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Planning a trip? Whether you're a once-a-year explorer or a frequent flyer, the right travel insurance makes all the difference. A single-trip policy covers one journey, perfect for occasional travelers. An annual plan protects you year-round, ideal for those always on the go. Oona Travel Insurance provides both options, ensuring you’re protected without overpaying.
Planning your next adventure abroad? Before you jet off, there’s one travel essential you shouldn’t overlook—travel insurance! But should you go for a single-trip policy or opt for annual travel insurance?
Your choice impacts not just your protection but also your budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, so you can pick the perfect plan for stress-free and secure travels.
Planning a one-time getaway? Single-trip travel insurance covers you for a specific journey, from departure to return. Once you're back home, the policy ends—so if you travel again, you’ll need a new one. It’s perfect for occasional travelers who want affordable, tailored protection for each trip.
For frequent flyers, annual travel insurance (also called multi-trip insurance) offers year-round coverage for unlimited trips within 12 months. While each trip has a maximum duration (usually 30, 45, or 90 days), you can explore as often as you like without buying a new policy every time. It’s a hassle-free, cost-effective option for those always on the go.
Feature |
Single-Trip Insurance |
Annual Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Coverage Period |
One specific journey |
Multiple trips within 12 months |
Cost |
Lower upfront payment |
Higher initial cost, potentially better value long-term |
Trip Duration |
Usually unlimited for that specific trip |
Limits per trip (typically 30-90 days) |
Destination Flexibility |
Usually specified countries/regions |
Often worldwide (sometimes with regional options) |
Best For |
Occasional travelers |
Frequent travelers (3+ trips per year) |
Renewal Process |
New policy for each trip |
Annual renewal |
If you only take one or two trips a year, single-trip travel insurance is the most practical and cost-effective choice. Rather than paying for a year-long policy, you get coverage tailored to a specific trip—ensuring you're protected exactly when you need it.
The Santos family plans their annual two-week trip to Japan during summer break. Since they have no other international trips scheduled for the year, an affordable single-trip policy gives them full coverage for medical emergencies, flight delays, lost luggage, and more—without the added cost of an annual plan they won’t use.
Planning a long-term adventure? If you’re backpacking across Europe for three months or spending a semester abroad, a single-trip policy may be the better option. Many annual travel insurance plans limit each trip’s duration to 30, 45, or 90 days, while single-trip policies often provide extended coverage for longer stays.
Thinking of skiing in Switzerland, scuba diving in the Maldives, or trekking in Patagonia? Some high-adrenaline activities may not be fully covered under a standard annual policy. A specialized single-trip policy can offer better protection for adventure sports, ensuring you're covered in case of injuries or accidents.
If you have a pre-existing condition, single-trip insurance may provide more flexible coverage compared to annual plans. Some policies allow you to declare your condition and receive tailored coverage for your specific journey, rather than committing to a year-long plan with broader exclusions.
Marco, a marketing executive, travels once or twice a year for work. Since his company reimburses travel insurance per trip, a single-trip policy ensures he gets the required coverage with specific dates that align perfectly with his expense reports—without paying for an annual plan that wouldn’t be fully utilized.
Bottom Line: If you’re an occasional traveler, going on an extended trip, planning high-risk activities, or need specialized coverage, single-trip travel insurance ensures you only pay for the protection you need—when you need it.
If you travel three or more times a year, annual travel insurance is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. Instead of buying separate policies for each trip, an annual plan provides continuous coverage—saving you time, money, and the hassle of last-minute insurance purchases. Whether you're flying for business, reuniting with family, or taking spontaneous weekend getaways, an annual travel insurance plan ensures you're always protected.
Sophia, a business consultant, flies to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia at least once a month for 3-5 day trips. With an annual travel insurance policy, she:
Saves money (her annual policy costs less than four separate single-trip policies)
Saves time (no need to purchase new insurance before each trip)
Enjoys peace of mind (she's always covered, even for last-minute trips)
Love booking last-minute flights? If you jump on flash seat sales, long weekends, or quick getaways, annual travel insurance ensures you’re always ready to fly—without the extra step of arranging insurance every time.
Ramon and Lisa, based in Manila, frequently visit family in Hong Kong and love exploring other Asian destinations. They take at least six international trips a year, making an annual travel insurance policy a no-brainer—it pays for itself by their third trip!
With their annual plan, they get full coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays—without having to reapply for a new policy each time they book a trip.
Work remotely while exploring the world? If you're a digital nomad who frequently hops between countries, an annual travel insurance plan lets you move freely without the hassle of buying new insurance for every destination.
What to Watch For:
While annual plans offer year-round protection, each trip often has a maximum duration per journey (e.g., 30, 45, or 90 days). If you stay longer, you may need a separate policy or an extension to maintain coverage.
Pro Tip: Check if your plan includes global medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip interruptions—especially if you're working from different countries for months at a time.
