Grey pound slopes off to find adventure as OAPs demand fun

AS THE older generation becomes increasingly active, demand for insurance for outdoor pursuits around the world is soaring.

However, those over the age of 65 may struggle to obtain cover for activities such as skiing, as some insurers may not want to take on the perceived additional risk.

But recently retired consumers taking time out to travel the world can pursue their dreams by contacting specialist insurers.

Age Concern Enterprises, which described 65 as "the new 25", said it is has seen a surge in customers applying for travel insurance. Last year, its sales of annual worldwide travel insurance increased by 41 per cent. It said this showed that not only were the over-65s travelling further afield, they were planning multiple trips to long-haul destinations.

The number requesting winter sports cover also shot up 20 per cent as more older people plan adventurous winter pursuits.

Age Concern Enterprises said it saw record take-up of both annual European and worldwide multi-trip policies in 2009, with fastest year-on-year growth in the 65 to 74 and 75 to 87 age groups.

It has found that "mature Brits" have also become far "savvier" when purchasing travel insurance. Not only are they watching the pennies by purchasing annual policies when going on multiple trips, they are also increasingly using the internet to shop around before buying. Web sales of Age Concern Enterprises Travel Insurance increased by 35 per cent last year. This trend supports Ofcom research which found there has been considerable growth in internet take up by the over 65s.

Joe Young from Age Concern Insurance Services said: "Globe-trotting is no longer the reserve of the young. Over-65s are as likely to be travelling the world as younger generations as they search for ways to bring excitement to retirement. And as the population ages, we predict a travel boom which will see even more mature people exploring far-flung destinations."

All skiers, including more mature ones, looking for a bargain would be advised to avoid Vancouver, the Winter Olympics host city. It has emerged as the most expensive destination according to analysis for Virgin Money's Travel Insurance. Instead, they should head for the slopes of Slovakia.

The cost of two people skiing in Vancouver came close to 3,500, compared with 545.94 in Slovakia. Its survey looked at the costs of ski hire for six days, four-star accommodation for a week, a Big Mac, a pint of beer and entry to a popular sightseeing attraction, for two in 12 cities around the world famed for their ski resorts. It also includes the cost, for two, for winter sports cover.

Grant Bather, of Virgin Money Travel Insurance, said: "The ski season is hotly anticipated by a great number of people and more and more are looking to combine a few days on the slopes with a few days in a city. While a trip to Sapporo or Slovenia might seem a long way to travel, tourists can make their trip more cost-effective when they arrive."