Do I Need Multi-Trip Insurance?

Visiting multiple countries on holiday is a fun and exciting way to sample the diverse experiences that our world has to offer, and effective travel insurance is essential to protecting the resources that allow for smooth leisure travel, such as flights, accommodations, your belongings and yourself.

 

While most travelers would have their itinerarieswell-covered with a standard policy, some may need additional or longer-term coverage to ensure their insurance needs are met. Long-term coverage is called multi-trip coverage, and is designed specifically for frequent travelers who often visit different countries. In order to determine if a multi-trip policy Is right for you, there are a few questions it is important to ask regarding your travel plans.

 

How Long am I Staying in Each Country?

While not specifically intended for those on extended tours of the world, a standard travel insurance policy does usually allow for short visits to nearby countries, especially those immediately bordering the destination country. In most cases, travelers are permitted to spend the day or even a night in a neighboring country, but any time length significantly longer than this will likely result in a coverage lapse.

 

Are All of My Destination Countries Covered?

Although the vast majority of countries in the world are approved for travel with most providers, there are some that will place your coverage in jeopardy. Any sovereignty with documented internal issues, disease outbreak, within an active war zone or facing other significant turmoil is likely an ineligible zone for your travel insurance.

In extreme cases, this can even result in the outright voiding of a policy, so check with your insurance provider at the time of policy activation for a list of approved and blacklisted countries. It’s important that you compare your travel insurance before you actually make a purchase, the internet is a fantastic source for comparison shopping like this.

 

What Am I Doing Here?

An important consideration in the type of insurance you need when visiting a foreign country is the type of activities you plan to engage in. Leisure activities such as dining, shopping and sightseeing are very unlikely to raise issue with your policy, but more active pursuits such as scuba diving, snowboarding and hiking may not be covered.

 

Do My Belongings Need Protection?

One of the main drawbacks to a multi-trip policy plan is the limited coverage for personal possessions. While most policies do provide protection for checked baggage, items lost, stolen or left behind will usually be ineligible for coverage.

Single trip policies offer this protection more frequently, but it may be necessary to add personal belongings protection to any policy you decide on depending on the value of your possessions.

 

Do I Plan to Do This Again Soon?

Travelers who go on holiday to visit multiple destinations more than twice per year get the most benefit from a multi-trip plan. If you’re planning to travel around the world on a reasonably regular basis, a multi-trip plan can provide an excellent combination of convenience and consistent coverage. However, if like most people, your expedition is more of a unique experience lasting just a few days, a standard travel insurance policy may be adequate. Nevertheless, it is always wise to speak with a provider regarding your specific needs before deciding on a policy.