Choosing between single-trip and annual travel insurance isn’t just about travel frequency—it’s also about cost. Let’s break down some real-world scenarios to see which option makes the most financial sense.
Travel Habits: Travels once per year for a two-week international trip.
Cost Breakdown:
Single-trip policy: ₱800
Annual policyt: ₱3,500
Verdict: A single-trip policy saves ₱2,700, making it the better choice for occasional travelers who don’t need year-round coverage.
Travel Habits: Takes four international trips per year, each lasting about a week
Cost Breakdown:
Single-trip policy cost: ₱800 × 4 = ₱3,200
Annual policy cost: ₱3,500
Verdict: The costs are nearly equal, but an annual policy offers convenience—no need to buy insurance for every trip, and you're covered for last-minute travel.
Travel Habits: Takes eight international trips per year
Cost Breakdown:
Single-trip policy cost: ₱800 × 8 = ₱6,400
Annual policy cost: ₱3,500
Verdict: An annual policy saves ₱2,900 while ensuring continuous coverage, making it the best deal for frequent travelers.
Final Takeaway:
If you travel once or twice a year, single-trip travel insurance is your most budget-friendly option.
If you travel frequently, annual travel insurance gives you better value, more convenience, and year-round protection—without the hassle of buying a policy for every trip.
Bonus Tip: Planning multiple trips? Consider your total travel days, destinations, and risk factors (like adventure activities) to get the best coverage at the best price!
Another way to determine whether single-trip or annual travel insurance is the better deal is by looking at the cost per travel day. The more you travel, the more value you get from an annual policy. Let’s break it down:
For the Annual Vacationer:
Travel Habits: 14 travel days per year (one international trip)
Cost Breakdown:
Single-trip: ₱800 ÷ 14 days = ₱57 per day
Annual: ₱3,500 ÷ 14 days = ₱250 per day
Verdict: A single-trip policy is the clear winner for those who take just one trip per year. The daily cost is significantly lower compared to an annual plan.
For the Frequent Flyer:
Travel Habits: 56 travel days per year (8 trips × 7 days)
Cost Breakdown:
Single-trip: ₱6,400 ÷ 56 days = ₱114 per day
Annual: ₱3,500 ÷ 56 days = ₱62.50 per day
This analysis clearly shows how the value of annual insurance improves dramatically with more travel days.
Verdict: For frequent travelers, an annual policy is the better deal—cutting down the per-day cost almost in half compared to single-trip coverage.
While cost is a major factor when choosing between single-trip and annual travel insurance, there are other important considerations that could impact your decision. Let’s dive into them:
With an annual travel insurance policy, you don’t have to research, compare, and purchase a new policy before every trip. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach, making it a hassle-free choice for frequent travelers. The more you travel, the more valuable this convenience becomes.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget to buy travel insurance when planning a trip—until something goes wrong. With an annual policy, you’re always covered, eliminating the risk of gaps in protection or forgetting to secure a policy before departure.
Annual travel insurance provides year-round coverage, but each trip typically has a maximum duration limit (usually 30, 45, or 90 days per trip).
If you’re planning an extended stay—such as a months-long backpacking trip or a semester abroad—you may need a single-trip policy that allows for longer coverage.
Some annual policies exclude certain destinations, particularly high-risk countries due to travel advisories, political instability, or extreme weather risks.
Pro Tip: Always check if your travel insurance covers all your planned destinations—especially if you frequently travel to remote, high-risk, or multiple regions worldwide.
At Oona Insurance, we know that every traveler is different. That’s why we offer both single-trip and annual travel insurance—so whether you’re flying once a year or constantly on the move, you’ll have the right protection. Here’s how our plans compare:
Oona's single-trip plans provide comprehensive coverage for individual journeys with:
Flexible coverage periods from 1 to 180 days
Coverage options tailored to your destination
Competitive rates starting from just ₱500 for regional trips
Simplified claims process through Oona's digital platform
24/7 emergency assistance no matter where you are
Perfect for: Occasional travelers, one-time extended trips, or journeys with special requirements.
Oona's annual multi-trip insurance delivers year-round protection with:
Unlimited trips within 12 months
Per-trip duration options of 30, 45, or 90 days
Worldwide coverage with regional plan options for better value
Consistent protection levels across all your trips
Priority claims processing for frequent travelers
Cost savings that become apparent after just 3-4 trips
Perfect for: Business travelers, frequent leisure travelers, expats who return home regularly, or anyone who crosses borders multiple times per year.
Still unsure whether a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan is right for you? Let’s take a look at some real-world examples to see which option makes the most financial and practical sense.
Miguel, 28, works for a tech startup in Manila. He travels quarterly to Singapore for business and takes two personal vacations abroad each year.
