Click here to read the Prime Ministers "answer" to the above petition -

Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature only and for more detailed advice on what you are covered for you must refer to your policy or to your insurance company.

Travel Insurance -
The great Travel Insurance "Rip-Off"

This article will deal with Travel Insurance in general and highlight the differences for us old codgers. Be aware that most loss adjusters have not yet lost their pimples and have a very peculiar idea about the effects of ageing.

It seems that older people can be in control of a lethal weapon - a car - and get lower premiums than those under 60 - because we are considered as being sensible and a low risk.  However because you are travelling as a passenger on a plane, or in a relaxed mode etc you pay Double or more the premium of someone under 60 and there is no such thing as a "no claim" bonus".  Most insurance companies will not even consider someone over 70 for travel Insurance.  But please read on - there is hope for all of us.

If you have recently found a good or a bad Travel Insurance provider - let me know!  Let everyone know!!

Please note: Seniors Network does NOT sell insurance of any kind! If you wish a quote - please contact the Insurance companies mentioned in the adverts on these pages - many thanks.

• Click here to read the Prime Ministers "answer" to the above petition-
  28 April 2008 -- It looks like the discrimination will be allowed to continue!
• Travel insurance: 'If you fall over on the beach, you're not covered'
  Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom
  Millions of people go abroad without travel insurance each year, some in the mistaken belief that they have free cover with their credit card. ...
• Article from The Guardian Give yourself a break if insurance costs more than the holiday. 
• Insurers must do more for older people,
  says new report Age Concern (17.03.07)
• Down load PDF Insurance and Age report (364.49 Kb)
• See article Re Travel Ageism
• Pre-existing Medical |Conditions - a warning
• See article on Name & Shame

Why travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides cover for a range of holiday mishaps. These can include:

Medical cover:

The UK has reciprocal agreements with a number of countries, which would allow you to receive the equivalent of NHS care. You will need to take your EHIC.  You should be aware that these agreements do not normally cover rescue costs should you fall ill whilst away from the main centres of population, nor will they provide cover for your repatriation to the UK.

What should I think about when selecting a policy?

The insurance offered by Travel Agents is unlikely to be the best deal available, as they very often only offer policies from one insurer.

You should check your policy to ensure that there is adequate cover for the following:

• Medical Expenses

• Personal Liability

• Cancellation and Curtailment

• Personal Accident

• Legal Expenses and

• Personal Belongings.

Decide the level of cover you need, taking into account your personal circumstances and what type of travel you are undertaking. If you are intending to take a holiday in a remote place - well away from tourist resorts, you should think about taking specialist advice from an insurer.

Check the details of the policy, especially the exclusions. If you are taking an expensive item of luggage or equipment with you, will the single item limit be sufficient? It may be cheaper to arrange separate insurance for that particular item.

Check your house contents policy to see what cover it offers already for items outside the home.

If you are holidaying in the UK, you will probably need to look for a simple cancellation insurance policy. If you are taking a pet with you, you may want to think about a pet insurance policy, especially one that covers financial loss through damage caused by a pet.

Most policies require that you accept an initial excess (i.e. you will have to pay the first portion of any claim) and a restriction on the amount you can claim in the case of loss or damage to a single item.

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What about business trips?

If you are travelling on business, check what cover your employer is offering. Many employers arrange for insurance cover equivalent to the level of a standard travel insurance policy whilst also being responsible for insuring any of their own equipment such as laptop computers, which you need to take with you. If your employer does not provide any cover you should ensure you have a policy of your own that provides the appropriate cover.

You can buy policies that cover a single holiday, or Annual cover or Multi trip for many trips over a year long period. The latter is most useful if you are a frequent traveller. If you are travelling on business, check that your insurance policy covers these trips. Normally you are required to stay overnight in pre-booked accommodation. Under an annual policy, you can usually travel as often as you like, but an individual stay outside the UK should not last longer than 60 -90 days.

Specialist insurers now offer tailored insurance that provides protection for those travellers that are planning complex journeys, particularly those away from the normal tourist resorts.

What if I am travelling by car?

If you are travelling outside the UK with your own car or other motor vehicle it is important to check what cover your motor insurance offers regarding passengers or belongings.