Why is Travel Insurance for over 65s hard to buy?

Many travel insurance providers simply draw the line at anyone aged over 65 - and premiums often begin to be heavily loaded once you pass 50. The main reason for this is the insurers' fear over expensive medical claims - which can obviously increase as you get older.

So, are travel insurers missing a trick? There are over 9 million people in the UK aged 65 and over who, with more money in their pockets having cleared themselves of a mortgage and their children (hopefully), are travelling more than ever. There are plenty of over 75s travelling too - and this group is even more marginalised by major insurers.

Healthier lifestyles and medical advances means that age should not necessarily be regarded as the major risk factor it once was. There are many people aged over 70 who are perfectly fit and healthy.

For most frequent travellers annual, multi–trip policies are the most cost effective method of buying travel insurance. For those over 65 this is reversed, with single trip policies often offering the best value - unless you are a very frequent traveller.

The internet now offers the best route for travel insurance for those aged over 65 - rather than the high street. Cover is out there and it can be found with some patient searching. Search even further and the prices quoted can often come down further than you think - especially if you're in good health.