On the travel front, they offer the full bhoona - annual family holiday insurance, single trip, multi-trip, gap year insurance, winter sports skiing, business travel insurance and, something a little different, holiday car rental and car hire cover.

There's a policy for expats too, which provides health/medical insurance for people of any nationality living away from home with or without family.

Portwood get another thumbs up for not turning their backs on the age challenged they offer annual travel insurance cover to people aged up to 80.

Their policies are offered through a range of companies:-

Ansvar Insurance (ethical insurer)
Fortis Insurance (travel section)
PJ Hayman Insurance
Citybond Travel (specialist in travel, quick quote system)
Norwich Union (travel - quick quote)
AIS (Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance) (basic site!)
BIBA Scheme (Underwritten by CNA)
K Drewe Insurance (leisure insurance specialists)
Europe Assistance (ucky website)
AUL Insurance (detailed online application)
Extrasure (specialist travel insurers, online quotes)

They'e quick to point out that cheap travel policies often have high excesses (the amount you pay if you have a claim) or low maximum benefits.

Here are some examples of 2005 Portwood prices (including baggage cover) for single trip travel insurance:

14-day trip to Europe	single	£17.80 (excess £35)
14-day trip to Europe	family	£39.80 (excess £50)
7-day trip to America	family	£67.37 (excess £65.00)
14-day trip to America	family	£89.93 (excess £65.00)

If you don't need baggage cover e.g. you have house insurance with an 'all-risks' policy then you can get a discount on your single trip travel insurance.

Portwood prices without baggage cover are:-

14 day trip to Europe	single	£15.13 (excess £35.00)
14 day trip to Europe	family	£32.61 (excess £65.00)
7 day trip to America	family	£50.53 (excess £65.00)
14 day trip to America	family	£68.35 (excess £65.00)

The quotes assume all people are under 65 and in good health and don't have any specific travel insurance needs.

They include insurance premium tax but are subject to a £2.50 fee if the premium doesn't exceed £50.00. If you contact them they will advise you of these and why they recommend a particular policy

Visit their wesbsite on www.portwood.co.uk or telephone 0870 7456247.

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