Seniors still searching for cover
A recent report from UK consumer organisation Which? has found that older travellers are still finding it difficult to find appropriate and affordable travel insurance, despite some companies taking the upper age limit off their policies. Gordon Morris of Age UK, a charity focused on helping older people, commented on the report: “The Which? report reveals real difficulties that those in later life can face when purchasing travel insurance. Why should you say to people who are over 65 ‘you can’t go skiing’?” He added, though: “The important thing to note is that there are still options available and consumers just need to take the time to shop and get the best policy. However, it is essential to be completely transparent when purchasing a policy, advising your provider of any medical conditions.” Michelle Mitchell, also of Age UK, added: “It is shameful that older consumers be denied travel insurance simply because of their age. It is also unbelievably short sighted. Discriminating against our ageing population in this way is not just bad for older people, it is bad for business.” She went on to say: “Older people complain about this area of age discrimination more than any other, but insurance will be exempt from age discrimination, [thanks to a] law coming into force in 2012. After years of inaction, the only way to improve the situation is government intervention. We urge ministers to change their mind and outlaw unjustified discrimination in financial services.”
A recent report from UK consumer organisation Which? has found that older travellers are still finding it difficult to find appropriate and affordable travel insurance, despite some companies taking the upper age limit off their policies.
Gordon Morris of Age UK, a charity focused on helping older people, commented on the report: “The Which? report reveals real difficulties that those in later life can face when purchasing travel insurance. Why should you say to people who are over 65 ‘you can’t go skiing’?” He added, though: “The important thing to note is that there are still options available and consumers just need to take the time to shop and get the best policy. However, it is essential to be completely transparent when purchasing a policy, advising your provider of any medical conditions.”
Michelle Mitchell, also of Age UK, added: “It is shameful that older consumers be denied travel insurance simply because of their age. It is also unbelievably short sighted. Discriminating against our ageing population in this way is not just bad for older people, it is bad for business.” She went on to say: “Older people complain about this area of age discrimination more than any other, but insurance will be exempt from age discrimination, [thanks to a] law coming into force in 2012. After years of inaction, the only way to improve the situation is government intervention. We urge ministers to change their mind and outlaw unjustified discrimination in financial services.”