Elderly stung by travel cover that costs NINE TIMES more...

[dutchman]

With travel restrictions to most countries being lifted over the coming weeks, there will be a rush to jet off abroad, but the elderly and those with health issues face paying up to nine times more than other tourists for travel insurance.

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, a campaign group for the elderly, says: 'A shameful case of age discrimination is at play here – and I fear some of the people we care about as a group will have their travel plans thwarted as a result.'

He adds: 'The greedy insurance industry should not be allowed to have its cake and eat it. It should be obliged to offer travel insurance cover to anyone who really needs it – and at a fair price.'

Consumer group Which? says the travel insurance options for the elderly are extremely limited. While a 55-year-old can get up to 70 travel insurance quotes when using a comparison website, this falls to just seven for those aged 80.

Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, says: 'While getting travel cover is straightforward for many people, for others it is a nightmare. At age 70, the price of cover often doubles, even if you are healthy. If you have a medical condition, the hike could be astronomical.'

For example, travel cover from Saga for a two-week holiday to Spain next month will cost a 55-year-old £36.98, according to data from comparison website GoCompare. The same cover from Saga for a 75-yearold will cost twice as much (£81.26) while someone of the same age, taking medication for angina, would be asked to pay £316.61 (nearly nine times as much).

Although there are cheaper providers than Saga – a company allegedly serving the needs of the over-50s – prices still ratchet up in similar fashion. Equivalent cover from TravelTime costs £17.46, £45.65 and £184.58 respectively.

Thankfully, there are some specialist travel insurers and brokers willing to offer help to the elderly and those with medical conditions.

David Jeffrey is marketing manager of specialist travel insurance broker PJ Hayman. He says: 'Although it is wrong that many insurers discriminate against the elderly, there are a few companies out there offering good value cover. So do not be put off by initial quotes for cover that may cost more than the holiday you hope to go on. Shop around in search of a better price.'

Which? suggests visiting the website of the British Insurers Brokers' Association to find a specialist broker. Call 0370 950 1790 or visit biba. org.uk/find-insurance.

Among the insurers which offer cover to the elderly and those with health issues are Avanti Travel Insurance, OK To Travel, TravelTime, Insurefor, Jet2Insurance, Free Spirit, Explorer, Able2Travel, InsureandGo, Goodtogoinsurance, Cigna and AllClear.

Costs will also depend upon the excess you are willing to pay if a claim is made, where you are travelling to and if you wish to include baggage cover. Regular travellers should also consider an annual travel policy.

For a 55-year-old, 75-year-old and 75-year-old with angina, cover for worldwide travel can cost as little as £40, £85 and £280 respectively. It can also cost as much as £300, £363 and £1,455.

If you still baulk at the price, be aware that travelling without insurance is an expensive risk. You could face six or even seven-figure bills if you require medical attention in some countries such as the US.