couldn't find what you wanted though it was right there in front of you? We're so overwhelmed for choice that it's almost impossible to find and identify what we want and trying to compare travel Ever stood and stared at the supermarket shelves and insurance is just the same.

So where to start. Fortunately some companies in Australia have opted for a niche market, such as ski-insurance.com.au who specialise in cover for the slopes, possibly making one less contender on your travel insurance comparison list. After all, you're not going to want ski insurance if you're doing Singapore.

Other companies might have a focus on the retiree market and others for backpackers. Going online and browsing the Internet will get you started. If a company has a niche they'll let you know up front, which saves time.

So what do you look for next? Policy details! It's a pain but it's got to be done and it's probably not as bad as you think. Once again, most companies are pretty up-front about what they offer i.e. whether they have a limit on their medical and hospital cover or if it's unlimited, where they stand with pre-existing conditions, what sort of support and availability they provide and who comes to your rescue in a tight spot.

Also, check for the range in policies i.e. Aussie travel insurers, iTrek, focus on the backpacker market, both long and short stay, in the 18 to 24 age group, so they've put together four levels of cover for both single trip and annual with more options taking into account a trekkers destination such as downtown UK or the back blocks of Tibet.

A definite don't do is to just rock up to your travel agents and buy what they tell you. Agent's prices are way higher than purchasing from the insurance company direct so never go that route without making some pretty hefty comparisons first.

Even though most packers stick dollar signs at the head of the list, the last thing you should look for when you compare travel insurance quotes is the price. Yep, you want it cheap but you also want cover that's going to support you if you're injured or sick or if you've had everything but your undies stolen. This is why you compare travel insurance policy details first, not price. How do you know if you've got a good price if you don't know what you're getting?