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Multi-Trip vs Single-Trip Travel Insurance in India: What’s Best for You?

Team AckoSept 26, 2025

For most Indians, travelling abroad has become a norm, whether it's for vacations, educational pursuits, business meetings, or visiting relatives overseas. With the growing number of travel trips, it is important to protect yourself from surprise costs such as medical treatment, flight cancellations, or lost luggage. That's where travel insurance fits into the picture. However, while opting for a plan, most travellers are unsure; they think, “Should I opt for single-trip travel insurance or a multi-trip travel insurance policy?”

The correct choice depends on your travel frequency, expenses, and how frequently you travel by air. This article has all the information you require about single-trip vs. multiple-trip travel insurance.

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Contents

What is Single-Trip Travel Insurance?
- What’s covered in Single-Trip Policy?
- Single-Trip Travel Insurance Policy is suitable for:
What is Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?
- What’s covered in Multi-Trip Policy?
- Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Policy is suitable for:
Differences Between Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Insurance
How to Choose between Single-Trip & Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?
- Choose Single-Trip Insurance if:
- Choose Multi-Trip Insurance if:
Things to Consider Before Buying Single or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Final Words
Frequently asked questions

What is Single-Trip Travel Insurance?

A single-trip travel insurance policy insures you for a single journey. This travel insurance policy is effective from your departure from India until your return.

What’s covered in Single-Trip Policy?

• Medical emergencies overseas

• Flight cancellations or delays

• Loss of passport or baggage

• Personal liability (if you unintentionally damage or hurt someone)

Single-Trip Travel Insurance Policy is suitable for:

• Families taking one vacation within a year

• Students taking one trip abroad to sit exams or take short courses

• Novice international travellers who do not fly frequently

As it's designed for one trip, the premium tends to be reasonable.

What is Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?

Multi-trip travel insurance provides coverage for several trips within a 12-month period under a single policy. You do not have to purchase travel insurance every time you fly.

What’s covered in Multi-Trip Policy?

• Annual cover (12 months)

• Multi-short trip protection (often up to 90 or 180 days for each trip)

• Coverage such as medical cover, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, and others

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Policy is suitable for:

• Frequent flyers, particularly business ones

• Individuals with family overseas who make frequent visits

• Multiple leisure trips per year by travellers

Although it costs more up front, it's usually cheaper than purchasing individual policies for each trip.

Differences Between Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Insurance

The key distinctions between single-trip and multi-trip insurance are summarised in the table below.

Feature	Single-Trip Insurance	Multi-Trip Insurance
Coverage Duration	One journey only	Multiple trips within a year
Best For	Occasional travellers	Frequent travellers
Premium	Paid per trip, cheaper for one-off travel	Higher upfront, but it is cost-effective for multiple trips
Flexibility	Limited to one trip	Covers several trips without re-purchasing
Convenience	Need to buy fresh each time	One-time purchase for the whole year
Cancellation Cover	Only for that specific journey	Covers cancellations for any trip within the year

How to Choose between Single-Trip & Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?

Here’s a quick guide that will help you select the right insurance type.

Choose Single-Trip Insurance if:

You rarely travel abroad
You are going for a short family holiday, honeymoon, or one-time business trip
You want a budget-friendly option

Choose Multi-Trip Insurance if:

You fly multiple times in a year for work or leisure
You want the convenience of not buying insurance before every journey
You travel to different countries and want year-round protection

If you’re not sure, think about how often you’ll realistically travel in the next 12 months. For instance, if you’re flying abroad twice or more, a multi-trip plan can save money and effort.

Read more: How to Decide if You Need Pre-Existing Coverage on Your Travel Insurance?

Things to Consider Before Buying Single or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

The following are a few considerations you should know.

Medical Coverage Limit: Check if the sum insured is enough for countries with expensive healthcare, like the USA or Europe.
Trip Duration: Some multi-trip policies limit each trip to 90–180 days. If your stay is longer, you’ll need single-trip coverage.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Many insurers don’t cover pre-existing diseases unless you opt for an add-on.
Exclusions: Always read the fine print; sports injuries, high-risk activities, or travelling against medical advice may not be covered.
Ease of Claim: Go for an insurer with a hassle-free claims process. Digital-first insurers like ACKO simplify this with easy online claims and quick support.

Final Words

No matter whether you opt for a single-trip policy for an annual holiday or a multi-trip policy for round-the-year cover, the secret is to align the plan with your travelling frequency and lifestyle. Infrequent travellers find single-trip insurance economical, whereas regular flyers save time and money on a multi-trip policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is multi-trip travel insurance more affordable than purchasing several single-trip policies?

Yes, if you're travelling often. Paying up front for an annual plan is sometimes cheaper than buying individual single-trip policies.

Can I insure more than one country on a single-trip policy?

Yes. Most single-trip policies allow travel to more than one country, but you need to name your destinations when you purchase the policy.

What is the longest duration of one trip under a multi-trip plan?

Most insurance companies limit each trip to 90 or 180 days. Extended trips might require single-trip insurance.

Is travel insurance compulsory for all countries?

Not all, but some European destinations (Schengen nations) have it as a requirement for visa approval. Even where it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended.

Can multi-trip insurance be purchased by senior citizens?

Yes, but insurance companies might have an upper age limit and may request a health check-up prior to approval.

Does travel insurance pay for trip cancellations in case of illness?

Yes, depending on policy conditions, single-trip and multi-trip policies typically cover medical or emergency-related cancellations.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.