Since Sept. 11, 2001, sales of travel insurance have tripled as travelers try to protect themselves against away-from-home emergencies.

In the past year, there's been another wave of travel uncertainty — higher fuel prices pushing up airfares, crowded and canceled flights and airlines going bankrupt. More people are asking about what protection travel insurance can offer.

Most consumer advocates advise careful shopping to determine that you're not paying extra for something you've already got covered. Travel insurance companies say insurance can offer one-stop, less-hassle service, rather than having to take charge of the research and legwork yourself.

Would travel insurance have helped people who bought tickets on the now-defunct ATA or Aloha airlines? Some policies would have helped, according to industry experts. But the issue doesn't appear to offer a one-size-fits-all answer of whether such insurance is a good choice or bad decision, according to Stephen Levins, executive director of the state Office of Consumer Protection.

"You have to read the policy and know what you're getting," Levins said. He said people need to make sure that they understand the coverage they want and what they're going to get.

Some credit cards and debit cards may offer similar services for free, he said, especially premium cards such as gold or platinum cards or those that specialize in travel.

One of the larger travel insurance companies is CSA Travel Protection, based in San Diego. Les Maine, president, owner and chief executive officer, said that in recent months the number of calls from travelers has shot up about 20 percent.

He cited a variety of factors: increased airport security, bankruptcy, and the TSA tightening of regulations on carry-on liquids, which made more people check bags.

"Air travel has become a necessary evil," he said. "Consumers have become a lot more aware of the hassle of travel."

He said his company sells coverage for trip cancellation, for when airlines go under (supplier default) and helps find bags, often faster than the airlines.

Levins and other consumer experts caution that you should not assume that your credit card will cover you. You should check what's offered. "Some will cover if you rent a car. Some take care of things like baggage loss or personal effects."

Many times, your medical insurance that covers you at home also will cover you other places where they have similar services.

As with most consumer issues, Levins advises travelers to do their homework before buying anything. "You should investigate before you purchase it," he said. "You may just be paying double for something you're already covered for."

On the other hand, some travelers want additional assurance that they're covered for a lot of emergencies. "Some people would rather pay the money for the convenience," he said.

There is some really good help available at online comparison sites (see box on previous page), including www.InsureMyTrip.com and www.QuoteWright.com. We typed in information for a summer family vacation trip to Southern California for two adults and two children and got quotes that ranged from basic coverage of $126 to a deluxe package of $526.

Consumer Reports notes that your regular homeowner's policy, health insurance, and credit card often cover many of the travel risks. But not all will cover trip cancellation.

A 2007 travel insurance market survey by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association found that Americans on leisure trips spent more than $1.3 billion on travel insurance in 2006, a growth of 20 percent over 2004.

The survey indicated that in 2006 more than 67 million people were covered by a variety of travel-related insurance and emergency assistance services from member companies, up 18 percent over 2004.

Some people are worried about natural catastrophes such as hurricanes and tsunamis, others aren't sure their medical insurance will cover them overseas.

Maine said some credit cards and other insurance policies offer coverage but he describes it as inconsistent and limited because "it's not a primary focus of their business."

And many of his customers like the peace of mind of knowing they can reach a live person to help them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maine said most companies calculate insurance cost primarily as a percentage of the trip cost and varying by the age of individuals traveling.

"We provide more than just insurance, we provide assistive services. And a 24/7 hot line for emergency travel, medical advice, doctors, and emergency medical transportation," he said.

In the U.S., most people find out about the insurance from travel agents, Maine said, while in Europe, policies are sold at banks and grocery stores.

"Travelers today are feeling extra pressure from carrier financial defaults and worsening economic news, and they are looking for the most value and flexibility when booking a trip," Maine said.

TYPES OF TRAVEL INSURANCE

Consumer travel insurance coverage and limitations vary depending on the company issuing the policy. Most companies sell packages that combine several types of coverage as well as policies limited to a single concern (and therefore cheaper).