News Centre

With the holiday season upon us, you may be looking for a cheap deal for a trip abroad. With the days of cheap air travel becoming a distant memory and Sterling not being as strong as it was, most people are now looking to save money wherever they can. Some people are resorting to holidaying at off peak times as opposed to the height of the season, whilst some people are opting to holiday at up and coming holiday destinations where many cheap deals are available. One area where everyone looks to save money is travel insurance , but a new report shows that older people may not be getting a bargain from some travel insurers.

An investigation by consumer group Which? has suggested that some elderly holidaymakers pay £300 more for typical types of cover because of their age.

Which? Chief Executive Peter Vicary Smith said

“Many over-65s are getting a raw deal when it comes to arranging insurance simply because of their age. Restrictions imposed by insurers leave many people struggling to pay increased premiums just when they may need cover the most.”

An example cited by Which? is that of a worldwide travel policy from over 50s insurance specialist Rias which, for a 74 year old, costs £383. However, this figure leaps to £707 for a 75 year old.

In another instance, a person aged 69 would pay £57 for a 15-day Europe-wide one trip policy with Bupa Premier, but a 70 year old would pay £86.

The report highlights the importance of using a reputable insurer to compare travel insurance prices and has provoked the ire of charity Age UK. Director Michelle Mitchell commented:

“It is absolutely outrageous that older consumers can be denied insurance or forced to pay over the odds simply because of their age. It is incredibly short-sighted of the insurance industry to ignore the fact that people are generally living longer, healthier and more active lives.

“Continuing to discriminate against our ageing population in this way is not just bad for older people, it’s bad for business.”

The report also highlighted that buying travel insurance online often proved to be the cheapest way of getting insurance.

Which? is a respected independent consumer advice group, and a good place to start when shopping for travel insurance is to see which insurers have been commended by them.