Travel insurance Foreign Office warning for over-55s
26 January 2009 10:47
Older holidaymakers are being warned that they need to take out travel insurance whether they are planning on taking part in sporting activities or not.
Research by the Foreign Office has shown that two-thirds of older travellers do not take out travel insurance.
It comes as a growing number of over-55s take part in strenuous sporting activities while abroad including bungee jumping and parasailing.
Foreign Office minister Meg Munn said today: "We're all for over-55s having fun on holiday. But it is crucial that they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad.
"Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP for a health check before embarking on a holiday."
The survey of travelling over-55s, carried out for the Association of British Insurers, showed that 20 per cent take risks abroad that they would not consider doing at home. 