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buying trip insurance through broker vs direct

We plan to purchase trip insurance for our family. Have always purchased direct from the insurance company in the past, but this time, we are comparing policies on the broker sites (like insuremytrip.com or squaremouth). Any pros/cons of buying direct vs through a broker? Prices are the same.

Once purchased through a broker, brokers say they can help solve disagreements or misunderstandings BUT sometimes a third party only complicates issues when the company tells you to go back to the broker with questions or problems (as often happens with hotels). I've also read posts by others using third parties that say their middle-person was typically less than effective after the sale. But it also seems reasonable to "reward" the broker sites for making choices much more clear.

Just trying to decide how to purchase (not whether or not to purchase). Have read the other posts on general trip insurance advice, but didn't find anything on this particular question. Thanks.

Posted by
2732 posts

Brokers are an integral part of the insurance business. Even though many have moved on line (such as insuremytrip.com) they play a valuable service- allowing you to compare policies across many companies, (assuming they are independent brokers) pointing out pitfalls, giving you their view of individual companies service, etc. Insurance companies greatly value brokers and the business they bring to them. If there is an issue nothing gets an insurance companies attention faster than a call from a broker. Don’t think of them as you would a hotel room consolidates- it’s a different role in a different business. The fees are wrapped up in the total cost and most smart companies will not undercut the broker sector by discounting products sold directly. I’ve used insuremytrip multiple times and find them to be of value.