Tin Leg Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

  • Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

WorldTrips WorldTrips Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

  • Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • Trip protection insurance

Trawick Trawick International Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

  • Travel medical insurance
  • Trip protection and cancellation
  • International student insurance
  • Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Travelex Travelex Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

  • Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
  • Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Best Travel Insurance Reviews

Best overall travel insurance: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance: Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

AIG Travel Guard Review

Best Travel Insurance for Company Reputation: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  helps travelers make the best of bad situations by simplifying the process of filing a claim down to a simple photo snap and some basic paperwork submitted directly through a dedicated app.

Approved claims are also paid out very rapidly, making it easier to carry through with a trip when luggage has been lost or alternative travel plans need to be made on the fly.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Review

Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Thanks to coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

Best Low-Cost Travel Insurance Option: Trawick International Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance  is another medically robust insurance provider that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Trawick Travel Insurance Review

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

  • Travel Basic
  • Travel Select
  • Travel America

The Travelex American plan is meant for trips limited to the US, but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the US for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Travelex Travel Insurance Review

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about the financial aspect of receiving medical care while traveling , even in the most remote corners of the globe.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.

Choosing Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with preexisting conditions, so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose The Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award 5 stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2022 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the US Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

post office annual travel insurance

  • Main content

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans

post office annual travel insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance »

post office annual travel insurance

AIG Travel Guard »

post office annual travel insurance

Seven Corners »

post office annual travel insurance

GeoBlue »

post office annual travel insurance

Trawick International »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

  • Rating Details
  • Allianz Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance can be a smart move for most trips, but if you're someone who travels frequently, you might want to consider annual travel insurance. Whether you regularly travel for business and/or you take several vacations a year, annual travel insurance plans can help you get the coverage you need without having to buy a plan every time you leave home.

If you find yourself in a situation where an annual plan makes sense, you should know that not all travel insurance companies offer this kind of coverage. You'll also want to consider the available annual travel insurance plans to see which options make sense for your travel style and the level of coverage you want.

  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
  • AIG Travel Guard Best for Basic Coverage
  • Seven Corners Best for Medical
  • GeoBlue Best for Expats
  • Trawick International Best for the Cost

Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans in Detail

Tailor your annual travel insurance plan to your needs

Most plans include coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, medical expenses, and more

Lowest-tier plans (AllTrips Basic and AllTrips Prime) come with no or relatively low coverage limits for trip cancellation

Most annual plans (except for AllTrips Premier) do not cover trips longer than 45 days

  • Trip cancellation coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
  • Trip interruption coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
  • Emergency medical coverage worth up to $50,000
  • Up to $500,000 in emergency medical transportation coverage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for lost or damaged baggage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage delays
  • Travel delay coverage worth up to $1,500
  • Rental car coverage worth up to $45,000
  • Up to $50,000 in travel accident coverage
  • 24-hour hotline assistance and concierge service

Provides coverage worth up to $250,000 for emergency medical expenses

Tailor other included benefit levels to your needs

Coverage only applies to trips up to 40 days

Deductible up to $100 applies for emergency medical coverage and baggage and personal effects

  • Up to $50 per article in coverage for lost luggage ($500 coverage total per occurrence)
  • Baggage delay insurance worth up to $250 per occurrence
  • Up to $5,000 in coverage for trip interruption
  • Up to $100 per day in travel delay coverage (two-day limit on coverage)
  • Up to $200 in protection for lost or stolen documents
  • Personal liability protection worth up to $25,000
  • Up to $550 in border entry protection for non-U.S. residents traveling to the U.S.

Annual Travel Insurance Plan offers year-round travel insurance protection

Relatively high limits for medical expenses ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000)

No trip cancellation coverage and relatively low limit ($2,500) for trip interruption coverage

No coverage for preexisting medical conditions

  • Up to $2,500 in coverage for trip interruption
  • Up to $1,500 in coverage for trip delays of five-plus hours
  • Missed connection coverage worth up to $500
  • Up to $2,500 in baggage insurance
  • Baggage delay coverage worth up to $1,000 for delays of at least 12 hours
  • Up to $50,000 for emergency medical expenses and $500 for emergency dental
  • Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains

Choose among three tiers of annual travel protection

Option for basic protection with affordable premiums

No coverage for preexisting conditions

Maximum trip duration of 30 days per trip

  • Trip cancellation coverage up to $10,000
  • Trip interruption coverage up to $10,000
  • Up to $300 in protection for itinerary changes
  • $750 for trip delays (up to $200 per day for delays of 12 hours or longer)
  • Up to $1,000 in coverage per trip for baggage and personal effects
  • Baggage delay coverage up to $250
  • Up to $50,000 for emergency medical expenses
  • Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
  • Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
  • 24-hour travel assistance services

Get annual coverage for medical expenses and routine medical care

High limits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation

GeoBlue plans don't offer comprehensive travel protection

Deductibles and copays apply

  • Up to $1 million in coverage for medical expenses (though coverage is limited to $100,000 for travelers ages 70 to 95)
  • Up to $500,000 toward emergency medical evacuation
  • Up to $5,000 in reimbursement for outpatient prescription drugs
  • Up to $500 per trip period in coverage for lost baggage (up to $100 per bag)

Frequently Asked Questions

Annual travel insurance plans all work in their own way, but the majority let travelers pay one annual premium for coverage that lasts for up to 364 days. These plans often limit the length of individual trips that are covered within the coverage year. Per-trip and annual limits on coverage can also apply.

In some cases, annual travel insurance plans require a deductible or coinsurance for certain types of coverage. If you're considering an annual travel insurance plan because you take multiple trips each year, make sure you read over the policy details and understand all coverage limits and trip limits that apply.

