Travel insurance 'still needed for ferry trips'

Those booking themselves travel on ferries to Ireland or abroad have been told to take out adequate travel insurance, especially if they are elderly.

One reader of the Telegraph in their seventies wrote in to explain that he had booked an expensive ferry but was concerned that his high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes may mean he has to cancel it if his health is not up to the trip.

The newspaper explained that he will have to find an insurer who will be willing to cover the whole cost of the trip in the case of a cancellation, although many will only offer up to a certain amount.

"General travel insurers will usually cover medical treatment on the voyage – as long as you don't have a serious medical condition – but few are prepared to stump up for this level of cancellation cover," the newspaper warned.

Saga recently warned that families hoping to cut back on the costs of a holiday by taking ferries to Ireland need to ensure they are covered under travel insurance, or they could face unexpected costs if their fellow travellers end up having to go to hospital.

Posted by Mark Robinson