Let's hear it for Columbus Insurance. Back in 1994, they came up with a Multi-Trip insurance policy where you pay at the beginning of the year, and you are then covered for an unlimited number of trips.

Since then, every other insurance company has jumped on the bandwagon and offers multi-trip insurance cover.

Saves time, money, hassle

If you take several holidays every year - and more and more of us do - then annual multi-trip insurance definitely saves time, money and hassle.

It also tends to provide more comprehensive cover.

Imagine you've already had your 2 weeks in the sun then see a not-to-be-missed, once-in-a-lifetime cheap flight to Ibiza, for say, 99p. Having an annual multi-trip insurance package means you can just hop on the plane without the hassle of organising travel insurance.

The Good News

A multi-trip travel insurance can save you pounds £££ - you can cover 2 or more holidays for the price of 1 travel insurance policy.
Plus that, an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy tends to be only slightly dearer than a single trip travel insurance policy.
Get another adult's name added to the policy and you're quids in - cheaper than buying 2 different policies.
Just remember that some insurers - such as the AA - insist that couples share the same address.

Hot Tips and Info

Lower costs - the more you use the more you save

Less hassle - buy just once a year

Watch the total length of stay - there are limits

Watch for total time limits abroad - read the small print

Cheap flights look here to stay, so if you have a timeshare or family in Spain, France or Europe it'll save you money and hassle

The Bad News

There are catches with multi-trip travel insurance policies.

Although most insurers let you make any amount of trips in one year, they tend to put limits on the length of any one trip - anything from 31, 45, 60, 90 to 120 days, depending on the travel insurance company.
If you plan on staying longer than the specified limit for any one trip, you'll have to take out extended stay cover instead.
Another catch with annual multi-trip travel insurance policies is that some insurers allow you only so many days away in a 12-month period.
The way they look at it, the longer you're away from home, the more likely something will go wrong - and the more likely you'll claim.

Design your own policy

You can tailor your multi-trip travel insurance policy to suit your lifestyle.

For an extra premium you can arrange extra cover for -

Personal possessions
Business travel
Motoring assistance within Europe

Things to look out for

You can get another adult's name added to the policy.

But check whether you can travel separately - some insurers look on partners as Siamese twins and won't provide cover unless you're travelling together.

OinC.com offer the lower joint-premium rate to couples who have been cohabiting for at least 6 months.

You don't have to be hitched, and same sex relationships are looked on no differently.

For a family of 4 (superior cover) OinC quoted us £76.68.

Related Info

ColumbusDirect Review