Travel agent recommendations/tips

[niteswmr]

I'm anticipating an average of 2 international trips to SE Asia or NZ per month including about twice per year to the US, mostly booked maybe 1-2 weeks in advance and often requiring changes while I'm away (sometimes routes, not just dates). I've decided it's time to stop spending hours meticulously planning my own travel and just trust a good travel agent to arrange flights and hotel reservations.

So, to those in Melbourne does anyone have someone at an agency they would recommend? To those outside of Melbourne, what kind of service should I expect out of a competent agent? STA aggravated me last week by refusing to extend a travel insurance policy by 5 days over the phone due to past "fraud" incidents. Instead, a "written" authorisation was required - but they deemed email acceptable, which I found quite ridiculous. Besides, what kind of fraudster extends someone's travel insurance anyway?! Not that it greatly annoyed me, but that kind of irrational bureaucracy makes me want to stay well clear in future.

 

[serfty]

With that level of travel, an annual policy would be far more cost effective.

A per trip policy at 24 trips each could set you back well over $2000; an annual policy about $700.

 

[aspro2]

Definitely an annual policy. There are at least a handful around now, starting as low as approx $450. Depending on what conditions you are used to, definitely compare the wording of your usual policies with the annual ones, as the annuals are sometimes markedly stingier about entitlements/cover in certain areas (baggage and delay, if my dull memory serves me).

I'll PM you with a travel agent recomm.

 

[cssaus]

Definitely an annual policy. There are at least a handful around now, starting as low as approx $450.

Check out http://www.travelinsuranceaustralia.com.au/ . I regularly use this site for my insurance needs and I buy a 12 month's policy.


Steve

 

[NM]

Definitely an annual policy. There are at least a handful around now, starting as low as approx $450.

Check out http://www.travelinsuranceaustralia.com.au/ . I regularly use this site for my insurance needs and I buy a 12 month's policy.


Steve

I'll second that recommendation. This is a great site to compare lots of different policies when determining what is best for you. I particularly like the fact that I can find out out lots of different products from many different companies without the pressure of a commissioned sales agent on the phone pushing me towards something that does not meet my needs. And their prices are very competative and often cheaper than going directly to the insuring company.

 

[EMF]

Travel Insurance

I understand that an annual policy would be better. However, how does this compare with those "travel insurance" provided by the credit card companies, if you pay the airfare via their credit cards, for example, the AmEx charge cards, the Diners and Gold Visa/Master cards.

niteswmr - By the way, are you travelling related to business or personal? If it is business, your company should pay your travel insurance unless you are the boss and want to find a good deal.

 

[serfty]

It depends on the Card.

For Example Amex Gold Qantas Corporate Card provide benefits in relation to accidents but not for illness.

Amex Blue provides no such benefit.