The cost of annual travel insurance typically varies based on factors like the age of the travelers applying, included benefits and coverage limits. You will want to shop around to compare plans across multiple providers using a platform like TravelInsurance.com or Squaremouth before you settle on a travel insurance policy.

To provide an example of the cost of annual travel insurance, U.S. News applied for a quote for two 40-year-old travelers seeking coverage for eight trips over a 12-month period. The Squaremouth travel insurance portal quoted policies with costs that range from $206 for the GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan to $610 for the Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan by Trawick International.

Annual travel insurance can be worth it if you take multiple trips each year and want to make sure you always have coverage in place. After all, the alternative to having a multitrip policy is buying a new travel insurance plan for every vacation you take. That's not always feasible for frequent travelers who are always jetting off somewhere new – often at the last minute.

Just keep in mind that annual travel insurance plans tend to come with lower coverage limits than plans for single trips, and that you'll pay a premium for coverage that comes with comprehensive benefits and high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert who has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – within their family media business and travel agency .

You might also be interested in:

post office annual travel insurance

The 5 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans

Holly Johnson

Explore the options to protect your family wherever you roam.

post office annual travel insurance

9 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

post office annual travel insurance

The 6 Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

Protect your trip and give yourself peace of mind with the top options.

post office annual travel insurance

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

Direct Travel Insurance

Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times .

  • SINGLE TRIP INSURANCE
  • ANNUAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
  • BACKPACKER INSURANCE
  • SKI & WINTER SPORTS INSURANCE
  • CRUISE TRAVEL INSURANCE
  • UK DAY & BREAK COVER
  • NATURAL DISASTER COVER
  • FAMILY TRAVEL INSURANCE
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • GADGET INSURANCE
  • CAR HIRE EXCESS INSURANCE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • COUNTRY GUIDES
  • LATEST TRAVEL NEWS
  • INFOGRAPHICS
  • Help & Support
  • LATEST FCDO UPDATES
  • MAPS DIRECTORY
  • Manage Your Policy
  • Make a Claim
  • Expired Policies
  • Policy Documents

Blog Header

UK Customer Services 0330 880 3600

Open Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays. (Calls may be monitored or recorded)

Contact details can be found in your policy documentation

Available 24 hours a day, every day

Other Guides

Travel Insurance Russia

Russia country guide.

  • Country Facts
  • Embassies & Visas
  • Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: Europe Full Name: Russian Federation Capital City: Moscow Language Spoken: Russian, many minority languages

Russia Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to Russia from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Russia and most of the world.

Get a quote

Geographic data

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Land boundaries

total: 20,096.5 km border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 294 km, Finland 1,340 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 280.5 km, Mongolia 3,485 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 232 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Natural hazards

permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russia

Natural resources

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources

arable land: 7.17% permanent crops: 0.11% other: 92.72% (2005)

Environmental current issues

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Northern & Central European Russia: The most varied climate; mildest areas are along the Baltic coast. Summer sunshine may be nine hours a day, but winters can be very cold. Siberia: Very cold winters, but summers can be pleasant, although they tend to be short and wet. There is considerable seasonal temperature variation. Southern European Russia: Winter is shorter than in the north. Steppes (in the southeast) have hot, dry summers and very cold winters. The north and northeastern Black Sea has mild winters, but heavy rainfall all the year round.

Time difference

time difference: UTC+3 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October note: Russia is divided into eleven time zones

142,893,540 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 10,441,151/female 9,921,102) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 49,271,698/female 52,679,463) 65 years and over: 14.4% (male 6,500,814/female 14,079,312) (2006 est.)

total: 38.4 years male: 35.2 years female: 41.3 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.37% (2006 est.)

9.95 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

14.65 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.46 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 67.08 years male: 60.45 years female: 74.1 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.28 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

Business meetings are typically formal and Russian businessmen largely stick to numerous formalities. For example, to address a Russian by his first name, unless invited to do so, may be considered an insult. If the guest speaks Russian, they should be sure to use the vy (formal) form, not the ty (informal) form. Address Russians with their titles and their last names: "Chairman Mironov", "General Designer Medvedov". Many fledgling Russian entrepreneurs speak at least some English, but if business is outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg, or if you are dealing with large factories or institutes, it may be more difficult to find English speakers. At the end of a formal visit, Russians like to exchange gifts. Usually, a company manager may present a pin or pen with a company logo. The foreign visitor should also bring a small gift -- pens, pins, cups, or plates with company logos are probably the best. Office hours are 0900-1800 Monday to Friday.

Recent police statistics for Moscow report an overall decline in crime, though drug-related crimes, murders, and kidnappings have increased, and street crime, sometimes violent, remains a continuing problem. Nevertheless, crimes against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies occur frequently and at any time or place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. Thieves, known as 'banditry' in Russian also frequently target hotel rooms. The Ukraina hotel is the site of the most frequent reported crimes. The hotel administration has established a consistent pattern of allowing thieves free access and failing to cooperate in investigating complaints. One foreigner awoke on his first night in Moscow to find two thieves letting themselves into his room with a passkey. When they started to carry out his still packed luggage he confronted them and received a three-inch gash across his throat and two slit nostrils for his trouble. Instead of cooperating with the police, the hotel administration slandered the victim, saying he was entertaining prostitutes in his room. There have been sporadic attacks on foreigners by "skinhead" groups in some Russian urban centers. Many of these attacks appear to target university students, particularly those of Asian and African origin. Travelers are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by "skinhead" groups and wherever large groups have gathered. Demonstrations occur frequently in Moscow and other cities. While these demonstrations have been peaceful and controlled, it is best to avoid such gatherings. Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services, which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Since the mid-1990's, several foreign business people have been attacked, kidnapped, and even killed. Extortion attempts should be reported to the Russian authorities and the businessperson's embassy or consulate. Business people who utilize local services for banking, security and medical treatment should limit the information provided to the minimum required, as reports have been received indicating that some individuals working in these sectors have passed confidential credit/financial, banking and medical information to organized crime gangs who use it to make extortion threats against foreigners.

