Many airlines partner with Travel Insurance Suppliers to offer coverage on their flights. This is usually an option offered once you get into booking your flight just before checkout. This coverage is not automatically included you have to opt in for the choices offered on checkout for an added fee.

Here are some of the travel insurance policies that major airlines offer.

- Options for both single and multi-trips

- Emergency medical coverage

- Possibly Dental coverage.

Airline policies, while they are good and they make it a simple way to buy through checkout, they aren't always the best options. You are much better off to shop around for the policy that suits you and your traveling companions for the specific trip you are taking.

You really aren't able to see what they are offering, you may be able to customize some elements but mainly they are covering your flights more than anything else, and you aren't able to shop around for the best price. Sometimes you will find buying directly with the airline is more expensive than if you bought independently.

You are much better off assessing the needs of your trip and determining exactly what kind of coverage you need and buying it independently. Airline travel insurance works for simple trips but is not the right option for everyone.

There are plenty of excellent alternatives to Airline Travel Insurance that you can use to protect your trip. One great way to find the right travel insurance plan for you is to go through a comparison site.

Airlines typically work with only one provider. With a comparison site you can shop with multiple providers and determine the best policy for coverage and add-ons that suit you best for your particular trip for yourself and your traveling companions.

The advantage of using a Comparison site is that you can make sure you're getting the best price possible for the insurance that you need. Pricing varies with the different suppliers and like any retail product you are best to shop around to get the best possible price for the coverage you need.

This way you can see if there are any add-ons you might need as well. A typical travel insurance policy doesn't cover add-ons like Car Rental Insurance. Many Airline Insurance Polices wouldn't cover these extra add-ons.

Shopping for Travel insurance can be daunting especially if this is your first time.

Here's what to look for when shopping for travel insurance.

Pricing versus Value

Price is important of course, but don't always settle for the cheapest insurance policy, consider the overall value of what the policy is offering in relation to value for money.

Compare what coverage amounts are offered by the different suppliers.

For example many companies offer 100 percent reimbursement of the cost of the trip for cancellation or interruption coverage, some offer more.

It's always good to ensure your Insurance provider is reliable. Check how long they have been in business, and any reviews available. The reviews will also give you an overall impression of the service the company provides.

It's also important to ensure you can contact the insurer right away from wherever your trip takes you so you can be certain you can get help when and if you need it.

It is important to ensure the insurer offers the type of coverage you need especially any add-ons. Every trip is different and will likely need different coverage depending on your destination and the type of trip.

- Car rental coverage

- Pre-existing medical condition waivers

- Cancel for Any Reason

- Adventure Travel

These are just some of the add-on options available.

Airline Travel Insurance is good for those short flight trips and is certainly better than no coverage, but it isn't likely to be the best or the most cost effective.Buying through an independent insurer is likely to give you much more flexibility on your coverage and is likely to be more cost effective.

Using an online provider can save you time and money and assist you in comparing plans and prices from reputable insurance companies.

Get started by adding your trip details and getting immediate quotes so you can know your best option.