Sales of travel insurance have soared in the last five years. It's now a billion-dollar-a-year business--three times what it was before 9-11. But Consumer Reports says many people don't need it. Coverage from your homeowners insurance, medical insurance, or your auto club membership may already take care of your travel insurance needs, according to Consumer Reports. Also check your credit-card coverage. For example, the American Express Platinum card provides $500,000 in accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and lost baggage coverage, among other things. The airlines also offer lost luggage coverage, but it varies. So Consumer Reports says always check your carrier's policy before flying. As for emergency medical insurance, if you are going to buy that kind of travel insurance, make sure it's from a reputable third-party insurance company--not a travel agent, a tour operator, or a cruise line.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and your travel insurance

Ensuring proper travel insurance cover is in place for holidays abroad is as essential as using the right sun protection, so holidaymakers should avoid leaving themselves exposed warns Churchill Insurance.

Last year British holidaymakers made over 45 million trips abroad yet 20 per cent of them still travel without insurance. This could leave many having to fork out a small fortune should the worst happen and they fall ill, have an accident or have their personal possessions stolen abroad.

Buying cover from an insurer such as Churchill provides travellers with a comprehensive policy that they can tailor to suit their needs. Churchill offers customers the following benefits:

The chance to save money by buying cover for the number of days actually needed rather than a standard block of days

The option to include or take away cover for personal possessions so they don't waste money on cover they have elsewhere

The chance to get the kids covered for half price

Optional cover for golf, winter sports and weddings abroad

Groups travelling together don't have to live at the same address and can benefit from discounts when buying their insurance together

Churchill customers also have a range of exclusive benefits available to them to help them make the most of their holiday, such as:

10 per cent discount with Alamo Rent A Car abroad or at home with unlimited mileage included

Up to 60 per cent off airport parking – customers are able to reserve their airport parking space in advance with Holiday Extras who offer a price guarantee

Up to 40 per cent off hotel and parking when booked in advance with Holiday Extras

From just £13.50 per person, customers can escape the crowds by booking an airport lounge with Holiday Extras.

Travel Lawyer highlights black hole in Travel Insurance Cover

In giving a presentation to the Diploma Travel Annual Conference last Saturday on the Gold Coast, Travel Lawyer, Anthony Cordato, highlighted the black hole that exists in Travel Insurance cover.

Canadians on holiday may not be prepared for travel emergencies ...

However, a new survey from RBC Insurance reveals many may not be prepared for unexpected travel incidents, such as sudden illness or accidents. In fact, only just over half of all Canadians (52%) are fully prepared if their car breaks down.

While many Canadians spend a large amount of time planning their trips, its also important to prepare properly for emergencies, said Stan Seggie, president and CEO of the travel insurance division of RBC Insurance, in a release.

The survey also found that only 51% of Canadians have an emergency supply kit in their car that includes first aid supplies, blankets or extra clothing and other essential items. Even fewer (43%) report they are fully prepared for medical emergencies.

This RBC Insurance survey is particularly timely considering a record number of Canadians are planning to take a vacation trip this summer, said David Redekop, principal research associate of The Conference Board of Canada.

Friday 13th 'not unlucky' for homeowners

UK consumers are statistically not more likely to experience an accident at home on Friday 13th, one of which is imminent this week.

Barclays Insurance believes that claims made to the group on Friday 13ths since 2005 are actually some 15 per cent lower than claims made on other Fridays, despite the traditional superstition surrounding the date.

Mark Till, product manager at Barclays, said: "As the figures show, this so-called unlucky day in fact seems to have been luckier for UK homeowners than most other days."

Barclays Insurance has a number of products available to consumers in order to offer peace of mind through the entire year.

Offering home, motor, travel, student possessions, business, health cover and finer high value home insurance, Barclays Insurance guarantees to drop their premium prices if they can't beat a renewal quote.

Canadians on holiday may not be prepared for perils on the road ...

With the kids out of school, many Canadian families are loading up the car and heading out on road trips this summer. However, a new survey from RBC Insurance reveals many may not be prepared for unexpected travel incidents, such as sudden illness or accidents. In fact, only just over half of all Canadians (52 per cent) are fully prepared if their car breaks down.

"While many Canadians spend a large amount of time planning their trips, its also important to prepare properly for emergencies," said Stan Seggie, president and CEO of the travel insurance division of RBC Insurance. "Holidays should be about making good memories, rather than having one bad experience that could ruin a trip or leave a family with extensive unforeseen costs."

The survey also found that only 51 per cent of Canadians have an emergency supply kit in their car that includes first aid supplies, blankets or extra clothing and other essential items.