While tourist facilities exist in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Samara, Sochi and Vladivostok have western-style hotels, though priced at a premium compared with other major cities of the world. Outside the major cities, traditional Russian hotels often provide fairly modest accommodations, again for surprisingly high prices. It is possible to find remarkably well- appointed hotels in relatively small communities; it is also possible to find yourself temporarily without water or electricity when visiting other regions of Russia. As previously discussed, we recommend against staying at the Ukraina as foreigners staying there have often been victims of hotel theft.

Communications

Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 7. When dialing the Russian Federation from abroad, the 0 of the area code must not be omitted. Outgoing international code: 810. The Russian telecommunications system suffers from a lack of installed lines, outmoded switching equipment, and inadequate revenues to finance investment. The Ministry of Communications is dedicated to bringing the telecommunications infrastructure up to international norms as quickly as possible, and many multinational firms are vying for the opportunity to help in this undertaking. Although telephones, fax machines, and package delivery are available in Russia, they are often unreliable, especially outside the major cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.) and lengthy delays in service are not uncommon. International calls should be made through the hotel desk. Most international calls made from the cities of Moscow, St Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod can be dialed directly, but in smaller cities and towns it may be necessary to go through the international operator and these should be booked well in advance. Post office hours: 0900-1900.

Electricity

is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Food And Dining

The kind of food visitors will eat from day to day depends on which city they are visiting and the time of year. Breakfast is often similar to the Scandinavian, with cold meats, boiled eggs and bread served with Russian tea. For the midday and evening meal the food is often more traditional, again depending on the region. National specialties: ? Kasha (porridge) is a staple breakfast dish, made with milk and oats, buckwheat or semolina. ? Blini (small pancakes filled with caviar, fish, melted butter or sour cream). ? Ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). ? Pirozhky (fried rolls with different fillings, usually meat). ? Borshch, a beetroot soup served hot with sour cream. ? Pelmeni (meat dumplings). Things to know: Drinks are ordered by grams or by the bottle. City-center bars close around midnight. National drinks: ? Chai (sweet tea served without milk). ? Vodka (often flavored and colored with herbs and spices such as zubrovka (a kind of grass), ryabinovka (steeped with rowan-tree berries), starka (dark, smooth, aged vodka) and pertsovka (with hot pepper). Posolskaya, Stolichnaya and Rossiskaya are popular brands. ? Krushon (cold 'punch'; champagne, brandy and summer fruit are poured into a hollowed watermelon and chilled for several hours). ? Nalivka (sweet liqueur made with fruit or berries). ? Nastoika is a fortified wine made of herbs, leaves, flowers, fruit and roots of plants with medicinal properties. Tipping: Hotels in Moscow and other large cities include a 10 to 15 per cent service charge. Otherwise 10 per cent is customary. Nightlife Theater, circus, concert and variety performances are the main evening entertainments. Tickets are available in advance or from ticket booths immediately before performances. Visitors should note that prices for foreigners are usually much higher than those paid by Russian nationals. The repertoire of theaters provides a change of program almost nightly. In the course of one month, 30 different productions may be presented by the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Company. Details of performances can be obtained on arrival. Visitors should apply to the service bureau of their hotel. All of these establishments are open 0600-2200.

