Annual travel insurance urged for frequent fliers

Holidaymakers who travel abroad several times a year are being urged to look into annual travel insurance.

Less than half of those who take multiple trips abroad over a 12-month period buy annual insurance, meaning that many are paying more than they need to by opting for single-trip cover, according to Swiftcover.com.

The online insurer says that with a fifth of travellers paying more than £150 for holiday insurance, some holidaymakers may be paying more for cover than for the break itself.

"Cheaper flights, cut-price holidays and the growing range of short breaks available means that we're taking the opportunity to make more and more trips abroad each year," comments Craig Staniland, underwriting director for Swiftcover.com.

"Yet, when it comes to insurance, many people fail to take advantage of cheaper travel insurance with annual cover to suit their changing needs."

A number of experts have warned that Britons travelling in Europe should not depend on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as it generally provides basic treatment and may not cover the full spectrum of medical treatment.

The Department of Health advises travellers to ensure they have adequate private insurance rather than relying entirely on the EHIC.

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