Age Concern travel help

3:40pm Thursday 15th March 2007

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OLDER people in Wirral could be denied cover by nine out of 10 travel insurance dealers.

And as millions of people prepare for the holiday season, older travellers may face an uphill struggle to secure policies.

"Many people over the age of 65 are well aware of the frustrations involved in securing travel insurance."

Mark Cheeseman

A staggering 92% of travel insurance policies impose upper age limits, refusing to provide cover for older people.

With over 65's in the North West now making 664,000 trips abroad each year - a 32% increase on five years ago - upper age limits present a stumbling block for a growing number of older travellers.

Mark Cheeseman from Age Concern Wirral said: "Many people over the age of 65 are well aware of the frustrations involved in securing travel insurance, particularly when the vast majority of providers operate upper age limits.

"It's no surprise that many people in Wirral are delighted to learn that we offer travel insurance tailored for the needs of older travellers, and for those looking for sufficient cover for their medical conditions.

"With these obstacles making it more difficult for older people to get travel insurance, Age Concern Wirral is urging frustrated travellers who may be planning to go on holiday perhaps without any insurance at all, to make sure that they are properly covered." Government research shows that up to one in seven travellers - of all ages - fail to take out adequate travel insurance.

This is particularly concerning considering the recent trend towards visiting more exotic destinations - where it is even more important to ensure travellers have adequate insurance in place.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that over 65's travel to Turkey has almost doubled in five years with 83,000 trips made in 2005 - up from 48,000 in 2001.

Egypt saw 8,000 visits from the over 65's in 2001, but this figure is now five times as high with 42,000 visits in 2005.

Age Concern Travel Insurance policies have been tailored for older people, therefore no upper age limit applies.

And profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to Age Concern, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity campaign for the well-being and rights of older people.

To find out more about call 0845 601 2234 or call into Age Concern at 42/44 Market Street, Birkenhead.