When planning to purchase travel insurance, one important decision may be choosing between annual travel insurance and single trip insurance. Each type offers different advantages depending on travel frequency, cost considerations, and coverage needs. This guide breaks down the key differences to help brokers determine the best fit for their travelers.
Arch Insurance offers both annual travel insurance (through the Multi-Trip plan) and single trip insurance (such as our Pro Plus plan) through our consumer travel insurance brand, Arch RoamRight. Insurance brokers and producers may wish to add these products into their portfolio as one more way to help provide insurance options for their clients.
The annual travel insurance policy provides for an unlimited number of trips each year, where each trip is up to 30 days in length and 100 or more miles from your primary residence. It is important to note that trip cancellation benefits are limited to an aggregate limit that is selected at the time of purchase ($2,500, $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000).
Single trip policies protect up to the insured trip cost for each individual trip. These policies need to be purchased prior to each trip and provide coverage from the time of purchase until the date the traveler returns home.
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison between the Annual Multi-trip travel insurance plan and Arch RoamRight’s most frequently purchased plan, Pro Plus[1].
All of the information in this article is current as of the date of publish and may change at any time.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Annual Travel Insurance vs. Single Trip Travel Insurance
| Feature | Annual Multi-Trip Insurance | Pro Plus (Single Trip Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Frequent travelers, digital nomads | Occasional travelers, one-time vacationers |
| Coverage Period | One year, covering unlimited trips up to the selected benefit limit | Covers a single trip with a defined start and end date |
| Trip Length Limit | Up to 30 days per trip | Up to 180 days per trip |
| Cost Efficiency | May be more cost-effective for those taking multiple trips per year | May be a better value for those who travel once or twice a year |
| Flexibility | Your clients can buy travel insurance once a year for coverage up to the specific trip cancellation limit. No need to buy insurance for each trip. | Single-trip policies require purchase for each trip, allowing brokers to help clients tailor coverage to each journey’s specific needs. |
| Covered Risks | While each plan covers similar risks, see below for details on the events covered by each plan. | |
Expanded Benefits Comparison
The annual travel insurance plan and the Pro Plus plan have different benefits and different benefit limits. Of the benefits that are included in both plans, the table below provides information on the limits. Coverage amounts and limits vary by policy and are subject to terms and conditions.
In addition to the benefits listed below, the Pro Plus plan includes coverage for Itinerary Changes, as well as optional upgrades for rental car coverage, and sports coverage for activities such as mountaineering, skydiving, bungee jumping, SCUBA diving[2].
Benefits Comparison of Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance vs. Single Trip Insurance
| Benefit | Annual Multi-Trip Insurance | Pro Plus (Single Trip Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Covers up to 100% of trip cost, with an annual aggregate limit selected at purchase (options: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000). | Covers up to 100% of the insured trip cost for each individual trip, up to a maximum of $25,000. |
| Trip Interruption and Delayed Arrival | Provides up to 100% of trip cost for interruptions, subject to the annual aggregate limit. | Offers up to 150% of the trip cost for return transportation or unforeseen expenses. |
| Occupancy Upgrade | Provides up to 100% of trip cost for interruptions, subject to the annual aggregate limit. | Covers up to 100% of the insured trip cost for each individual trip, up to a maximum of $25,000. |
| Trip Delay | Reimburses up to $1,000 per policy year, with a daily limit of $200, after a 12+ hour delay. | Reimburses up to $2,000 per trip, with a daily limit of $200, after a 6+ hour delay. |
| Missed Connection | Covers up to $500 per policy year, after a 3+ hour delay. | Covers up to $750 per trip, after a 3+ hour delay. |
| Baggage Delay | Provides up to $300 per policy year, after a 24+ hour delay. | Provides up to $400 per trip, after a 12+ hour delay. |
| Baggage & Personal Effects | Covers up to $1,000 per policy year, with a per-article limit of $250 and a combined valuables limit of $500. | Covers up to $1,500 per trip, with a per-article limit of $250 and a combined valuables limit of $600. |
| Emergency Medical Expense | Offers up to $25,000 per policy year, including a $750 sub-limit for dental expenses. | Offers up to $75,000 per trip, including a $750 sub-limit for dental expenses. |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | Covers up to $250,000 per policy year, with a maximum of one occurrence annually. | Covers up to $1,000,000 per trip, including evacuation to the hospital of choice. |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) | Provides a $25,000 benefit per policy year. | Provides a $10,000 benefit for 24-hour coverage and $25,000 for air-only incidents per trip. |
| Political & Natural Disaster Evacuation | Covers up to $100,000 per policy year, with a maximum of one occurrence annually. | Covers up to $100,000 per trip. |
Choosing the Right Coverage
For frequent travelers, digital nomads, and those taking multiple trips a year, annual travel insurance is a convenient and cost-effective choice. For occasional travelers, a single-trip policy provides more tailored protection without ongoing commitments.
