There are advantages to being an older traveller, including the free or reduced-price access they get to many sights and attractions in Europe. But there are disadvantages too. In particular, the significantly higher prices which kick in when arranging travel insurance and steep increases for pre-existing medical conditions. We aren’t just talking about travellers over 60 or 65 here. Over 40 there’s a steep rise and from then on premiums can go up every 10, or even five years. But once you reach 65, some companies won’t insure you at all. And if they do, premiums commonly double again, and then continue to increase as you pass 70 and up. So, for example, the cost of Columbus Direct’s Silver Single Trip policy covering a week’s holiday in France goes up as follows: age 65 or under: £25.66 66-69: £56.95 70-79: £87.91 80-85: £134.96. These rises and cut-off points are despite the fact that older travellers are wiser and more experienced, certainly a lot less likely to end up in hospital after falling off a balcony or diving into the shallow end after imbibing too much sangria. The standard response from insurers is that the higher premiums reflect an increased risk...