Barclays offers free upgrade to annual travel insurance for the price of two weeks

Barclays General Insurance has today announced a new deal for customers looking to purchase single cover travel insurance. From today, anyone looking to take out single trip travel insurance for 14 days or more for their next trip abroad will be upgraded to the equivalent annual travel policy for free, giving customers 365 days cover for the price of just 14 days.

Mark Till, Barclays General Insurance marketing director, comments: "Our own research shows that for people who go abroad they take on average three trips a year, yet many still take out individual single trip policies which could prove costly." "This new offer aims to highlight the benefits of annual cover and not only will customers get annual travel insurance for the cost of a single trip, people can go and enjoy as many holidays as they like throughout the year without having to worry about getting insurance every time."

Research from Barclays* shows the top 10 most popular countries holidaymakers flock to are: America, Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Holland, Australia, Greece and Canada. For people heading to the number one spot of America, the most popular destinations are Orlando and New York.

Cost comparison tables showing two weeks cover in Europe compared to annual cover, quotes based on a 35 year-old male.

World cover excluding USA, Caribbean and Canada
Insurer - Single trip policy - Annual policy - Savings with Barclays
Barclays - £27.72 - £27.72 - (Free upgrade)
Tesco - £39.99 - £74.99 - £47.27
Direct Line - £44.87 - £69.50 - £41.78
Post Office - £50.00 - £75.00 - £47.28
Lloyds - £40.81 - £69.11 - £41.39
Natwest* - £60.00 - £85.00 - £57.28

World cover including USA, Caribbean and Canada
Insurer - Single trip policy - Annual policy - Savings with Barclays
Barclays - £36.36 - £36.36 - (Free upgrade)
Tesco - £39.99 - £74.99 - £38.63
Direct Line - £46.79 - £73.33 - £36.97
Post Office - £56.00 - £90.00 - £53.64
Lloyds - £49.18 - £76.78 - £40.42
Natwest* - £60.00 - £85.00 - £48.64

*All quotes are online (except for Natwest, which was obtained over the phone) – prices as of 22/5/06

Barclays Product details:
- Free annual cover upgrade when buying a single trip insurance for a minimum of 14 days (up to 31 days or 21 days with scuba/winter sports cover)
- Offer qualifies customers to a free upgrade to the equivalent annual cover
- Access to the 24 hour helpline
- Up to £30,000 personal accident cover
- Up to £2 million personal public liability
- Up to £10 million in medical expenses
- This is a limited offer

A travel insurance policy can be taken out in any Barclays branch, online or by calling 0800 015 4751

For further information contact:
Andrew McDougall
0207 116 6159
Andrew.mcdougall@barclays.com