All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
06 July 2016 08:59
Over 10,000 older Britons were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2014
The rise of cheap package breaks, and holidaymakers' willingness to risk getting burnt in pursuit of a tan, has driven the number of older people being diagnosed with skin cancer up to record levels, new figures suggest.
Cancer Research UK says 20 years ago the number of people aged 55 and over who were diagnosed with malignant melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - totalled around 3,100.
But by 2014 - the most recent year for which figures are available - it says the annual total rose above 10,000 for the first time to hit a record 10,583.
'Cheap package holidays to blame'
The charity says the rise can be partly explained by the fact that people, on average, are now living longer than they did two decades ago.
However, it adds the rise since the 1960s of cheap package holidays is also to blame.
The newly released data also shows that over the same period melanoma rates among people aged under 55 increased by 63%.
The figures perhaps highlight the need for families to make sure they stock up on sunscreen, hats and sunglasses as well as a good travel insurance policy before heading off abroad on holiday.
Britain's fifth commonest type of cancer
Sarah Williams is Cancer Research UK's health information manager.
She says it's likely that the rise in the number of older people diagnosed with malignant melanoma is linked to the "sun, sea and sangria" generation who benefited from the rise of affordable package holidays and flew off to countries such as Spain, Greece and Portugal in search of a tan.
In the UK over 15,000 people a year are diagnosed with melanoma, making it the nation's fifth commonest form of cancer.
Among those aged 55 and above the disease claims about 2,000 lives a year.
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.