Since the last update here, various Forum threads have been posted on health / medical / travel insurance with good advice, including :- http://bit.ly/1WC0v2w .


This thread is not about insurance for those living in the Philippines, although a good link was given for " backpackers " here :- http://bit.ly/1sueaw2 .


Life expectancy is improving worldwide. Healthy life expectancy is a few years less ( http://bit.ly/1X70WBV ).


Travel insurance claims - and premiums - increase with age. Those aged 61-65 make more than twice the claims of 26-30 year olds.


Personally I have annual multi-trip policy with Saga ( http://bit.ly/1OapPtH ). Not all companies will even consider insuring senior citizens. Moneysupermarket.com will search / quote for travel insurance ( http://bit.ly/N1Y3Bf ).


Information in #8 of this thread is unchanged, except that IF malaria prophylaxis is thought necessary for Philippines, British National Formulary ( https://www.bnf.org/ ) recommends chloroquine with proguanil, NOT mefloquine ( because of recent concern about possibly serious psychiatric reactions ).


For travel in countries within the European Economic Area ( EEA includes EU countries ; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ; also Switzerland ), European Health Insurance Card is free ( http://bit.ly/1nNAA7B ). Travel insurance is also needed.


Whether or not you agree with UK Government travel advice ( http://bit.ly/1v5lo7W ), insurers DO note their recommendations. Insurance may be invalid if advice is not taken from UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and/or the government of the country of destination.


Existing health problems should always be declared before taking out insurance.


Most travel insurance policies should include :-

* emergency medical treatment costs, including hospital charges and ambulance fees

* return home following medical treatment abroad if original ticket can’t be used

* temporary emergency dental treatment

* " reasonable " additional expenses for a close relative or friend to give support / escort if needed

* 24 hour assistance helplines

* See http://bit.ly/1U4e5YQ .


As with all my health - related posts, they are for information, rather than to give advice .

In most cases it’s neither possible nor wise to advise Forum members, most of whom I don’t know personally.

See disclaimer : - " Anything posted in this section is the poster's own opinion and may not be accurate. Please seek professional advice. "