Estimate your travel insurance premium and find out whether single-trip or annual multi-trip cover is better value for the way you travel.
Premium estimate · Single trip vs annual comparison · IPT at 20%
The choice between single-trip and annual multi-trip cover comes down entirely to how often you travel. The break-even point for most people is 2–3 trips per year. If you travel more than twice, annual multi-trip cover will almost always save you money and gives you the freedom to book last-minute trips without arranging insurance each time.
The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC for UK residents after Brexit. It covers emergency medical treatment in EU countries at the same level as local residents — meaning you will not pay more than a local for hospital care in countries like Spain, France, Italy and Germany. However, the GHIC does not cover:
Travel insurance is essential even if you have a GHIC card. A standard emergency repatriation from Spain can cost £15,000–£50,000 without insurance cover.
Travel insurance is subject to the higher rate of Insurance Premium Tax at 20% rather than the standard 12%. This higher rate also applies to some mechanical and electrical appliance insurance. The reason for the distinction is primarily a policy decision by the UK government to apply higher tax to products considered discretionary. On a £30 single-trip policy, approximately £5 is IPT — already included in the price quoted.
Annual multi-trip typically becomes cheaper if you travel more than 2–3 times per year. A standard annual European policy for a single adult costs around £40–£80. Two European single-trip policies typically cost £30–£60 combined — so the break-even is usually around the third trip.
No. The GHIC covers emergency medical treatment in EU countries at local rates, but it does not cover repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage or flight delays. Travel insurance is essential even if you have a GHIC card. A medical repatriation from Europe can cost £15,000–£50,000 without insurance.
A single-trip European policy for one adult for 1–2 weeks typically costs £8–£25. A worldwide single-trip policy costs £20–£60+. Annual multi-trip European cover costs around £40–£80 per adult. Note that travel insurance attracts IPT at the higher 20% rate — already included in quoted prices.
Standard policies typically exclude or limit cover for pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare all conditions when applying — failing to do so can invalidate your entire policy. Specialist policies covering pre-existing conditions are available, usually at a higher premium.
Standard UK travel insurance typically covers: emergency medical treatment and repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment, lost or stolen baggage and personal belongings, flight delays and missed departures, and personal liability. Always check the exclusions — extreme sports, alcohol-related incidents and undeclared medical conditions are commonly excluded.
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