Do I need medical cover if I am older?

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has recently explained that travellers over the age of 65 are three times more likely to make a travel insurance claim that those aged 35.

Spokesperson Malcolm Tarling stated: ‘People are living longer and travelling further afield but the sad fact is the older you are, the more likely you are to fall ill’.

The ABI went on to state that the average claim made by someone over the age of 65 is nearly 3 and a 1/2 times more expensive than someone aged under 50. This could be potentially due to having a pre existing medical condition.

Graeme Trudgill of the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) echoed the fact that over 65s are likely to incur higher medical bills: ‘Increased travel by older people to destinations outside the European Union means claim costs are much higher as there is no access to free medical care through the European Health Insurance Card’.

The average medical bill for the United States of America is in the region of £4,700, according to Mondial Assistance, with the global average for medical bills being £1,300. Very large claims for £100,000 or more are becoming much more frequent. There are very few people who can afford to pay such amounts from their own resources, therefore is makes sense to have medical cover if you are over the age of 65 or have a pre existing medical condition.

Able2Travel is designed for give older travellers or those with pre-existing medical conditions good quality travel insurance; call 0845 839 9345 for a quote or click here to request a call-back.

Author: Adam