Elderly people being hit by travel insurance premiums with average rates at £305

Elderly travellers are being hit by soaring travel insurance costs, an investigation has revealed.

Which? found prices rocket once pensioners hit 70 and the amount of available cover drops.

Those in that age group had 42 quotes to choose from, starting at an average price of £57, according to the consumer watchdog.

But those aged over 80 were hit hardest in the pocket, with just seven ­policies offered – at around £305.

That compares to 76 policies for a 55-year-old tourist, the cheapest average cost being £13.

Which? studied quotes for customers in perfect health buying an annual European policy.

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Its money editor Jenny Ross said: “For many customers, getting ­insurance is straightforward, but for a small fraction, finding cover can routinely be a ­nightmare. However, not all hope is lost.

“If you struggle to get ­insurance because of medical conditions or your age, there are some resources that can help you locate specialist insurers that lie off the beaten track of the ­comparison websites.

“If there’s relevant context to your history or circumstances that you can’t communicate on an online form, or you’re unsure how to accurately fill one out, contact the insurer directly by phone or email to speak with a human.”

Travellers with medical conditions also struggled to find affordable ­insurance policies, with one Which? member quoted £3,200 to cover his wife who had shown an irregular heartbeat in medical tests.

And car insurance rose once drivers had passed their mid-70s.

One active 78-year-old told how his motor quotes varied ­dramatically from £450 to £2,134 for those in his age group.

He said: “I still run, jump in rivers and chase salmon, and run stables and horses.

“It’s annoying to discover at this age you’re deemed incapable of even driving.”

Which? also said those battling to find affordable insurance because of age or on health grounds should try the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, which helps track down specialist brokers through its “find insurance” service.