Article Surfing Archive

What's in a name! Quite a lot actually and the one being coined for the older age group at the moment is that of 'silver surfer' and what a great name it is. For those approaching retirement, it sums up neatly, and in such a positive way, what the future holds in store. No longer should terms such as 'the grey generation' be used to describe this large section of the population. Retirement is not 'grey' but bright and vibrant. 'The future's bright, the future is '..' as one well known advert puts it but it could easily be used for a vision of the future of many people entering retirement, fit, healthy and better off than their equivalents of previous generations. Children off their hands, spare cash, mortgages paid off and free time, this generation has never had it so good. So the term ' Silver Surfer' conjures up the picture of far off places, living new experiences, being active and enjoying life and why not. After all, isn't this what we all work for?

But there is a fly lurking in the ointment, or sun tan cream for that matter. Why then, when life is starting to look up, is it so difficult to find a travel insurance policy that does not penalise us for being older than the average. Generally, if in good health, insurers will provide the same rates for anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 but boy, once this threshold is breached, it's open season on anyone the wrong side of this notional bracket. Try and find an annual travel insurance policy when you are past 70, they exist but at a price. The simple fact is that those 'over 65' are deemed a greater risk for cancelling a holiday before going, curtailing a holiday once abroad and incurring higher medical costs but it is time that policies were more tailored to the individual rather than the group. There are many 70 year olds fitter than twenty something's and less at risk on their cruise down the Danube than the bright young things strutting their stuff on the dance floor in Ayia Napa but it was ever thus!

There is no easy answer except it pays to shop around and there are travel insurance providers for the 'over 65' age group on the market which also provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance. But don't allow the extra premium you may have to pay to enjoy your new found lifestyle dissuade you from taking out adequate cover in the first place. A hefty medical bill will certainly drain those hot vibrant colours back to grey in no time if you do decide to take the risk of having no cover.