First of all, let's just remind ourselves that: A) Adequate travel insurance is absolutely necessary for even the shortest trip you might be doing, and B) Finding it is not rocket science; you will not have to embark on some adventure that looks like something out of an Indiana Jones film, or one of those old 'Jason and the Argonaut' type flicks from the sixties.

It is truly amazing just how muddy the waters around finding travel insurance are. As more options become available in more different ways, the traveller is often presented with what looks like a veritable mountain to climb. So, let's check out some of the alternatives and chop this down to a more manageable bite sized pieces.

Check with your travel agent. Individual trip cover through an agent is often expensive but, if you strike lucky, you may be able to negotiate an inclusive policy as part of the overall trip deal. Don't be afraid to ask, but do make sure that in the event that you get lucky, that your package is adequate cover for your needs.

Look into the selection of newspaper ads in the travel and retail sections. Sunday supplements in particular are good for this, but a word of warning here; read- and absorb- the small print that goes with the advertisement. Otherwise, you might end up tied up in knots with a policy that's about as much use to you as a Chocolate Teapot.

Consider a multi-trip policy. This will certainly get your price down if you travel extensively but, again, check the small print and consider the range of destinations you are going to cover. Is what works for your trip to Miami likely to allay any problems in Albania?

Most obviously of all, the internet is a excellent for travel insurance. The fact that you are reading this article testifies to that.

Again, that basic common denominator of reading the small print really does apply here. There are literally dozens of price comparison websites that will undercut each other by a fiver here or there, but beware!

The cheapest price does not always represent the best deal by any means. You have to look at it as far more than merely a capital investment- a policy could determine your quality of life permanently in the event of an unlucky accident abroad. In cases like this, less is most definitely not always more. Research the field carefully, and choose your optionz very wisely.