Updated on - 30 Dec 2025
Travelling frequently for work, studies and vacations comes with its fair share of problems. Instead of buying a new policy every time you plan a trip, a 12-month travel insurance keeps you covered all year long. It offers convenience and better value by covering medical emergencies, trip delays, lost baggage and other unexpected travel disruptions under one long-term policy.
A yearly travel plan simplifies your travel preparations and provides consistent financial protection whenever you fly. Read on to learn more about how a 12-month travel insurance policy works and the benefits it offers.
What is an annual travel insurance policy?
An annual travel insurance policy is a single cover that gives you insurance coverage for every trip you take in a year. It activates automatically each time you travel within the 12-month period, removing the need to purchase a separate policy for each journey. This type of plan is ideal for people who prefer a simple, year-round solution that keeps them protected whenever they are away from home.
Who should consider a 12-month travel insurance policy?
A 12-month policy is ideal for travellers who are often on the move and want year-round protection. This insurance is ideal for:
- Frequent travellers: Saves time and money resulting from multiple trips in a year.
- Business travellers: Continuous coverage for multiple work trips.
- Long-term travellers: Suitable for trips lasting over six months or stays beyond 180 days.
Benefits of choosing a 12-month insurance policy
Annual multi-trip travel insurance offers numerous advantages, including protection against medical expenses, trip interruption or cancellation, lost or delayed baggage and emergency evacuation. This coverage ensures protection whether you travel locally or abroad for business or pleasure.
The flexibility of an annual policy is one of its main advantages. It enables you to tailor your coverage to your unique travel preferences and habits. You can select from coverage tiers and extras, such as insurance for rental cars or adventure sports.
Most insurance companies try to offer 24/7 global assistance so that you can travel confidently and contact them in case of any doubts or complications.
Note: Coverage terms and customisations vary across insurers. Always verify the terms of your policy before making a purchase.
How to purchase a 12-month travel insurance policy
You can purchase a 12-month travel insurance policy in a few easy steps:
- Choose an annual plan: Visit the insurer’s website and select the travel insurance section. Look for a multi-trip or annual plan that covers multiple journeys within a year.
- Enter your details: Fill in your personal and travel information, including destinations, trip dates and contact details. Choose the option for multiple trips if asked.
- Compare and review options: Check coverage benefits, exclusions, trip duration limits and claim settlement records. Compare plans based on different features to find one that fits your travel needs.
- Purchase your policy: Make the payment online and receive your policy document instantly via email.
Common exclusions in a 12-month travel insurance policy
Most 12-month travel insurance plans come with standard exclusions that travellers should be aware of before purchase. Pre-existing medical conditions are among the most common. Any illness or condition you had before buying the policy can be excluded unless you’ve declared it and paid an extra premium.
Routine check-ups, elective surgeries or planned treatments abroad are also not covered, as travel insurance is designed for emergencies, not preventive or optional care. Similarly, injuries from adventure or high-risk activities like skydiving are usually excluded unless you choose a specific add-on for such sports.
Claims related to reckless or unlawful behaviour are generally denied. This includes losses occurring under the influence of alcohol or drugs or violating local laws. Your insurer may also not cover items you lose because of your own negligence.
Note: Exclusions are subject to the insurance company’s discretion and may vary. Verify your policy terms before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Now that you have read in detail about what a 12-month travel insurance policy is, know that it acts as a safety net and protects you from unnecessary worries. No matter what reason you travel frequently for, it can help you focus on your goal and prevent financial anxiety. You can easily review and purchase the ideal travel insurance online as well as offline, according to your convenience.
If you want tailored travel insurance advice, make sure to fill out the form on this page.
FAQs
- Can a 12-month travel insurance policy cover both business and leisure trips?
Yes, most annual travel insurance plans cover both business and leisure trips taken within the policy period. However, the coverage limits and exclusions remain the same regardless of trip purpose, so it’s important to check if specific activities or work-related travel risks require additional cover.
- Does annual travel insurance include coverage for domestic trips?
While these policies are mainly designed for international travel, some insurers extend coverage to domestic trips if they involve air travel or pre-booked accommodation. Always review the policy terms to confirm whether local trips are included.
- What happens if a single trip exceeds the maximum trip duration under an annual plan?
Annual multi-trip policies may limit the duration of each trip (for example, 30, 45 or 60 days). If a traveller stays abroad longer than the allowed period, coverage will lapse for the extra days unless the policy is extended or upgraded before departure.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.