Entry departure requirements

Visa immigration information Passports Valid 10-year passport required by all. Note Whilst in the country, visitors must carry ID at all times. Rather than carry original documents, it is advisable to carry photocopies of passports and visas, which will facilitate replacement should either be stolen. Visas Required by all except the following, provided arriving from their country of origin: (a) nationals of CIS countries (except nationals of Georgia and Turkmenistan who do require visas); (b) nationals of Cuba for stays of up to 30 days; (c) nationals of Mongolia, provided visiting for purposes of business and holding letter of invitation and return tickets, or traveling as tourists and holding prepaid hotel vouchers; (d) transit passengers who are continuing their journey within 24 hours without leaving the transit area. Types of visa and cost Tourist, Business, Private and Transit: US$52 , if visa is processed in minimum eight working days. (Processing within three to five days costs US$103 ; next-day processing US$137 ; same-day processing US$155 ; processing within one hour US$206 ) An additional US$17 is payable for a double-entry visa. Multiple-entry: US$172 , standard six working days' processing (same-day processing costs US$258 ). Express: US$206 All French passport holders younger than 18 years pay half rate. Note (a) Nationals of some countries may have to pay a Consular fee in addition to the visa processing charges listed. Enquire at the Consulate or Consular section of Embassy for a list of nationals and prices. (b) Transit visas are required by all except passengers remaining in the transit zone of Moscow Sheremetievo airport for less than 24 hours. Validity Dependent on purpose of trip. Transit visas are valid for up to three days. Tourist visas are valid for up to one month. Private visas are valid for up to 90 days. Application to Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Application requirements (a) Completed application form. (b) One recent passport-size photo stapled twice to upper-right corner of application form. (c) Passport valid for at least six months after visa expires, with at least two blank pages. (d) Fee, payable in cash only or postal orders for postal applications. (e) Postal applications must be accompanied by a large, pre-paid special delivery, self-addressed envelope. Tourist: (a)-(e) and, (f) Original tourist voucher (exchange order) issued by an authorized travel company stating their reference number, passenger names, dates of entry and exit, confirmation of payment, full itinerary, places to be visited, means of transportation and confirmation in Russian language. The voucher should be stamped and signed by an authorized person. (g) A standard tourist confirmation of acceptance (in the Russian language) issued by Russian tourist company or hotel accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia, showing tourist reference number given by Russian Foreign Minister and names of applicants, full itinerary and dates of entry/exit. Private (for visiting relations or friends): (a)-(e) and, (f) Official original letter of invitation from Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) An official letter of invitation from company or organization in the Russian Federation responsible for visit, certified by the local branch of Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. (g) An introductory letter from applicant's company stating purpose of visit, itinerary, dates of entry and exit, assuming financial responsibility for the visit and stating the companies to be visited. Transit: (a)-(d) and, (e) Original and copy of confirmed air ticket to and from the Russian Federation. Multiple-entry: (a)-(e) and, (f) Original and a copy of your confirmed air ticket to and from Russia. Note (a) Those who are traveling in groups (standard package tours, coach tours, international competitions and cruises) should submit all documentation to the tour operator making the travel arrangements. For visits to relatives/friends in the CIS, enquire at the Consulate for details of application procedures. (b) All travelers staying in the Russian Federation for longer than three days must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Private visitors must register with local police on arrival. For travel to Tajikistan, your invitation should be confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. (c) French nationals should also have their previous three months' bank statements, medical insurance and a copy of their tickets. (d) German nationals and all other Schengen country nationals, plus holders of Israeli or Estonian passports, should have travel insurance valid in the Russian Federation. (e) USA passport holders are required to fill out a special visa application form. (f) Since February 2003, every foreign citizen is given a migration card free of charge when they cross the Russian border. They must fill in their personal data, terms, purpose of visit and prospective place of residence and present the card when applying for registration within three days of arrival. The migration cards must be handed back upon departure. Working days required One to 12, depending on type of visa. Postal applications take at least eight to 12 days to process. Applications for visas may not be made earlier than three months before departure. Visas should be submitted 0900-1200; visas submitted 1500-1600 will be charged at the Express Visa fee. Exit visas Exit visas are required by all passengers who want to leave the country and are normally issued together with the entry visa. If the exit permit has not yet been issued by the representative of the Russian Federation which issued the visa, aliens should obtain it two days prior to departure at the latest from the Intourist Service Bureau in their hotel. Temporary residence Enquire at Embassy.

HIV entry requirements

Test required for anyone staying longer than 3 months

Departure tax

Embassy of the Russian Federation in the UK 13 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QX, UK Tel: (020) 7229 2666. Website: www.great-britain.mid.ru Consular section: 5 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QS, UK Tel: (020) 7229 8027. Website: https://www.rusemb.org.uk/consular/ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (visa submission), 1400-1800.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA

2650 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA Tel: (202) 298 5700. Website: www.russianembassy.org Consular section: 2641 Tunlaw Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA Tel: (202) 939 8907. Russian National Group in the USA 224 West 30th Street, Suite 701, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (646) 473 2233 or (877) 221 7120 (toll-free in USA). Website: www.russia-travel.com Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, travelers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai that border Chechnya and Dagestan. Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area). There is a high threat from terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places. Attacks have occurred most frequently in Moscow and in the North Caucasus. Travelers should be vigilant at all times and also watch out for pickpockets and street crime, especially in large cities and in busy areas, eg railway concourses. This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisaions for the latest travel advice: British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia US Department of State Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/RussianFederation.html

Rouble (RUB) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of RUB1000, 500, 100, 50 and 10. Coins are in denominations of RUB10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is US$10,000 but sums greater than $3000 (or equivalent) must be declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0930-1730.

Currency exchange

Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux and authorized banks, and all transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form which is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain all exchange receipts. Bureaux de change are numerous and easy to locate. Large shops and hotels offer their own exchange facilities. US Dollars in pristine condition are the easiest currency to exchange. It is illegal to settle accounts in hard currency and to change money unofficially.

Credit cards

Major European and international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in the larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants, but cash (in Roubles) is preferred. American Express cards may be turned down, but cash (in Roubles) is preferred. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that might be available. ATM machines are widely available.

Travellers cheques

Cash is preferred. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

  • Health Information
  • Recent Disease Outbreaks
  • Hospital Database

Dental care

Avoid dental treatment as the standards of care and hygiene cannot be guaranteed.

Medication Availability

Little international brand medication is available outside of Moscow or St Petersburg. If medication is required in these cities use the larger, reputable pharmacies where you are less likely to find counterfeits

Blood supplies

Screening is inconsistent in Russia, therefore blood supplies should be considered as unsafe

Medical facilities

Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission.

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.

Specific concerns

Press reports indicate increased incidences of diphtheria and other communicable diseases, and CDC reports a severe shortage of vaccines to combat these diseases. Health officials state the situation is particularly bad in the cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow, Krasnodar and Vladivostok, as well as in the Far East, including Primorsky, Maritime and Saratov regions. Travelers to Russia should be up-to-date on routine and recommended immunizations and are reminded to strictly follow food and beverage precautions. AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. According to CDC, breakdowns in water purification plants have led to significantly higher rates of gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and bacterial dysentery. Also, a report from the country's Environment Ministry states that half of the country's population must rely on substandard drinking water. The intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia has been linked to St. Petersburg's water supply - which should be considered contaminated under all circumstances. Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.

