Ok. Just a quick message (well, maybe not so quick....), I don't know in terms of UK policies, but I deal with sales and customer service for the largest travel insurer in Canada. So having to deal with travel insurance every day my best advice is to have a clear idea of what specific situations you want covered and ensure the policy you are buying is going to cover you for what is important to you.
Most policies are designed to cover the 'average' unexpected situation. The situation with the volcano was not in any way average. Most trip delays are less than 2 days and that's policies cover (at least over here in Canada) in terms of a subsistence allowance if you are delayed.
The policies we sell are about the most comprehensive you can buy in Canada and they only had partial coverage for the volcano situation for many people. Although our company did automatically extend out of country medical coverage for anybody affected by trip delays (even further than the policy required).
I have clients who call and ask for a quote for cancellation/interruption insurance and then they want to know why my quote is so much more than company XYZ. I always tell them to closely look at each policy and compare the coverage. Normally if there is a price difference, there is a difference in the coverage. If the less expensive policy covers them for the situation they are most concerned about, save the money! But if they want the most comprehensive coverage then likely they'll have to pony up more cash for it.
Ok. End of lecture. Sorry!
To sum it up... read all your documents and ask questions before you buy!
J
