The intrepid mature traveller

Sixty five is the new twenty five, as the recently retired increasingly take time out to travel the world, says Age Concern Enterprises.

Last year, sales of Age Concern Enterprises annual worldwide Travel Insurance increased by 41%, demonstrating that not only are the over 65s travelling further afield, they are planning multiple trips to long-haul destinations. The number requesting winter sports cover also shot up 20% as more and more older people plan adventurous winter pursuits.

2009 saw record take up of both annual European and worldwide multi-trip policies, with fastest year on year growth in the 65 to 74 (16%) and 75 to 87 (40%) age groups.

Mature Brits have also become far savvier when purchasing travel insurance. Not only are they watching the pennies by purchasing annual policies when going on multiple trips, they are also increasingly using the internet to shop around before buying. Supporting Ofcom research, which found there has been considerable growth in internet take up by the over 65s, web sales of Age Concern Enterprises Travel Insurance increased by 35% last year.

Joe Young from Age Concern Insurance Services says, "Globe-trotting is no longer the reserve of the young. Over 65s are as likely to be travelling the world as younger generations as they search for ways to bring excitement to retirement. And as the population ages, we predict a travel boom which will see even more mature people exploring far flung destinations.

"We are delighted that so many older people are fulfilling their travel dreams in later life. Our Travel Insurance was specifically designed with the mature traveller in mind, as appropriate products for this market were not previously available. With no age limits, we look forward to providing travel insurance to customers of all ages."

Age Concern Enterprises Travel Insurance, provided by Fortis, offers single or annual multi-trip insurance, no upper age limit and is designed especially for the mature customer, but its benefit levels make it an attractive proposition for travellers of all ages. For more information, visit ageconcern.org.uk/travel.