Until 15 January 2005 travel insurance of any description could be purchased from Travel Agents or Financial Intermediaries (Insurance Brokers).

New legislation introduced throughout the EU has now directed that Travel Agents may only offer Travel insurance directly linked to the planned and booked travel - Single Trip insurance.

This means that the popular Annual Multi-trip Travel insurance is now only available from registered Financial Intermediaries (Insurance Brokers) - as well as single trip insurance.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

When a holiday or travel is booked through a travel agent, the agent will be able to offer insurance to cover the period of the actual trip only.

For anyone travelling more than 2 or 3 times a year this is invariably more expensive, on a pro-rata basis, than an annual insurance which is valid for any travel or holiday whenever taken within the insured 12 month period.

However for anyone who does not intend to travel frequently this single trip insurance may be adequate.

Multi Trip Insurance

Multi-trip insurance is, normally an annual contract, which will cover any trip or holiday made during the year of validity of the cover. It is not necessary to take out insurance each time you travel. This is very convenient for people who travel frequently, and pro-rata, less expensive.

Many Travel insurances have in-built cover for luggage, medical costs etc.

You may already have this cover through other insurances, for example personal possessions insurance or international medical insurance. This may therefore result in unnecessary duplication. Some travel insurances are flexible enough to exclude certain cover and thus receive a discounted rate.

Click below for instant quotes and more information on Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip insurance.: