A comparison of travel insurance providers has revealed dramatic differences. Picture: Supplied Source: The Advertiser

AUSTRALIAN travellers are paying up to four times too much for their travel insurance by buying it through airlines and travel agents instead of shopping around, new research shows.

Independent financial comparison site Mozo.com.au went mystery price shopping for three different holidays: a family trip to the US, a couple visiting Europe, and a backpacker heading to Thailand and Europe.

Quotes from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Flight Centre, Jetset Travel and Harvey World Travel were stacked up against other travel insurance providers.

Director Kirsty Lamont said the price differences were staggering.

"Quotes for travel insurance for a family of four travelling to the US for 15 days ranged from a whopping $756 from Qantas to $177 from travel insurance specialist Fast Cover," she said.

"One of the reasons is the huge commission airlines can earn - Qantas gets up to 53 per cent commission on the travel insurance policies it sells, according to the fine print on its own website."

Travel insurance for a 21-year-old backpacker travelling to Thailand and Europe for 2 months was $495 with Jetset Travel and $246 with DU Insure.

The research also found travellers who pick up insurance as an afterthought may not be getting sufficient coverage.

"Insurers have different definitions, different exclusions and different levels of cover, so it's vital to compare options to find a policy that offers the best price as well as the best fit with your needs," Ms Lamont said.

Link:

Most expensive travel insurance providers revealed