Important Financial Decisions

There are some insurers who have developed travel insurance offers for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Saga's website says "we aim to provide comprehensive cover for all of our customers" and does not offer the option of excluding a medical condition. It points out that while some insurers do offer this option, in the event of a claim "all bills would have to be funded by you and these can become very expensive in overseas hospitals and clinics.". Saga also notes that the European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for illness insurance under a travel policy.

Saga revealed research showing that the elderly are losing faith in the NHS. 87% of those over 50 have used the NHS in the last year and 43% rated their experience as good. However a third of the people questioned felt that the NHS will get worse over the next 5 years. Saga Health say that they have seen a marked increase in the numbers of people enquiring about private health insurance.

Saga have released figures which show that 25% of drivers are actually afraid of driving in the dark. This has meant that 17% will shop online to avoid going out at night and 12% will get a taxi. They also point out that they deal with more claims at this time of the year.

A survey by Saga found that over 75's had allowed a salesman into their home without any identification. Saga say that the elderly should remember that they are quite within their rights to refuse entry and they should always ask to see identification. 25% of the over 50's questioned felt that these sorts of visits were becoming more frequent.

Not all Saga research is so heavy. They also found that the over 50's favour Barry Sheene over more iconic screen legends such as James Dean and Dennis Hopper when it comes to their favourite biker. Women over 50 liked Steve McQueen and Ewan McGregor however. Our guess is that they were shown pictures.