As a rule of thumb, tour operators and travel agents offer the most expensive cover. Typically, banks and building societies come next on the list. To drive costs down, it's often best to choose a specialist. Its insurance can be bought only over the Internet. You can also cut the cost of travel insurance even further by asking yourself a few questions before you sign up.
Savings can be greater for European holidays.
The drawback is that home contents insurers are not geared up to give you emergency support if, say, your suitcase goes astray. Travellers should also consider whether they really need extra medical cover. The answer for most people will be yes. But if you have private medical insurance you may find you are already covered overseas. Specialist travel insurer Columbus Direct will discount your insurance if you have private medical cover, but only if the cover guarantees to fly you back to the UK if you become seriously ill.