Diabetes UK are pretty good (www.diabetes.org.uk) , but we have found Free Spirit (Tel: 0845 230 5000) cover medical conditions that other insurance companies do not necessarily cover – my husband suffers from COPD and can not get cover with most companies, Free Spirit covers him, but it is not cheap. However, it is cheaper than not being covered!

Please be aware that the older you get the more the insurance will be until there is virtually no choice in insurance!! High Blood Pressure increases (with age in particular) your risk of stroke and heart attack hence the cost of insurance. In these scenarios, it is most likely that one would need repatriation, either on an emergancy flight or in a coffin. This is expensive and is therefore reflected in the insurance. Be warned. Make sure you are exact and thorough in mentioning EVERYTHING medical as the tiniest thing can negate your insurance. In October last year we were 2 days out of S'mpton when a 55yr old man had a severe heart attack. Britain and France mobilised a rescue and he was airlifted to hospital in France. The Doctor on board saved his life. His wife had to make her own way from Ponta Delgada to Potugal, then to france. They had to stay in France until he could be safely moved by air ambulance, after a heart bypass operation. Add ALL those costs up and you begin to realise that insurance starts to look cheap. Make sure whatever you choose covers worse scenario. On that trip two people were saved from heart attacks and one lady died as she (according to her husband) didnt want to spend money in the medical centre.

Because I have just tuned 70 with controlled medical condition I could not get an annual travel insurance. Don't know whether that was age or because Caribbean/US costs more. Now have cover for wife and self for duration of 15 day cruise with 1-Stop for £152

When I first booked our January 2009 cruise to the carribbean I enquired about insurance for myself and husband, both aged 65, me with high controlled BP and my husband having recently had a new hip. Yes it was expensive, and I checked with Tesco, they have covered us completely for the 2 weeks, for about £100.00 - every little helps !!!! Have a good cruise - Gill Russell

I have similar health problem and have used Columbus Travel Insurance at a fraction of the cost

trymarks and spencer very good prices used them for my parents this year aged 78 with health problems cheaper than saga or any others

I also have high blood pressure controlled by medication and found that Travelcover gave very good rates although this year Saga was more competitive...you could also try Insure and go.

All travel companies, and agents, insurances'are expensive.I've just taken out a premier annual family insurance with direct travel insurance covering 3 pre existing conditions (one serious) for myself, high blood pressure for my husband and asthma for my daughter - cost -just over £60. THe post office quoted a very close £69.