If you’ve booked your flights, travel tours, accommodation or anything else through a travel agent, chances are you will have also bought travel insurance from them too. They’ll suck you in with a discounted combined insurance package and assure you that this is a bargain price for a top policy. Don’t be fooled! The truth is that each time a travel agent sells a travel insurance policy, they whack on a whopping commission that can sometimes end up doubling the price of insurance.
Many travel insurance companies offer comprehensive travel insurance with similar levels of cover. The difference is that when you have a look for a policy yourself and buy direct from the insurer, you’ll end up saving up to half the money for the same product. Have a look online and you’ll be surprised how many options are available. It’s not hard to find your way around the internet, and this way you can search not only for a travel insurance policy that best suits you and your trip, but you can also have a thorough look at the companies’ policy details, underwriters and exclusions. You will also be able to find contact details for offices or call centres where you can speak directly to the insurer and get definite answers to those picky questions, rather than doing so via a travel agent who doesn't specialise in insurance.
Of course, you should always take the time to compare different policies and companies before you put your credit card details through the internet, as with any online purchases. Make sure you can download a PDS or have one sent to you, and are fully aware of the exclusions or necessary fine print before you purchase a policy. Online credit card purchases are very safe, but if you feel at all uncomfortable about it, or if you don’t own a credit card, you can usually also pay by cash, cheque or bank deposit.
So, next time your travel agent asks you if you’d like to buy their travel insurance, simply say no! Most travel insurance policies will have a cooling off period during which you are entitled to a full refund if you cancel, so if you have already bought an expensive policy through your travel agent then you may still be able to save.
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