What to look for when buying family travel insurance

If you are going on holiday with the family in tow, it has never been more important to be properly covered. Trying to deal with a mishap when you have children can turn into a nightmare if you don't have the right kind of family travel insurance.

However, with so many policies available on the market, how do you decide what kind of cover to get?

For many households, cost is a primary factor and whilst it's always great to get a good deal, getting cheap family travel insurance doesn't always mean you end up with what you need.

Unfortunately, not all policies are created equal and family travel insurance means different things with different companies.

For example, some providers limit family policies to just two children and two adults whereas others allow up to four children. Some insurers place no limit at all on the number of children that can be included. If you have a large family this is a very important consideration.

Some policies have age limits so if you were hoping to add grandma and granddad to your group insurance, you may find you have to search the market place extensively before finding a good deal.

On the other hand, it is also possible to get cheaper cover by checking the terms and conditions. Some insurers offer a flat rate for family insurance whilst other providers tailor the quote depending on the members of the family. This means that if you have very young children you may be able to find an insurer who offers free cover for the little ones below a certain age. Others offer a discount for every child included under a family policy.

There are also insurers who recognise that modern families need a modern solution. If you are a one-parent family or perhaps you go away with your children on your own regularly, you could find cheaper family insurance by looking for a provider that caters for your circumstances.

And finally, like every kind of insurance, it's imperative to make sure you have protection for what you need. If you are planning on a winter sports getaway, make sure your insurance covers this activity. Perhaps you are planning on a long trip to visit relatives on the other side of the world? Some types of travel insurance limit the length of each trip.

The rule of thumb is that before clicking on the 'buy' button, make sure you have taken a good look at what you are getting for your money. Only then can you make sure there isn't a more competitive deal available elsewhere.