Travel insurance rejections for over-65s

Britain's 9.5 million over-65s are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain travel insurance cover, says the British

Travel Insurance News - 24/10/2005

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Britain's 9.5 million over-65s are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain travel insurance cover, says the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA).

BIBA says that because older travellers are perceived as making more insurance claims, when they do find travel insurance cover they may also have to pay extra for it.

It fears that because of the difficulty in obtaining cover, many pensioners are choosing not to take out travel cover when going away.

According to new research, out of the 140 annual travel insurance policies on the market, over-65s will be turned down by around 40 of them. As these travellers get older and turn 70, they will be rejected by at least 105 of the same policies.

Peter Staddon, head of technical services at BIBA, commented: 'Older travellers need the protection offered by travel insurance as their claims can be more severe.

'Travel insurance is as important as their suitcase and they should always attempt to arrange cover.'

Mr Staddon advised older travellers not to give up hope in obtaining cover, and to always inform insurers of any pre-existing health conditions; otherwise the policy will be invalid.

He also suggested that regular travellers take out an annual policy, instead of continuously paying out for single-trip cover.

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