Over-65s 'Can Find Travel Insurance'

Travel insurance for pensioners is easier to find than received wisdom suggests, Saga said today.

The advice was issued by the insurer following speculation that many older Britons are being denied cover due to the increased risk they pose to firms of suffering an accident or illness during their trip.

Recent research by charity Age Concern previously confirmed that upper age limits are imposed by 92 per cent of travel insurers, making it especially hard for people of especially advanced years to find cover.

However, Saga said today that these upper limits are likely to be raised in years to come due to increasing longevity rates among Britons. A representative of the insurer also emphasised that over-65s should be able to find travel insurance if they looked in the "right place".

Paul Green, head of Saga Group Communications, added: “As the population ages and remains healthier for longer we would expect the general insurers to increase their age limits. This is also because insurers now have a better understanding and improved systems; they are more sophisticated on how they rate older ages and include cover for pre-existing conditions."

Mr Green also confirmed that the oldest person he knew of who had been granted travel insurance "was a lady celebrating her 100th birthday".