Brokers: If your clients frequently travel, recommending an annual policy can simplify their insurance process while ensuring consistent protection. If they only travel once or twice a year, a per-trip option may be more suitable.
Want to explore the best travel insurance options for your clients? Contact Arch Insurance today to discuss coverage that fits their travel needs.
How to sell annual travel insurance to personal lines and business clients
Brokers looking to cross-sell travel insurance may find that offering an annual travel insurance plan alongside existing personal lines or business policies can simplify the process for clients. Here are a few suggestions on how to position travel insurance with other policies:
Auto Insurance — Your car takes you from point A to B without a second thought. Shouldn’t your travel insurance do the same for every trip you take? Travel policies offered by [Insert Agency name] cover you 24/7/365 for as many trips as you take throughout the year, up to the stated limit. Click here to obtain plan details and a customized quote. Get covered for up to a year’s worth of adventures today!
Homeowners Insurance — Home insurance protects your physical house, but what about when you’re exploring away from home? Travel insurance similarly helps provide you with that sense of security with you. Travel policies offered by [Insert Agency name] cover you 24/7/365 for as many trips as you take throughout the year, up to the stated limit. Click here to obtain plan details and a customized quote. Get covered for up to a year’s worth of adventures today!
Renters Insurance — Renters insurance insures the contents of your apartment, but what about when you’re exploring away from home? Travel insurance can similarly provide you with that sense of security. Travel policies offered by [Insert Agency Name] provide coverage for covered events 24/7/365 for as many trips as you take throughout the year, up to the stated limit. Click here to obtain plan details and a customized quote. Get covered for up to a year’s worth of adventures today!
Small Business Insurance — As a business owner, you know the importance of protecting your investment and your people. Just as you insure your business assets, it’s crucial to cover the risks associated with travel. Whether you or your employees are meeting clients, scouting locations, or expanding your network, our business travel insurance insures unexpected covered events that may arise on every trip. Why deal with the hassle and expense of buying travel insurance for each trip when you can have multi-trip coverage that travels with your business all year round, up to the stated limit? Use a single policy that covers cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. Let’s get your business and employees the necessary coverages wherever your ambitions take you!
Cyber Insurance — Just as you may have wisely secured your digital life with cyber insurance, why not similarly extend that to your travels? Our travel insurance is the perfect complement, offering some peace of mind for any journey. From trip cancellations to medical emergencies, you are covered, letting you comfortably explore the world. Travel policies offered by [Insert Agency Name] provide coverage for covered events 24/7/365 for as many trips as you take throughout the year, up to the stated limit. Help protect your adventures as you do your digital activities, and travel with confidence. Click here to obtain plan details and a customized quote. Get covered for up to a year’s worth of adventures today!
Business vs. Personal Travel
While the plans discussed above are targeted for personal travel, they may also work for business travelers. However, if your client has multiple individuals traveling several times a year, an Arch Insurance employee accident plan may make more sense. Reach out to our business development team to explore these options.
Final Thoughts
Both annual multi-trip and per-trip travel insurance have their place in the market. The right choice depends on the traveler’s habits and needs. Brokers should assess travel frequency, coverage needs, and budget to make the best recommendation.
For guidance on business and personal travel insurance solutions, reach out to an Arch Insurance specialist today!
[1] Based on Arch RoamRight data for 2024.
[2] For a full list of activities, please refer to the Pro Plus policy document for your state of residence.
This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-855-207-5982. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions.
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