Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

The rise and rise of the mature ‘gapper'

Research from RIAS, the over-50s specialist insurer, suggests that as many as 775,000 of those aged 55 or over have taken an extended holiday abroad of six months or more. 66% of those taking an extended holiday in the 55 plus age group chose a long haul destination with 25 per cent choosing Australia or New Zealand.

Janet Connor, MD of RIAS explains: “Many older travellers aren't content with simply relaxing in the sun. It is not uncommon to see a 55 year old embarking on the sort of adventure holiday which only younger people contemplated until recently. Our survey shows that as many as one in five over 55s would choose an adventure holiday as their preferred holiday option, over a cruise, cultural or beach holiday.”

However, finding travel insurance for these trips is not always straightforward. Janet continues: “We are seeing an increasing number of older people requesting travel insurance not only for longer periods than the standard one or two week holiday, but also to cover travel to a variety of long haul destinations, often requesting additional cover to include adventure activities such as diving and snowboarding.”

Once travellers reach the age of 65 they often find it increasingly difficult to find travel insurance. RIAS looks at each customer on an individual basis, which means we are able to provide a quotation and tailor the policy to the needs of the customer, when many other companies cannot.

RIAS offers the following advice for those looking to buy travel insurance for extended trips:

* Check that the policy covers you for the consecutive number of days that you are planning to be away for. Many annual policies only provide cover for trips up to a maximum of 14 days

* If you have an existing medical condition, paying the additional premium to cover this could save 1000's of pounds in medical bills should the worst happen

* Make sure you have made appropriate security arrangements for your home during your extended absence and have left contact details in case of an emergency

* Purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have arranged your holiday so that you are covered in the event of cancellation

* Read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to ensure it covers you for all the places you intend to visit, for the full duration of your travels and for any activities that you have planned.

-ends-

For further info please call Simon Robinson on 07976 329823 or e-mail srobinson@rias.co.uk

Editors Notes:

About RIAS

* RIAS was established in 1992 and is a specialist provider of insurance products for the over 50s age group

* RIAS negotiates with a panel of insurers to secure competitive, value for money products

* RIAS has over 840,000 customers and employs just over 1,000 people across two locations - Bournemouth and Belfast

* In October 2005, RIAS was voted "Best Home Insurer" for the second year running by Guardian and Observer newspaper readers in the Consumer Finance Awards