Immunization

Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Japanese Encephalitis: Consider vaccination if staying a month or more in the far eastern maritime areas south of Khabarovsk from July to September, especially if travel includes rural areas. Also consider if staying less than 30 days during that period and at high risk (in case of epidemic outbreak or extensive outdoor exposure in rural areas). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

Health conditions and sanitation in Moscow and other large cities, formerly on par with U.S. and European standards, have deteriorated in recent years. Conditions in smaller cities and villages are below the standards of industrialized countries. Insect-borne illness: Encephalitis (Japanese type) - occurs in southeast (human cases reported in recent past for first time in 30 years) Encephalitis (tick-borne) - occurs in southern Siberia and forested areas bordering southeastern Europe Hemorrhagic fever - occurs in southern Siberia Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs in southern areas Lyme disease - occurs Typhus (tick-borne) - occurs in eastern and central Siberia Food-borne and water-borne illness: Cholera - occurs Diphyllobothriasis (fish tapeworm) may be a problem in the Baltic Sea area Giardiasis - occurs in western areas Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported, and cases of polio still occur regularly. According to the CDC, a decrease in immunization practices since the late 1980s has led to significantly higher rates of several diseases, including diphtheria. While proof of diphtheria immunity is not required for international travel, the CDC recommends that travelers to areas where diphtheria is occurring should be immunized. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Rabies - occurs (especially among foxes in rural areas)

Entry requirements

AIDS: According to the Department of State and the Russian Consulate General in New York, a certificate showing an HIV negative status is required for any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than 3 months. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital or medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for 3 months from the date of medical examination and blood test. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Contact Russia's embassy for details. Diphtheria: A number of travelers to Russia have recently been informed that diphtheria vaccination is necessary for entering Moscow. Per Mr. Goryachev in the Russia Consulate in New York, an up-to-date diphtheria vaccination is recommended, although not required. Mr. Goryachev also provided the following toll-free number (from the U.S.) for an automated fax service regarding current visa requirements: (800) 634-4296. Callers must use a touch-tone phone to type in their own fax machine number.

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

Over recent years, the Kremlin has secured greater control over Russia's media. Press: The main dailies in the Russian Federation are Izvestiya (website: www.izvestia.ru) and Komsomolskaya Pravda (website: www.kp.ru), both published in Moscow. Newspapers and magazines are published in some 25 languages. Multilingual editions of the Moscow News (website: www.english.mn.ru) are available weekly. The Moscow Times (website: www.themoscowtimes.com) and St Petersburg Times are published in English. There is also a daily Internet newspaper, Russia Today (website: www.russiatoday.com). TV: Russia TV Channel is state-owned. NTV is a national netowork owned by the gas company, Gazprom. Center TV is a commerical network and Russia Today is an international English news channel. Other networks include Channel One and Ren TV. Radio: Radio Russia and Radio Mayak are state-run networks. Russkoye Radio and Moscow Echo are privately run. Voice of Russia operates programs in English and other languages.

Get travel insurance

Policy documents

Subscribe to our newsletter

travel aware

Copyright © Brokersure Ltd 2024. All rights reserved.

We collect and use your personal information according to our Privacy Policy. Please refer to your Policy Wording for full Terms and Conditions of the insurance purchased. If you have any questions please visit the FAQ page or Contact Us .

Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of Brokersure Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA No. 501719

  • Skip navigation
  • Find a branch
  • Help and support

Popular searches

  • Track a parcel
  • Travel money
  • Travel insurance
  • Drop and Go

Log into your account

  • Credit cards
  • International money transfer
  • Junior ISAs

Travel and Insurance

  • Car and van insurance
  • Gadget insurance
  • Home insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Travel Money Card
  • Parcels Online

For further information about the Horizon IT Scandal, please visit our  corporate website

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to travel.

Does it feel like getting travel insurance is holding you back? This guide looks at how to get the cover you need, including for pre-existing medical conditions, and what to look out for when you do.

Posted: 26/1/2022 | By Darren Williams

Senior citizens travelling and holding hands

Getting travel insurance in later life

Finding the right travel insurance for seniors of any age may seem difficult at times, but it needn’t be. A handful of insurers cater specifically to pensioners and seniors, and others can give people aged over 60 the same benefits under their normal travel insurance cover.

That’s how we do it here at Post Office. You simply request a quote the same way adults of all ages do. We’ll ask you about the type of holiday you’re taking, the activities you’ll be doing and the level of cover you need. And we’ll consider all medical conditions, with a simple online screening. Then, if you're eligible for cover, we'll quote you a price.

Post Office Travel Insurance can help cover medical costs, protect against delays or cancellations, lost luggage and documents, and personal liability. There’s no upper age limit on our single-trip policies. Or, if you’re travelling more in a 12-month period, we can provide annual multi-trip cover up to 75 years of age.

Why is travel insurance important?

Most holidays pass without any problems but there’s always a a worry about what might go wrong so it’s always safer to go prepared. Travelling without insurance just isn’t worth it – fall ill in some countries and you could be liable for huge medical bills as well as the cost of getting you home.

Travel insurance is important whatever age you are when you travel. And it’s a must-have for seniors especially – whether you’re 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or above, or anywhere in between. Getting cover in place will let you relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about how you might pay for unexpected medical treatment, lost or damaged possessions, or cancellations.

It’s important to know that, insurers tend to see older age groups as a higher risk, the cover they quote for might be more expensive, or they may not cover all things you need. It's important to do your research and make sure the price and the policy are both right for you. Read the policy documents carefully and make sure you declare all medical conditions on the medical questionnaire. We’ll look at why this is so important in the next section.

Need insurance that covers your travels in later life?

Medical cover and the ghic or ehic.

The most important thing about travel insurance for seniors and the elderly is that your health cover gives you the protection you need, such as in medical emergencies.

