Over 55s Advised Not to Scrimp on Travel Insurance

Over 55s have been advised not to scrimp on travel insurance when going abroad by one expert this week.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) claimed that although insurance can be more expensive for this age bracket of holidaymakers it is not something that can be overlooked.

Sean Tipton, press officer at the ABTA, said: "It can be more expensive once you get past a certain age for the very simple reason being you are more likely to have a pre-existing medical condition.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition and you decide not to take out insurance because of the fact that it's more expensive then it's very foolish because you're more likely to need it."

He added that it is the wrong people who often take the risk, as the insurance premiums go up in proportion to how bad their medical conditions are.

A Foreign Office Survey, carried out by the Association of British Insurers, found that 20 per cent of over 55-year-olds take risks on holiday they would not at home.

Furthermore, 65 per cent of travellers in this age range did not take out insurance for their last holiday.

Travel Industry News posted on 09/05/2008 07:49:32