THE GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL?

Age doesn’t have to be a barrier Confused.com tells golden globetrotters Confused.com today urged older travellers not to risk jetting off on holiday without travel insurance, despite concerns over increased premiums and lack of availability. Whilst traditional routes of purchasing insurance, such as via a bank or travel agent may not prove fruitful for those over 80, policies aimed at older people and those with medical conditions are available by shopping round and using comparison sites. Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused.com, said: “Whilst most standard travel insurance policies offer cover up to the age of 75, there are a number of specialist travel insurance policies available for older people, so this group of travellers shouldn’t be tempted to take the risk of travelling without cover. Premiums do increase with age to reflect the fact that a greater number of claims are made, although the level of cover remains comparable, offering peace of mind in the event that a trip is cancelled or medical help is needed. As with all travel insurance policies, it’s important for customers to shop around to find the best price and level of cover to their individual needs.” Travel insurance for older people: the facts - An 18-54 year old can secure a one week single trip policy for Europe for just £5.81 - An equivalent policy for someone aged 65-74 is £17.98 – 3 times more, however.... o Travellers over 65 are 3 times more likely to make a claim o Travellers over 85 are 8 times more likely to make a claim - Most standard policies stop offering insurance at age 75, so start shopping round early if you are approaching this age. - Some providers cover medical conditions as standard, others will charge an increased premium, this is dependent on both the condition and the provider. - Prices for cover vary so shop around. Based on 1 week of European cover for an 80 year old via Confused.com: o Staysure basics - Price: £24.49, excess: £65 o Flexicover – Price: £49.40, excess; £65 o Saga offer ( travelling to Spain)-Price: £64.52, excess: £50 - Other specialist providers of cover for older people include Age Concern - Some current accounts offer free travel insurance which can extend to an older age, but levels of cover with these ‘free’ policies vary, so check carefully that the cover meets your requirements before relying on it. -Ends- For further information please contact the confused.com press office: Zoe Stevens 02920434393 zoe.stevens@confused.com Notes to editors Policy prices correct as at 27 July 2010 About Confused.com Confused.com is one of the UK’s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance. Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com’s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators. Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.