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24 May 2011 09:17
Pensioners are finding it difficult to get travel insurance, says study
Travellers over 65 are being left high and dry by many insurers refusing to cover them and by steep premiums on policies they are offered, according to Which?
A study by the consumer group found that a quarter of insurers do not provide annual over 65 travel insurance, while nine in 10 do not cover people aged over 80.
Out of the 85 insurance companies assessed, 86% had a maximum age limit for single trip travel insurance.
Just over a quarter (29%) of firms provided a single trip quote for travellers in their 80s.
Once they reach their 65th birthday, older people who do get travel insurance can face a three-fold rise in premiums, the group said.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd stated: "It's absurd that you could wake up one morning and suddenly be three times more expensive to insure.
"Older travellers are finding it increasingly difficult to get cover or are priced out of travelling altogether.
"Insurers should take a more common sense approach and look at factors other than age when setting premiums."
Which? has backed rule changes aimed at preventing travel insurance premiums for older people from being hiked simply because it is assumed they are more likely to suffer illness or accidents while abroad.
Under the Government proposals, insurers will be required to furnish evidence to justify the higher charges.
23 June 2017
The fall in the value of the pound could pose a shock to British holidaymakers this summer, a currency expert has warned.
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22 June 2017
Britons have been warned that they could be banned from all-inclusive holidays unless they stop making bogus food poisoning claims.
21 June 2017
Holidaymakers could save themselves money by opting for self-catering breaks this summer, a report has shown.
20 June 2017
From trips abroad to days out closer to home, the school holidays can be a costly time for families.
17 June 2017
Debit and credit card charges are causing holidaymakers to "waste" more than £100 million each year, a new report has warned.
16 June 2017
Aggressive and potentially lethal prostate cancer could be detected more quickly thanks to a simple blood test, scientists have revealed.
15 June 2017
Many holidaymakers are over-estimating the benefits offered by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), a new study warns.
14 June 2017
British holidaymakers will benefit from the end of mobile roaming charges this week.
13 June 2017
UK holidaymakers could face higher costs in the months ahead following the collapse in the pound, the owner of a major travel firm has warned.
10 June 2017
Holidaymakers planning trips abroad in the coming days will be monitoring the progress of the pound closely following the surprise general election result.
09 June 2017
Family holidays to traditional hotspots like Menorca and Ibiza could end up costing more than far-flung destinations such as Orlando, Thailand and Bali, surprising new research suggests.
08 June 2017
Two of Europe's major budget airlines enjoyed strong passenger growth last month, as the summer holiday season got under way.