Don't know about the UK, but here in the states, I have a rider on my home owner's insurance policy for all of my photo gear. It's only about $18 a month for coverage of all my gear - with a $100 deductible. Premiums vary depending on if you're covering gear for personal use, or professional use.
I'm also in the UK and I've done the same as Moreorless - Added the full value to my household contents insurance. I took the precaution of providing a fully itemised and costed list, so there is one less thing to argue about at a later date.
I've not had to claim on it yet, so whether its any better or worse than purpose designed insurance I've no idea. What I do know is that its considerably cheaper.
i wonder if you had to claim on a seperate camera insurance policy, would that have an affect on your subsequent home policy incurance. IE are all insurances linked some how?
Not sure about the UK, but yes, in the US they are linked. A claim on a personal articles policy (e.g. camera gear) goes into the CLUE database, the same as a homeowners claim, and can affect subsequent rates and insurability.
Ive been with E&L insurance for the last 4 years world wide cover including equipment left in a vehicle.
http://www.eandl.co.uk/camera-insurance
Not had a claim yet but been ok so far. I have heard some bad reports about them regarding wedding and horse cover but nothing bad on the camera front. Still time will tell.
For a comparison you could try Photoguard Insurance via Jacobs Digital.
www.photoguard.co.uk/
They seem more costly than E and L but im sure will probably provide better cover. Like all insurance read the small print. They will do all they can to not pay out.
As I said I'd check your original policey first, I was looking at adding my camera gear when I discovered it was already covered up to £2000.
The advantage of specific camera insurance seems to be that it can be tailored to cover more situations and that quick on site repairs/replacement is an option.
Just to finish this post, house insurance was best at £4 ish a month for 5k, theft and accidental damage UK only)
I will double check what the additional cost is for nominal overseas trips
I use AON they are global so i assume cover the UK
costs about $100 AUD per month for $30k cover on equipment that is covered world wide and includes $10M public liability you have to list all the equipment with serial numbers though