While travel insurance often gives Britons peace of mind ahead and during their holiday, this was not the case for Alan Harrison, 76, from the West Midlands, who decided to explore mainland Europe this summer.
Booking his travel insurance, Mr Harrison paid some £540 through the provider Holiday Extras.
However, he was shocked when he told the company his blood pressure medication had been changed and they wanted more money.
The firm asked for an additional £560, despite the policy only having 92 days left to run.
Mr Harrison told the Mirror: “I was gobstruck, that’s more than I initially paid for a whole year’s cover.
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“The sum was so eye-watering at first I thought that they were quoting me for a whole year.”
The minor change in medication meant a massive hike in price for the dismayed pensioner who found it difficult to secure another deal.
He added: “I find the whole area a nightmare.
“What has appalled me is that a minor change of medication which was too trivial to require a face-to-face appointment with a doctor could have so drastic an effect on perceived risk.”
Holiday Extras told the Mirror Mr Harrison’s policy has since been cancelled, and he has been given a pro-rata refund for the remaining period of his cover.
Since then, Mr Harrison has found a different insurer for his summer holiday.
GoCompare has explained the older people get, the more expensive their travel insurance is likely to be.
This has been attributed to the fact older travellers are likely to have a pre-existing medical condition.
This makes a claim for expensive medical treatment while abroad more likely, and therefore increases the price.
The company said in 2020, the average premium price for single policy for a 26 to 34 year old with medical conditions cost £29.81.
The same cover for a 61 to 70 year old with medical conditions cost more than double that, at £67.78.
People are required to disclose pre-existing medical conditions when they book their travel insurance.
This is because not telling an insurer could mean they might refuse to pay out if a person becomes ill due to this existing condition.
Travel insurance also varies from provider to provider, with different levels of cover available as well as varying exclusions.
As a result, Britons are generally encouraged to conduct their research to find the best option available for them.
Express.co.uk has contacted Holiday Extras for comment.
Source: Expressnews.co.uk