Travel Agents' Travel Insurance

Travel agents are 'middlemen' when it comes to travel insurance

Most travel agents want you to buy their own travel insurance products - they usually receive a commission on sale.

And most of us put a smile on their face by doing just that.

Research shows that two-thirds of ALL travel insurance policies are bought at the same time as the holiday.

The advantage is you think that the cover is bound to be appropriate (but is it?).

Best of all there's no leg work on your part.

Cheapest Quote

The downside is that it's unlikely to be the cheapest quote on the market or the best value cover once you take the small print into account.

Financial product analysts Defacto reckon that UK holidaymakers fritter away up to £250m a year buying travel insurance from travel agents.

By not shopping around they're missing out on more keenly priced, better all-round cover.

Travel Insurance News

Travel insurance to be regulated

BBC 26 June 2007
Travel insurance bundled and sold with flights and holidays (one third of all policies in 2006) will be regulated by the UK's chief financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), from 2009.

The criticism is that the cover is expensive and does not adequately cover holiday makers abroad - particularly for medical expences and terrorist attack. It is beleived that regulation will give consumers a better informed choice.

Do Your Homework

You're bound to be able to find cheaper, low cost travel insurance if you compare products and prices of well known insurance companies such as these we have reviewed:

• Tesco
• Asda
• Boots
• Halifax
• Essential Travel
• Direct Line
• Norwich Union
• Endsleigh
• The Post Office

Supermarkets

Supermarkets are often agents for the large travel insurance companies and they prominently display leaflets in store (cross selling). At Tesco you will also receive Clubcard vouchers when you buy.

At Tesco's bigger stores you can pick up an Instant Travel Insurance pack along with your sun cream and sarong, buy online or call for a tailored quote over the phone - and get Clubcard vouchers into the bargain.

The beauty of picking up an Instant Travel Insurance pack in-store is that there are no forms or fuss.