Cover now in place for older traveller

Those over age 75 may find that a sound mind and a sound body are not enough to obtain a sound travel insurance premium. In fact, those offering cover often use age-related loadings, while other insurers simply refuse to cover individuals over a certain age.

Accident & General offers cover to all age groups. Since January 1st, the company has arranged insurance for 89 people who would fall outside the industry norm in terms of upper age limits, said a spokesman. The oldest person taking travel insurance was 90 this year and in 1998, the oldest was 94.

Travel insurance coverage offered by Accident & General includes medical expenses of up to £2 million (€2.54 million) plus repatriation, by air ambulance if necessary. If the policyholder is over 80, there tends to be an upper limit for length of time for which they can arrange insurance, said the spokesman.

Policyholders may usually spend up to two-and-a-half months in Europe, three months in Britain, but anything over a month in the US must be cleared with insurers Hibernian and Royal & Sun Alliance.

When deciding to grant coverage, insurers will recognise risk-reducing factors. For example, older people travelling to visit relations are considered a lower risk because they're in a more supportive environment. On the other hand, older people travelling on their own, or without family, are considered a higher risk.

Loading is based on both the place travelled to and the age of the policyholder. Premium loading for this travel insurance policy is 3.5 the standard rate for travel to the US and 2.5 to Europe.

The standard premium for those up to age 75 travelling to the US for two weeks is £49. Individuals aged 75-80 cost twice the standard rate at £98 while those over 80, with or without a health problem, cost three-and-a-half times the standard at £171.50. If spending a month in the US, those over 80 pay £198.

European travel insurance costs £58.33 for someone over 80 spending two weeks in Europe and increases to £72.50 for one month.

Some health insurers refuse to cover people after a certain age, due to the increased risk. Coyle Hamilton's Alliance plan offers coverage of 180 days in the year for 60 days per trip. Cover is only provided until age 75.