If you’re visiting a country in the EU, a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) or still-in-date European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) will let you access state provided medical healthcare for free or the same as it costs locals.

Getting travel insurance is still important, though, as it covers costs the cards don’t, such as repatriation to the UK if you need to be transported home. And, of course, it also protects you in the event of delays or cancellations, lost luggage and documents and personal liability.

T ravel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions

It’s important to make sure you have the right cover in place in case something related to your condition happens while you’re away.

To get travel insurance you’ll need to accurately declare all pre-existing medical conditions when you apply. Insurers will make a decision based on the details you give them. There are different levels of risk they’re prepared to accept, so getting declined by one insurer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be declined by them all.

Conditions such as cancer, heart problems and diabetes will affect the policy and its price because they increase the chance of a claim. One way of managing this cost is to go with an insurer who offers specialised policies for your age group, and may be able to tailor cover to your needs.

You could also look at travel insurance for the elderly that is manually underwritten, meaning each policy considers the unique situation of the policy holder. This type of insurance is, predictably, more expensive in general than standard terms travel insurance.

At Post Office, we consider all medical conditions when you ask for a quote. This means, if you’re living with a long-term illness, you may be covered for any issues it could cause while you’re away, such as having to seek medical care or being rushed home for treatment.

If you’re in doubt or have a condition that’s particularly rare, it might be worth talking to a representative. If you have a serious condition that you’re struggling to find cover for, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory of companies that may be able to help or call 0800 138 7777 .

Find out more about:

Travel insurance for people with cancer

Travel insurance for diabetics

Travel insurance and high blood pressure

Choosing the right cover

Most travel insurance for seniors will follow a standard format: do you want insurance for a single trip, for multiple trips or for a specialist trip such as a cruise or a ski break?

Cover for single or multiple trips

One of the first things to think about when choosing a policy is how often you’re likely to travel in a 12-month period. Different policy types may suit depending on the answer:

  • Single trip travel insurance is designed for people who want to take one trip within any given year. If it’s likely you’ll only travel once in that time, it may be the most cost-effective option
  • Annual multi-trip travel insurance  tends to suit people who travel two or more times within a year. It can be better value for those who go away frequently

Do you need a more specialist type of cover?

For some holidays, such as cruises or skiing trips, you may need to buy a policy add-on or specialist policy that will cover the specific activities or risks involved:

  • Cruise cover  costs a little extra but offers extra protection at sea, like emergency rescue and cabin confinement; cruising without it may invalidate your travel insurance policy
  • Sports and higher-risk activities: while lots of activities may be covered by regular policies some, such as golf and extreme sports , may need extra protection for you, other people and the equipment used.

Always check what activities your policy does and doesn’t cover. If your travel insurance and any add-ons you’ve bought with it don’t cover it you might want to think twice about getting involved and risking an accident

  • Winter sports travel insurance : if activities such as skiing are still your thing, they’ll of course need some extra cover for the higher risk of injury involved, and the safeguard equipment and property in the event of accidental damage

Some providers also offer cover for unexpected events like local unrest and natural catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions or tsunamis. Check the risks in your destination on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page. Or, if you’re going to a country that you know well, you may decide this cover is unnecessary.

Check policies for any age limits

Whichever policy type you choose, check carefully to see how long you are covered for each trip. Since older people tend to go on longer holidays, it’s important to know if there are any trip limits.

Travel insurers can set upper age limits depending on the kind of activity you want to do while away. For instance, you’re less likely to find ski cover if you’re in your 70s and 80s. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist; you just might need to find a specialist provider.

The older you get, the more restrictions there may be on how long you can travel and stay covered. For instance, while younger people may be able to get covered for up to a year, people in their 70s might be limited to 90 days, and those in their 80s to fewer days still.

This will differ between insurers, so it’s worth knowing what you can get covered for before making a purchase.

As an example, Post Office Travel Insurance has the following age limits:

  • Single-trip policies : if you’re up to and including 70, you can qualify for the longest possible trip of 365 days. If you’re between 71 and 75, the maximum length of your trip drops to 90 days. And if you are 76 or above, the longest trip you'd be covered for is 31 days
  • Multi-trip policies : the maximum age for our Economy, Standard and Premier level multi-trip policies is 75. Although you can take as many trips as you like within the policy year, there’s a maximum duration for each individual trip. The limit varies depending on the cover level chosen. It’s 17 days for Economy and Standard cover, and 31 days for Premier. On some policies the limit can be extended to 31, 45 or 60 days for an additional premium.

Policy details to look out for

When you compare travel insurance for senior travellers from different providers, check to see if you have cover for things such as:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Repatriation (getting you back home)
  • Lost, stolen or damaged luggage
  • Lost or stolen cash
  • Medical transfers
  • Cancellation or curtailment (cutting your trip short)
  • Personal liability
  • Legal protection

Not every policy will include all of these. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover most of them, but always double check, and be aware of how much you’re covered for in each case.

Does your policy cover the cost of your holiday if you need to cancel it? For older travellers, there’s an increased chance you might fall ill or be unable to make your trip. Ask before you buy what would happen if you had to cancel, and what you could claim back.

Interested in travel insurance?

Common questions, what should senior travel insurance cover.

Travel insurance for seniors should include medical cover that suits the needs of older travellers, so you can call on it in emergencies such as injury or if you fall ill while you’re away.

Other things commonly covered by a travel insurance policy include cancellation and curtailment, and loss of belongings. If you buy travel insurance at the time you book your holiday, then you’re covered from that point onward. This means that if you have to cancel your holiday before leaving due to bad traffic, unexpected illness or a family bereavement, you could make a claim.

