Are you trying to organise your vacation without overspending on insurance? You’re definitely not the only one.
A lot of travellers want to stay covered, but they still stick to a budget. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get decent travel insurance; you just need to know how to look.
Here are five easy ways to score the cheapest travel insurance without missing out on the coverage you need.
1. Shop Around Before Locking Anything In
Comparing is the best way to start saving money. Don’t just grab the first travel insurance plan you come across. Take a few minutes online to check what other providers offer. Use comparison sites; they make it easier to see what’s out there.
And don’t only look at the price. Sometimes, the cheapest plan doesn’t cover the important stuff, like medical care or cancellations. Still, there are heaps of affordable policies that give you decent cover, especially if your trip isn’t too complicated.
2. Only Choose What You’ll Use
It might be tempting to opt for a comprehensive plan, but you should consider whether your trip is limited to a long weekend or a quick city break. You do not need fancy policies.
Just stick with basics such as medical coverage, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Additionally, it may be unnecessary to include extras such as rental car insurance or extreme sport coverage if you do not plan to use them.
The less of this unneeded material you pile on, the less it costs for you. The simpler you keep your policy, the happier your pocketbook will be.
3. Use Credit Card or Bank Insurance Offers
Some credit cards give you free travel insurance if you use them to pay for your trip. It often covers such things as medical treatment and trip discontinuances. And it’s a very convenient bonus, particularly if you already own these cards.
While not as detailed as a paid plan, this coverage can be perfectly adequate for simple trips. Please remember to check the terms first! Some cards insist that to be covered, you should activate the policy or spend a certain amount.
Banks and airlines often provide special offers, particularly when purchasing tickets or vacation packages. It never hurts to ask; it might save you some money.
4. Buy Insurance Early
Getting your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your flights and hotel is a clever move. Some policies will give better rates for early bookings, and some areas of the policy, such as cancellation cover, are available immediately.
Wait to book, and you may end up with higher premiums or find some types of coverage no longer available. Also, if any unforeseen circumstances arise in the lead-up to your trip, you will already have coverage. It pays to be early.
5. Look Into Group or Annual Plans
Some of the insurers allow discounts for group travel. The quality of the basic cover remains the same, but it is usually cheaper per person to book one plan together than several separate ones.
For those who are planning to take more than one journey in any given year, an annual multi-trip policy is the way to go.
It works this way: you pay once and are insured for 12 months, no matter how many vacations you have. If you travel frequently, however, such a policy is a very good value.
Cheap Doesn’t Mean Cutting Corners
Getting cheap travel insurance isn’t just about finding the lowest number; it’s about making sure you’re covered where it matters without paying for stuff you don’t need.
Start by figuring out what kind of trip you’re taking. A short domestic getaway doesn’t need the same level of cover as a two-month overseas adventure. From there, compare a few providers, skip the unnecessary extras, and look out for offers from your bank or credit card.
