In days gone by, when people wanted to travel anywhere, they would go down to the high street and visit their local travel agent, who would then do all the booking and make all the arrangements - from finding the hotel, booking the flights and trains, arranging for ground transportation, and helping the client book an appropriate insurance policy. These days, almost all flights and hotels booked from within the UK are booked online, and the use of online travel insurance companies - such as Insuremore - is starting on the rise as well.
This article discusses the benefits of booking online policies and then gives some tips and warnings.
Why Book Online?
There are many reasons to book online travel insurance rather than go to a high street travel agent. You can browse and do research on your own schedule and from your own home, and it's sometimes quicker and easier to compare different insurance packages when booking online than when going into a travel agent. Also, sometimes high street travel agents have specific companies they are in business with, and might try to persuade clients to go with Company X, even if Company Y might have a plan that is more suited to their needs.
But the reason most people choose an online policy over a high street travel agent plan is the cost differential. As an example, one high street travel agent offered a quotation for a three-month Australian trip at £1500, when the same three-month period was covered with £300 through an online company.
Check Your Bank
Before you book online you should check to see what kind of policy might be offered through your bank account. Some banks include a small amount of travel insurance, for example, to cover the cost of a lost or stolen mobile phone, or offer limited cancellation coverage. It pays to know what's already covered and find a plan online that will top up your cover and offer greater travel security.
Get a Few Quotes
Many online companies, such as Insuremore, will actually compare prices. When you enter your travel details and age, Insuremore lists several different online companies and gives a quotation alongside those from different companies; this gives you an idea about what similar trips would cost from companies offering similar plans.
Read the Fine Print
This is important when you're booking a policy with an online company. For example, travelling with a £150 excess and a single-item limit of £70 won't cover your iPhone if it's lost or stolen. It's best to get your goods well covered so you have better peace of mind while you're on the road. Read the fine print!
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