Age Concern: An estimated 15 million people have booked their holidays in the last two months3, but for many older people the uphill struggle to secure travel insurance has just begun.
Ninety-two per cent of travel insurance policies impose upper age limits1, refusing to provide cover for older people. With over 65s now making 5.5 million trips abroad each year3 - a 36 per cent increase on five years ago – upper age limits present a stumbling block for a growing number of older travellers.
Antony Osborne from Age Concern Insurance Services said: “Many people over the age of 65 are well aware of the frustrations involved in securing travel insurance, particularly when the vast majority of providers operate upper age limits. It’s no surprise that many people are delighted to learn that we offer travel insurance tailored for the needs of older travellers, and for those looking for sufficient cover for their medical conditions4.â€Â
With these obstacles making it more difficult for older people to get travel insurance, Age Concern is urging frustrated travellers who may be planning to go on holiday perhaps without any insurance at all, to make sure that they are properly covered.
Government research shows that up to one in seven travellers – of all ages - fail to take out adequate travel insurance5. This is particularly concerning considering the recent trend towards visiting more exotic destinations – where it is even more important to ensure travellers have adequate insurance in place.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that over 65s’ travel to Turkey has almost doubled in five years with 83,000 trips made in 2005 – up from 48,000 in 2001. Egypt saw 8,000 visits from the over 65s in 2001, but this figure is now five times as high with 42,000 visits in 2005.2
Age Concern Travel Insurance policies have been tailored for older people, therefore no upper age limit applies. ACIS will endeavour to offer travel cover for most pre-existing medical conditions4. The policy operates in conjunction with a medical screening line, charged at a local rate, which enables older people to get the right cover before they take out a policy.
Age Concern Travel Insurance policies cover for short European breaks starts from just £6.906, with annual multi-trip policies available from £50 per adult.
Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to Age Concern, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity campaign for the well-being and rights of older people.
All Age Concern travel insurance is arranged by individuals who are trained to meet the requirements of the FSA’s regulatory framework. Customers buying Age Concern travel insurance also enjoy the protection of the Financial Ombudsman Scheme.
|