Travel Insurance - who is the best?

[Noni Moss]

Looking for the best "value for money" travel insurance (for single trip).

Hubby & I will be away for 2 months and are flying RTW using points, so our credit card "automatic travel insurance offers" will probably not cover us (after reading advice on other posts).

We will need Worldwide coverage (due to spending some time in USA/Canada). I have been comparing exclusions and benefits as well as price which has ranged from $1200 (via travel agent) to $620 (via medical fund).

Just wondered if anyone has some recommendations. Cheers

[smithym]

I have always used Travel Insurance Direct and have always found them to we quite cheap whilst providing adequate coverage.

[Mal]

I use QBE Travel Insurance. Reasonably cheap with the Entertainment book discount (30% off the Annual Multi-trip policy at the moment). Never had to lodge a claim though, so can't give details on that.

Note that for 2 months, you may actually get better value from an 'annual multi-trip' type of policy. For example, a quick quote via QBE (without any discount) is roughly $1150 for a family (no children), or $625 for an annual policy for a family (no children). [Entertainment book gets 30% off the rates if you book online]. Havn't looked into it closely, but presume 'family' (no children) means husband and wife.

Note that some annual policies have limits of ~30 days or ~60 days so make sure you read the terms carefully. The QBE one via Entertainment book has a 2 month (60 day) limit on trips if using the annual policy.

Also, note that if you have a 'Gold' membership of this site, you are entitled to a 20% discount off insurance from Columbus Direct (http://www.columbusdirect.com/aus/ )

[straitman]

Noni Moss,

Have a look at the Columbus Insurance offered via a Gold FF membership.

Two months for a couple came in at $257 and an annual at $311. This is a 20% discount over normal rates offered so I guess these would be $321 and $389.

Gold membership is well worth it and saves you more than the difference in insurance premium.

I use the annual policy.

[Dave Noble]

Noni Moss,

Have a look at the Columbus Insurance offered via a Gold FF membership.

Two months for a couple came in at $257 and an annual at $311. This is a 20% discount over normal rates offered so I guess these would be $321 and $389.

Gold membership is well worth it and saves you more than the difference in insurance premium.

I use the annual policy.

I would second the recommendation for Columbus. I took out annual policy with them; had to make a claim and they paid up promptly with zero hassle

Dave

[kpc]

Have a look at this as well:
Travel Insurance for Australians - 1Cover Travel Insurance Australia
Seems quite cheap cf to some others.

[Pirate]

I have used QBE travel insurance, via the entertainment book link (25% discount), three times in the last 3 years, all for travel to the US (5 weeks, 2 weeks and 6 weeks for each one). Have also had to claim for medical expenses on first one, and travel delay expenses on second one (Thanks DeathStar). Each time, no hassles, paid up promptly with no trouble. Can highly recommend them (if you use them thru QFF link I think you can even get cover for lost points if you cancel).

[Dave Noble]

I would avoid QBE since it is ridiculously expensive at $525 for an individual and $625 for a family vs Columbus $250 for a single and $389 for a couple ( reduced by 20% with a AFF Gold membership ). 75% of 625 is still $468 whilst the Columbus can be dropped to $311.20 plus $50 AFF fee = $361.20

Dave

[Alanslegal]

Hubby & I will be away for 2 months and are flying RTW using points, so our credit card "automatic travel insurance offers" will probably not cover us (after reading advice on other posts).

it's probably better to check your CC terms & conditions to find out the specific details, as the cc policy may in fact allow coverage even on award flights as long as you pay for the taxes? or even some minimum spend on the trip? for eg. my ANZ Gold will cover me as long as you spend a minimum of $250.00 on the trip PRIOR to commencing your trip - it doesnt have to be on the flight or hotel, eg. i would be eligible even if I prepay $250 on a dinner reservation in Prague or wherever i travel to.......

[straitman]

it's probably better to check your CC terms & conditions to find out the specific details, as the cc policy may in fact allow coverage even on award flights as long as you pay for the taxes? or even some minimum spend on the trip? for eg. my ANZ Gold will cover me as long as you spend a minimum of $250.00 on the trip PRIOR to commencing your trip - it doesnt have to be on the flight or hotel, eg. i would be eligible even if I prepay $250 on a dinner reservation in Prague or wherever i travel to.......

From my experience there are to many 'grey' areas, operating this way which is why I bought insurance rather than using that provided by AMEX. (for a rewards ticket)