Travel Pattern:
4 business trips (3 days each)
2 vacations (7 days each)
Total: 6 trips, 26 travel days per year
Cost Comparison:
Six single-trip policies would cost approximately ₱4,800
Oona's annual policy costs ₱3,200
Best Choice: Annual Policy
Miguel saves ₱1,600 and enjoys hassle-free, year-round coverage—ensuring he’s protected for both planned and last-minute work trips.
Eduardo and Carla, both 65, are enjoying retirement. Every year, they take a long trip to Australia to visit their children, staying for 70 days.
Travel Pattern:
1 extended trip (70 days)
Total: 1 trip, 70 travel days per year
Cost Comparison:
A single-trip policy costs approximately ₱2,500
Oona's annual policy with 90-day per-trip limit costs ₱4,300
Best Choice: Single-trip Policy
Since they only travel once per year, an annual policy isn’t cost-effective for them. A single-trip plan saves ₱1,800 while covering their entire stay.
The Reyes family lives in Northern Luzon and frequently crosses to Taiwan for weekend trips. They also take a two-week family vacation to Japan annually and occasionally visit relatives in Hong Kong.
Travel Pattern:
8 weekend trips to Taiwan (2-3 days each)
1 two-week Japan vacation
2 visits to Hong Kong (5 days each)
Total: 11 trips, approximately 44 travel days per year
Cost Comparison:
Eleven single-trip policies would cost approximately ₱8,800
Oona's annual family policy costs ₱5,500
The Best Choice: Annual Policy
The Reyes family saves ₱3,300 and eliminates the hassle of buying travel insurance for each trip—ensuring they’re covered every time they travel.
To determine which type of travel insurance best fits your lifestyle, answer these questions:
[ ] I travel internationally less than 3 times per year
[ ] I travel internationally 3-5 times per year
[ ] I travel internationally more than 5 times per year
[ ] My trips typically last longer than 30 days
[ ] My trips are usually shorter than 30 days
[ ] I plan my trips well in advance
[ ] I often take spontaneous trips
[ ] I frequently travel for business on short notice
[ ] I prefer a lower upfront cost
[ ] I'm willing to pay more initially for better long-term value
If you checked more boxes in the first options of each category, single-trip insurance likely makes more sense for you. If you checked more boxes in the second and third options, annual insurance would probably be more beneficial.
Not all travelers fit neatly into single-trip vs. annual travel insurance categories. Here are some special cases where a tailored approach might be needed.
When family members travel at different frequencies, a mix of policies may be the best strategy.
✅ Example: A parent who frequently travels for business may benefit from annual coverage, while the rest of the family, who only take one or two vacations a year, could stick with single-trip policies.
📌 Pro Tip: Family travel insurance plans may offer discounts, so compare group coverage options before purchasing separate policies.
If you’re planning to live abroad for an extended period, neither single-trip nor annual policies may provide the right coverage.
Alternative Options:
Expatriate Health Insurance: Offers comprehensive medical coverage for long-term stays.
Long-Stay Travel Insurance: Designed for travelers spending months abroad but not settling permanently.
📌 Pro Tip: Check if your policy covers routine medical care, pre-existing conditions, and repatriation, which are crucial for long-term stays.
If you already have all your trips planned for the year, you can easily compare costs between single-trip and annual travel insurance.
✔ Calculate the total cost of multiple single-trip policies
✔ Compare it to an annual policy
✔ Consider unexpected trips—if you book a last-minute flight, an annual plan ensures you're always covered
Pro Tip: If your known travel plans are close in cost to an annual policy, the extra peace of mind of year-round coverage may be worth it.
You travel internationally just once or twice a year
Your trips tend to be longer than the per-trip limits on annual policies
You need specialized coverage for specific activities or destinations
You have pre-existing conditions that require tailored coverage for each journey
You prefer paying a smaller amount each time you travel
You cross borders three or more times per year
Your trips typically last less than 30-45 days each
You sometimes travel on short notice
You value the convenience of always being covered
You travel frequently to similar regions or destinations
You want to "set it and forget it" for your travel protection needs
Whether you're an occasional explorer or a frequent flyer, the right travel insurance ensures peace of mind on every journey. With Oona Insurance, you get comprehensive protection that matches your travel style—without overpaying for coverage you don’t need.
✔ Ideal if you travel once or twice a year
✔ Get coverage customized for your trip duration and destination
✔ Enjoy affordable rates starting at just ₱500
✔ Protect yourself from trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage
✔ Travel three or more times a year? Save time and money with an annual plan
✔ Enjoy unlimited trips within 12 months, with per-trip coverage of 30, 45, or 90 days
✔ No need to buy insurance before every trip—you're always covered!
✔ Get priority claims processing and seamless protection for last-minute getaways
With Oona’s flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance plans, you’ll always have the right level of protection—whether you're setting off on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or hopping on frequent flights for work or leisure.
Explore Oona’s travel insurance options today and travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered wherever your next adventure takes you!
