Getting the travel protection you need doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of insurance providers that offer great savings on all levels of travel coverage, and purchasing direct travel insurance is one of the best ways to take advantage of these. Direct travel insurance essentially allows you to eliminate the middle man which is often:

Tour operators- Many tour companies earn a large amount of their revenue by ?up-selling? travel insurance to customers. While there is nothing wrong with this process, it does typically mean that you will be paying a high price for travel insurance than if you purchased it elsewhere, since tour operators are known to increase the price of travel insurance in order to make a profit.

Travel agents- Travel agents can also sell travel insurance to customers but again you will incur a higher than normal price on premiums. You should also keep in mind that you will be offered a limited selection, if any, on the type of insurance you can choose from, since these companies often have selling agreements with partner insurance companies.

Purchase only what you need-As stated earlier, many travel insurance providers offer package deals and plans that often include cover that you don't need. As a result, you the consumer can end up spending money on cover that you don't need. Purchasing direct travel insurance allows you the option of buying only what you need, directly from the insurance provider themselves.

Compare packages and plans-When you purchase direct travel insurance you can explore your options more in-depth. Every major travel insurance provider has a website and a customer support line, so if you want to get more information on the policies they offer and what they cover, you can just log onto your computer or pick up the phone and get your answers straight from the source. Buying direct also means that you don't have to worry about extra add-ons that may be hidden in your policy by third party providers.

Take advantage of discounts and savings: Many providers offer special discounts and deals when you purchase with them. Here are just a few of the savings you may be able to take advantage of:

? First-time buyer discounts

? Online shopper discounts

? Repeat shopper discounts

? Last minute savings

Buying direct travel insurance really can save you money.