LADY Noelle Benda Milverton and her daughter, Diana Clement, were shocked when their holiday plans were thrown into disarray as several insurers refused to provide them with travel cover.

Lady Milverton, a spritely 98 years old, and Mrs Clement, 74, thought they that they would have to abandon plans for an African cruise because they could not get insurance.

Mrs Clement says: “We were turned down flat by six insurance companies. Some said that age was a problem, some blamed it on the fact that I have osteoperosis and arthritis and others refused to provide cover for cancellation before departure.”

Age Concern, the charity for older people, stepped in and drafted a special policy to provide cover. Diana Corrick, from Age Concern Devon, says: “We will always endeavour to provide travel cover for customers. Age and medical issues are not relevant.”

Mrs Clement could not get a quote from Saga, the specialist insurer for the over-50s. She says: “I understand that medical conditions can sometimes be difficult to cater for, but I was suprised that a company which caters for older people could not help us.”

John Potter, Saga’s director of insurance, says that while the policies have no upper age limit, Saga was unable to provide a competitive premium for Mrs Clement and Lady Milverton. He adds that Saga will provide cover for all over-50s who book their trip with Saga holidays.

Thanks to Age Concern Lady Milverton can now look forward to visiting Nigeria, where she lived with her husband when he served as Governor-General from 1943 to 1947.

The Association of British Insurers says that older travellers face difficulties because they are more likely to need expensive medical treatment. Many underwriters feel that this is a risk they cannot insure against.

Some specialist insurers will take older customers on to their books. Age Concern has no upper age limit on its policies and holidaymakers of all ages embarking on a trip of less than 90 days can apply for cover at the Post Office. MRL Insurance provides cover for over-65s, but nonagenerians need not apply as the upper age limit for single trips is 89.

Grainne Gilmore