Do you want to find and compare prices, options, providers and customer experiences on absolutely anything? That’s where the Internet shines. Anything we want or need to buy can be tracked down and compared online, and it’s usually up for purchase as well. Travel insurance is one of those services that fit the Internet perfectly, allowing travellers to find cheap travel insurance quotes online, find great deals fast, purchase last minute or at 1am if needs be – renew while you’re away … and more.

In Australia there are a small number of companies that sell solely online, including itrek.com.au, travelinsurancedirect.com.au, 1cover.com.au, ouch.com.au and ski-insurance.com.au. With all the convenience of purchasing online, nothing really beats personal recommendation. This too can be found online by seeking out customer feedback. Just type the company’s name in to locate blog entries, one of the comparison sites or other sources.

Naturally, not every traveller is seeking the same sort of travel insurance and will need to compare travel insurance quotes that suit their needs, be that travel as a group, as a backpacker, long or short trip, ski insurance or other.

By typing in search terms such as ‘family travel insurance’, ‘backpackers travel insurance’, ‘cheapest travel insurance’, ‘seniors travel insurance’ or whatever suits you, you can compare cheap travel insurance for your own specific travel needs. You can even type in your destination, such as ‘travel insurance Europe’.

When making your online price comparison, remember these critical points:

1. Ok, so they are an online travel insurance company – but – they should provide you with phone contacts as well. Check their hours of availability for general enquiries, emergency contact and claims. Actually call the various companies you’re considering and find out how they relate to you and treat you. It’s a good indicator of what will happen if you have to make a claim.
   
2. Even though you can purchase last minute through online companies, it doesn’t mean you should. You need to allow time to get cheap travel insurance quotes online, to investigate what benefits the company is offering, and the company itself – then make your purchase. And if you have completely forgotten or need to travel at the last minute – with the click-a-mouse convenience of online travel insurance – she’ll be right!