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Viewing Why is it so Hard for Seniors to Get Travel Insurance?Why is it so Hard for Seniors to Get Travel Insurance?
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Travel insurers seem to think that people over the age of 65 are more likely to make a claim for medical care, so the cost of travel insurance can be more than double the premium of someone younger. Can you do anything about this predicament? By Shaun Parker Travel insurers seem to think that people over the age of 65 are more likely to make a claim for medical care, so the cost of travel insurance can be more than double the premium of someone under 65. Are travel insurance companies missing a trick? There are nearly 10 million people in the UK aged over 65 who, with no commitments and having cleared themselves of a mortgage and their children, are traveling more than ever. There are plenty of over 75s traveling, too, and this group is even more marginalized by major insurers. Of course these people are not white-water rafting, snowboarding, or mountain biking. In most cases, they are relaxing in the sun or traveling to see parts of the world in which they have an interest. Healthier lifestyles and medical advances mean that age should not be regarded as the major risk factor it once was. Many people over 70 years of age are perfectly fit and healthy. In fact, many of these seniors may now be fitter than the 25-year-old binge-drinking smoker who is riding his hired scooter in Ibiza or partying on the hotel balcony. So if you are over the age of 65 and want to travel the world with peace of mind, what do you do? Some insurers will not cover people over 65 at all, so always check the age limit before buying a policy and get quotes from providers who aim to offer older travelers a good deal. Some insurers, in certain circumstances, will provide coverage up to age 89. There are other factors to consider when looking for affordable over-65 travel insurance. If you plan to travel abroad more than once a year, it could be cheaper to buy multi-trip or annual travel insurance policies rather than single trip coverage. Not only is it often cheaper, but it also reduces the amount of paperwork involved; you only have to supply the information once, instead of several times. Another way to keep costs down is to ensure that you do not pay for coverage you will not need. Many standard travel insurance policies for families include coverage for winter sports, for example. Try to get a travel insurance quote based solely upon your travel needs and personal circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all policy. Insurance companies may refuse to cover medical expenses abroad if the treatment is for a pre-existing medical condition. This includes any ongoing medical condition, or a condition you have had in the past. If you are not asked about your medical history, make sure you tell the insurer when you buy the policy, however irrelevant it may seem. Some insurers will cover you, but may charge an extra premium or make certain exclusions. Due to the fact that over-65 travel insurance is often more expensive, it is even more important to shop around when searching for the insurer and policy that will give you the best possible deal. However, whatever you do, make sure that you do not give up on protecting yourself while traveling, and certainly do not be dissuaded from traveling because of this. There are good insurance companies who offer good rates and who will make sure that you are not counting the cost further down the line. About the Author: Shaun Parker has traveled to many destinations since he turned 65. He still goes to the gym and is fitter than many half his age - but found huge problems getting travel insurance until he discovered The Idol. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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