Domestic cruising and short-haul regional travel have become increasingly popular among travellers in their 80s, particularly those keen to avoid long flights and unfamiliar medical systems. Medical evacuations from ships, particularly those without helicopter access, can be complex and expensive. “If you have a heart attack or a stroke and need to be taken off the ship, you’re responsible for those repatriation costs,” the specialist said. For Southern Cross Travel Insurance Chief Customer Officer, Jess Strange, it’s important travellers over the age of 80 don’t presume their age will cause a travel insurance premium to automatically rise, as this is wrong. “Always take travel insurance, no matter what age you are,” Strange added.