Choosing a travel insurance provider

These days, you can buy travel insurance almost anywhere. Travel agencies, banks, web sites, and insurance brokers are all in on the act.

Wherever you buy it, make sure it covers, at a minimum, the following:

Health care for accidents and emergencies on your trip. Ideally at least $1 million worth.
Personal liability coverage in case you cause an accident.
24-hour assistance by telephone, at a number that accepts collect calls.
Theft and loss coverage for your belongings.

Don't just accept the first offer you see. The insurance touted on the web site where you bought your plane ticket may be convenient, but it could be more expensive and provide scantier cover than the alternatives. Several web sites exist which will help you directly compare various insurance policies.

Make sure it's a legitimate company. Some less-than-reputable companies advertise on the web, and the ads may be deceptively styled to look like endorsements from web sites that you trust. Read about the company and confirm that they're on the level before you buy.

If you already have an insurer you trust, perhaps the company that issued your homeowner's policy, then consider making that your first stop. It may not be the cheapest (and they may not even offer travel insurance), but if it does work out, that could simplify things for you.