Some providers offer travel insurance tailored specifically to travellers in senior age groups. However, normal travel insurance policies are often available to customers well into their 80s. This might be better value and will still offer emergency medical cover. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you need specialist cover or if what is provided on a standard policy is right for you.

What is travel insurance for over 65s, over 70s and over 75s?

As we get older insurers see us as higher risk on our travels because we’re more likely to suffer health problems while we’re away, which usually increases the cost of insurance. But there’s another reason why travel insurance for seniors is usually pricier: older people tend to be more adventurous and often choose to travel to more far-flung, exotic places.

Visiting Thai temples or African game parks is always a wonderful experience, but the medical costs should anything happen to you will usually be higher than if you were travelling in Europe. If you’re in an age group that’s over 65, 70, 75 or 80, these costs are likely to become higher still, as specialist care and travel arrangements may be more complex the older you get.

Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 80 years old?

The simple answer is yes, you can. There are lots of policies on the market that cater to older travellers, either as part of their regular travel insurance product or with specialist products tailored to older age groups.

The reason that people over 80 might need a special policy when they travel is they have a different set of risks. While nobody expects you to be engaging in too many extreme sports in your 80s, there are other risks that need to be accounted for, like illnesses or pre-existing medical conditions.

At Post Office, while we don’t offer a specialist travel insurance policy for over 80s there’s no upper age limit on our single-trip policies. You can get a quote and we’ll consider all medical conditions.

Can I travel with someone else on a travel insurance policy?

If you’ll be travelling with a companion such as a friend, partner or family member, it’s important to check if they’ll be covered too. Many seniors travel insurance policies are just for individuals and a companion may need to take out their own cover. You may also need separate policies for younger passengers if you plan to travel with your grandchildren .

When should I buy travel insurance?

It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance as soon as your holiday is booked.

It will cover you for cancellation or anything that might prevent you from travelling, like redundancy, unexpected illness, injury or even bereavement before you make your trip.

The right time to get covered may differ depending on the kind of break you book. Read our guide to when to buy travel insurance to find out more.

Any travel advice for seniors going on holiday?

Before you go

  • Ideally before you book, check you’re traveling with a reputable firm. This is a good way to avoid being in a situation where you will be put at risk in the first place. Check the  Association of British Travel Agents  (ABTA) to make sure that your trip is safe and well-managed by a trusted firm
  • Take a copy of your medical notes, including your emergency numbers
  • Check with your doctor or on the NHS travel pages  to see if you need any travel vaccinations or medication before you go
  • Make sure there’s no Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against travel to your destination. If there is, travelling against it could invalidate your travel insurance
  • If you’re travelling to Europe, apply for a  UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic)  to get free or discounted medical care
  • Make sure your  passport is still valid and  apply for a new passport  if you need to. Some countries like you to have at least six months left on your passport to allow you entry
  • Inform your bank about your travel plans so you can use your cards abroad – some banks will stop your cards when they’re used abroad in an anti-fraud measure
  • When packing medicines, it’s important to check what you can take on a plane as there are limits on liquids which can include medication. Bring extra prescription medication with you in case of delays, and keep spares of any glasses or hearing aids in a separate bag in case you lose your normal set

Read our pre-travel and packing checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything important. And find out how to pack a suitcase with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

During your trip

  • Keep your hand luggage light and check your bags in at the airport to make getting around much easier
  • On your flight, drink plenty of water and keep moving as often as you can
  • Try and book outside of the peak seasons. This will also help you find cheaper deals
  • Check your hotel for accessibility if you have difficulty getting around. Check the AgeUK advice on accessible holidays  for more details
  • Make sure you know the address of a local doctor and pharmacy near to where you’re staying

Other travel products

Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.

One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.

Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.

This might interest you

post office annual travel insurance

Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in ...

Female doctor smiling and talking to an elderly female patient

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in ...

Two backpacks, one with boots attached, sat against a dark wooden door

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off ...

Couple sitting on rock hill, embracing

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance ...

Doctor taking blood pressure of a patient

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure ...

Sunset at the English coast

You might not think you need travel insurance if you're taking a trip in the ...

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it ...

Drummer and band playing music to a crowd with sun in background

With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit ...

Sunglasses sitting in sand on a beach

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, ...

A group of friends on the top deck of a tourist bus

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their ...

Family relaxing sitting near beach and sea on their summer holiday

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance ...

Tourists taking in the sights of Times Square in New York

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying ...

Rocky and green coastline with people on sandy beach surrounded with blue waters and boats

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global ...

Woman wearing backpack walking at the airport pulling wheeled luggage behind her

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, ...

Cafe frontage with exotic colours

Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, ...

Woman with their head outside a train window, posing for a picture with a scenic mountain range in the background

Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of ...

man sitting on the beach with his laptop

The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You ...

Doctor stethoscope resting on top of a world map

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic ...

Woman packing her suitcase

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

IMAGES

  1. Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

    post office annual travel insurance

  2. Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

    post office annual travel insurance

  3. Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

    post office annual travel insurance

  4. Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

    post office annual travel insurance

  5. The Post Office travel insurance review June 2022

    post office annual travel insurance

  6. Post Office restores travel insurance offering

    post office annual travel insurance

VIDEO

  1. HEALTH INSURANCE WITH POST OFFICE

  2. Travel insurance: what were the most common claims of last year?

  3. ୧୫୦୦ ରଖନ୍ତୁ ୩୧ ଲକ୍ଷ ପାଆନ୍ତୁ/post office rural postal life insurance/RPLI in post office/pradeep info

  4. Travel insurance company UK USA

COMMENTS

  1. Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

    Post Office Travel Insurance covers most pre-existing medical conditions. Get a quote today to see if we can cover you. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition we're unable to cover you for, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory of companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777.

