Insurance soars in the 60s

Insurance policies for over 65s travelling abroad reportedly cost more than those for younger tourists.

Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, noted that insurers' premiums reflect the risk potential of customers, as the average cost of claims doubles in over 65s,

According to the Daily Mail, former newsagent George Sheward, 67, has struggled to find travel insurance for a long break visiting his family in Australia this winter.

Mr Sheward, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, has no medical problems, but he has found that some travel insurance policies for the visit would cost more than his flight, while others place a limit on the length of his visit. Even specialist insurers restrict the maximum length of a single trip for over 65s to 31 or 45 days.

Age Concern, Help the Aged, Amex Travel, LloydsTSB, Saga and Select offer travel insurance products for the over 65s. Over 75s reportedly struggle more to find affordable annual travel cover.

Richard Mason, of Insuresupermarket, said: "Many people in their 60s and 70s are very fit and healthy and want to enjoy their hard-earned savings. Getting travel insurance shouldn't be a barrier."

ABI spokesman Mr Tarling added: "There probably is a gap in the market for someone wanting to offer cover to older people travelling for longer periods, but they'd still price it according to the potential risks."

Click here for Travel Insurance