Brits risk forking out thousands in travel claims for the sake of £20 travel insurance
Author: Simon Macsis
Category: Travel and Leisure
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Older British travellers are at potential risk of paying out for hefty travel claims, for the sake of premiums costing as little as £19.202. Age Concern Insurance Services reveals that the cost of travel insurance claims can top £117,0001. 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 £19.202 , are at risk of having to pay for travel claims costing thousands1.
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 £117,0001 for heart failure in the USA, £107,0001 for a fractured spine in the States and almost £79,0001 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 £17,0001, kidney failure in Turkey can cost nearly £34,5001 and catching pneumonia in Portugal can cost just over £22,5001.
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."
For further information or to set up an interview, contact Imogen Davies, Jess Baker or Marina El Sidaoui on 0207 025 7500 or email Imogen.davies@trimediauk.com / jess.baker@trimediauk.com / marina.elsidaoui@trimediauk.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
The amounts below are based on the highest claims paid by Fortis for the period June 2008 to June 2009
Heart Failure in USA= £117,804
Fractured spine in USA= £107,229
Broken hip and wrist in Israel. = £78,991
Fractured hip in Spain= £16,987
Kidney failure in Turkey= £34,287
Pneumonia in Portugal= £22,582
2 The £19.20 premium is based on a 57 year old travelling to Europe, including Spain, for 9 days. Note that this price does not include medical screening (to determine any health issues that may affect the policy). Terms and Conditions apply.
Please note this amount is based on claims data supplied by Fortis for Age Concern Travel Insurance customers. It is therefore not reflective of the whole Travel Insurance market and claim costs from other insurers may vary.
3 Pre-existing medical conditions covered where possible and subject to agreement by Fortis Insurance Limited. On application, if you answer 'Yes' to any of the medical screening questions, you must declare the medical conditions. You must do this before taking out or renewing your policy.
4 If you call the 0845 number you will be dealing with Fortis Insurance Ltd which provides and manages Age Concern Travel Insurance
5 Not all Age Concern branches offer all Age Concern products. Please check by telephoning your local office before arranging a visit.
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Keywords: travel insruance
View Count: 256
Date Submitted: 10/8/2009
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