  2. Post Office travel insurance review

    Post Office travel insurance customer reviews. The Post Office travel insurance has a rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars from just 69 reviews on the customer review site Trustpilot. Customers detailed problems with claims being paid and refunds for policy cancellations. As with all travel insurance policies, it is important to do your research and ...

  3. Post Office travel insurance review

    The latest data from the Financial Conduct Authority show that Post Office's underwriter - Astrenska - paid out 85-90% of claims made on annual European policies in 2022. This was above the average rate of 76%. It accepted 85-90% of claims made on annual worldwide policies - above the average of 82%. It paid 80-85% of claims made on single trip ...

  4. Compare Travel Insurance

    Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, compare these and find out what's covered by each. Find out how to get extra cover for Covid-19, winter sports, cruise and more. See how to save on annual multi-trip or single-trip policies.

  5. How Annual (Multi-Trip) Travel Insurance Works

    2. Allianz. For our sample itinerary, Allianz offered three different annual travel insurance plans with varying levels of coverage — Executive, Prime and Basic. The cheapest rang in at $138 for ...

  6. All you need to know about annual travel insurance policies

    My policy also offers a $3,000 annual trip cancellation benefit, $20,000 in emergency medical coverage, $100,000 in emergency transportation (including medevac services), $45,000 in rental car theft and damage protection, $25,000 in travel accident coverage and $1,000 for essentials in the event of baggage loss or damage, along with a handful ...

  7. 4 Best Annual Travel Insurance Options in 2024

    Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. No annual fee: Bank of ...

  8. PDF Single Trip & Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

    Company: Post Office Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited. Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Product: Post Office Premier Cover

  9. Post Office Travel Insurance Review

    The Post Office also won Best Travel Insurance Provider at the British Travel Awards in 2022 and at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Its Premier policies are Defaqto 5-star rated ...

  10. Travel Insurance

    Post Office Travel Insurance can cover you for a single trip of up to 365 days*, or multiple trips** in a single year, anywhere in the UK or abroad. We also offer backpacker cover> for a single trip of up to 18 months. ... For Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance, to have cover for trips within the UK there is a minimum requirement to have 1 ...

  11. The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies in 2023

    Costs will vary by your home state, age, and number of people included in the policy. Here are the "starting at" costs for our best annual travel insurance policies, sorted from lowest to highest: Policy Name. Starting Price. Allianz Travel AllTrips Basic Plan. $138.

  12. Travel Insurance

    If your policy number starts with TA or TC call 0208 865 3074. If your policy number starts with TE, the number to call depends on where in the world you're calling from. From anywhere except the USA, Canada or Mexico call +44 (0) 1403 163. From the USA and Canada call toll-free on +1 877 324 0460.

  13. Post Office Travel Insurance: A Getting Started Guide from the Experts!

    The single trip insurance will provide coverage depending on your age when you obtain your insurance policy. The Post Office website states that those who are below 71 will be covered 365 days per trip. Meanwhile, those who are 71-75 will be covered 90 days and individuals 76-85 are only covered for 31 days. As the name implies, a single trip ...

  14. Best Travel Insurance of March 2024

    Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available; Show Pros, Cons, and More. An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ...

  15. The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans

    This annual travel insurance plan covers all trips that last up to 90 days within a coverage year, and it comes with coverage for COVID-19. Benefits travelers receive each year with the plan include:

  16. PDF Single Trip & Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

    Company: Post Office Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited. Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Product: Post Office Standard Cover

  17. Direct Travel Insurance to Russia and Country Guides

    Tel: (646) 473 2233 or (877) 221 7120 (toll-free in USA). Website: www.russia-travel.com. Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, travelers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai that border Chechnya and Dagestan.

  18. Worldwide Travel Insurance

    Post Office offers worldwide travel insurance for single trip or annual multi-trip holidays in over 150 countries. It covers medical treatment, repatriation, luggage, documents and more. It also provides Ehic and Ghic alternatives for EU and non-EU travellers.

  19. BRILLIANSE TUR, OOO Company Profile

    Industry: Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services , Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures , Other Amusement and Recreation Industries , Travel agencies, Reservation services See All Industries, Tourist information bureau, Ticket agency, theatrical Tour and guide services See Fewer Industries

  20. Best travel insurance companies and policies 2024

    All Clear travel insurance - Platinum. 79% policy score - joint 7th out of 161 policies rated. We like: All Clear was the highest-scoring medical specialist insurer in our analysis. Its policy covers outbound, connecting and returning flights that you miss because of delays.

  21. Moscow to Elektrostal

    Central PPK operates a train from Ploschad Tryokh Vokzalov to Fryazevo 4 times a day. Tickets cost RUB 120 - RUB 170 and the journey takes 44 min. Train operators. Central PPK. Other operators. BlaBlaCar. Taxi from Moscow Central Bus Station to Elektrostal.

  22. Travel Insurance

    Find answers to common questions about Post Office Travel Insurance policies, such as cover levels, optional add-ons, claims, cancellations and more. Learn about the Covid-19 cover, family cover, age limits and travel duration for different types of policies.

  23. Rabochaya ulitsa, 35А, Elektrostal

    Get directions to Rabochaya ulitsa, 35А and view details like the building's postal code, description, photos, and reviews on each business in the building

  24. Travel insurance for seniors

    As an example, Post Office Travel Insurance has the following age limits: Single-trip policies : if you're up to and including 70, you can qualify for the longest possible trip of 365 days. If you're between 71 and 75, the maximum length of your trip drops to 90 days. And if you are 76 or above, the longest trip you'd be covered for is 31 days.