Travel insurance less available for older travellers

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Mon, 05 Jun 2006

Although the tourism industry is seeing a rise in over-55s holidaymakers, many Travel Insurance providers are neglecting to offer suitable policies for the older jet-setter.

The recent fall in holiday costs means that many older people are starting to consider taking a "gap-year" to enjoy an extended holiday. RIAS, a specialist over-50s insurance provider, estimated that 775,000 of those aged 55 or over have taken an extended holiday abroad of six months or more.

In total, 20 per cent of those involved in the study stressed an interest in adventure holidays rather than the typical cruise or beach holiday.

However, the Times reports that recent research by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) discovered that even without factoring in adventurous activities, people aged over 65 could struggle to find a suitable annual Travel Insurance policy.

It is estimated that around such wannabe-travellers will be rejected by 30 of the 140 annual Travel Insurance policies on the market. This rejection level rises to 105 once they reach the age of 70.

However, a BIBA spokesman stressed that shopping around or using a broker should find suitable Travel Insurance cover. He added: "Don’t be put off by rejection and make sure that you inform insurers of pre-existing medical conditions or you could invalidate your policy."


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Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.