Brits risk forking out thousands in travel claims

Age Concern Insurance Services warns older people to ensure they have travel insurance when holidaying either abroad or in the UK, to avoid unnecessary pay outs.

New statistics published today by Age Concern Insurance Services reveals that over 55s who don't take out travel insurance, which could cost as little as £19.20, are at risk of having to pay for travel claims costing thousands.

Age Concern Insurance Services is urging everyone travelling abroad to make sure they take out a travel insurance policy to ensure that they don't end up out of pocket should anything happen.

All too often the unexpected does happen. Age Concern Insurance Services highest claims include paying out just over £117,000 for heart failure in the USA, £107,000 for a fractured spine in the States and almost £79,000 for a broken hip and wrist in Israel. These figures include medical expenses; repatriation costs; cancellation and curtailment fees; all of which the holidaymaker would have been responsible for if they had not taken out suitable travel insurance.

Claim costs aren't any cheaper closer to home. Treatment for a fractured hip in Spain can cost nearly £17,000, kidney failure in Turkey can cost nearly £34,500 and catching pneumonia in Portugal can cost just over £22,500.

Joe Young, Age Concern Insurance Services, says: "In the current climate, travellers may feel that travel insurance is an unnecessary expense. However our data clearly justifies the need for insurance and highlights just how expensive it can be when something goes wrong on holiday. We want to remind everyone that they can protect themselves from all these potential costs by taking out comprehensive travel cover - it provides financial security and peace of mind just in case the holiday doesn't go to plan - for whatever reason.

"Our Travel Insurance offers cover tailored for the needs of older travellers. There are no upper age limits with Age Concern Travel Insurance and we aim to cover pre-existing medical conditions if possible. This will come as reassurance to the many older people who are well aware of the frustrations involved in obtaining cover."

To find out more about Age Concern Travel Insurance, visit ageconcern.org.uk/travel