How to Buy Low Cost Travel Insurance in Australia

Have you ever wondered if those figures quoted by travel insurance companies that their prices are cheaper than travel insurance purchased through a travel agent are correct or all advertising hype? Usually the statement claims buying travel insurance in Australia is cheaper by 50%-60% when you buy direct from the insurer because the commissions earned by the travel agent drives the prices up. Then wonder no more.

In a report on the Australian Bureau of Statistics web site* in reference to travel agency services, the report based on the 2003-04 industry statistics states: "Commissions from the sale of travel insurance amounted to $52.7m..."

Buy Travel Insurance Online Direct to Save Hundreds

To pay only half the cost for travel health insurance, Australia based travellers need first to buy only from the travel insurance company direct, and secondly to purchase their cover with an online company.

Online companies are not the poor cousins of the traditional insurance companies, nor are they shonky dealers exploiting the gullible and disappearing back into cyberspace having off-loaded worthless policies.

On the contrary. While there are varying standards, online travel insurance companies are predominantly very savvy, highly reputable organisations who utilise the consistently evolving technology of the Web to provide high quality, reliable products at greatly reduced prices.

How Does the Online Process Work?

Over the years, purchasing travel insurance online has been streamlined down to a fine art. Merely follow the prompts covering aspects such as destinations, duration of travel, number travelling, pre-existing medical conditions etcetera. Secure payment facilities are provided and policy documents are both delivered by email and post, and often also via SMS.

A number of different options are available such as single, duo and discounted family and group travel, with some companies offering specialised cover for the snow, business cover and unique backpacker insurance.

Typically, companies providing travel insurance for Australia will work in conjunction with two of the world's leaders in insurance underwriting and emergency response. Allianz is currently the largest underwriter of travel insurance policies in Australia. A global organisation, they have a solid reputation for reliability.

Mondial Assistance Group is the key worldwide provider of emergency assistance and specialists in medical evacuation, and have worked in conjunction with Australian travel insurance companies for more than 20 years.

Travel insurance in Australia is cheapest and best purchased online from the insurer direct. Take the time to compare providers and you'll find online cover is quick and easy to purchase, and is highly-cost effective for the comprehensive cover it provides.

* http://www.abs.gov.au/