Insurance

Practicalities Getting Organised Insurance Buying at the Right Price 

Travel insurance does not have to be particularly expensive, though it may be if you buy in the wrong place. Solutions are:

Buy Direct, not from a travel agent. - In 2001 for example it was reported that cover from a direct insurance provider, for a family of four for two weeks in Florida would cost £46. Similar insurance from Thomas Cook travel agents would cost £270. The possible exception to this is buying from a specialist such as Journey Latin America, where the company has ensured that the policies offered do cover the kind of trip its clients take.

Buy a Family Policy - This is almost certainly cheaper than everyone buying individual policies, particularly as these second often do not offer a discount for children. The exception to this is if you have a child or children under two. Most companies offer free travel insurance for them as part of a parent's policy. This means individual or a couple's policy may be most suitable.

Most providers allow for unmarried couples and their children living at the same address to count as a family. Some policies include as children those of 18+ in full-time education

Consider an Annual Policy - If you take more than one holiday a year an annual policy will be not only cheaper but also more convenient.

Only Buy Cover or the Areas You Will be Visiting - Don't buy a worldwide policy if you only ever travel to Europe. And ask about policies excluding the US if you don't think you will be going there, as medical costs there add significantly to the expense.

Buy Only the Cover You Need - Especially if you are on a budget, the main cover you need is medical. If you are willing to waive other elements you may be able to cut back significantly on the cost. You may already have cover for baggage if you already have all risks home contents cover. However, not all policies permit this so you will need to check a few out first.

Read the Small Print - It's a bore but it's important. Your teenage offspring (or you) might decide ont he spur of the moment to try scuba diving, rock climbing, a helicopter ride or journey by some other unconventional form of transport. All are specifically excluded from certain policies, alongside in some cases even any kind of competitive sport. There are also policies which include them and don't even charge extra for the cover.