Turkey surges in popularity among senior travellers

Turkey is on the rise as a top destination for UK senior travellers, with new data from Just Travel Cover showing a 34% increase in travel insurance policies for Turkey among the over-60s in August 2024, compared with a rise of just 3.6% for Spain. As Turkey overtakes Spain in popularity, experts are urging British travellers to be aware that their UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) won’t cover them for medical emergencies in Turkey, leaving senior travellers vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses if uninsured.

Short flights and warm weather have contributed to Spain’s dominance as the UK’s favourite holiday destination and it has been a favourite with senior travellers for many years, thanks in part to its reciprocal agreement with the UK to provide state healthcare to travellers with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)/GHIC on the same basis as a resident of that country. However, more recently it is Turkey that is surging in popularity among older travellers, and travellers are being reminded there’s no such agreement with Turkey and the UK, making travel insurance essential to avoid the possibility of unaffordable medical bills.

Dale Robinson, Head of Marketing and Communications at Just Travel Cover, commented: “As Turkey continues to rise in popularity, it’s important travellers understand the risks and ensure they have travel insurance and declare any pre-existing medical conditions. With many UK senior travellers used to relying on the GHIC for free or reduced healthcare in EU destinations like Spain, they need to understand that Turkey requires a different approach. It’s important that travellers ensure they are properly insured, including cover for any pre-existing medical conditions, should things not go to plan.”

Last year, research from Just Travel Cover found that holidaymakers are leaving their travel insurance to the last minute.