Travel insurance might have seemed the best option to avoid getting into serious trouble while travelling or globe-trotting. However, how would you feel if the travel insurance itself was a ripoff in the first place? Don’t raise your eyebrows, because this is exactly the case with most over-65 individuals, who find the insurance premiums doubling up or shooting through the roof, just because they happen to be on the wrong side of 65.

Many insurance companies have defended the price jump, justifying that with over-65 travellers the chance of an insurance claim is thrice than young tourists, with the claim value again being thrice the normal claim rates.

Most of the elderly lot will take this into their stride and travel anyway, while the rest simply drop their plan to travel. Many often risk the dangers of travelling without buying travel insurance. But do you really have to be duped like this? Not really. Check out the listed tips to avoid being the latest victim of travel insurance ripoffs that have become so commonplace today:

• You Need to Choose Your Insurance Very Carefully – Shop around for a travel insurance deal. Take into account at least 10 insurance agencies before you settle for one, because most would not pay for existing ailments and have other adverse conditions. Try to find the one that costs the least with the maximum benefits.
• Specialists or Not? – Try to use a specialist insurance agency that has had a client base of over-65 travellers, but do not stick to them as a commandment. In fact, at times, using your neighbourhood bank or travel insurance agency might land you a better deal than specialists who care only for policies and deadlines.
• The Double-Agent – Don’t trust your agent blindly. Most agents try to sell off insurance policies that are of no use to you, except being about 90% more expensive than what other insurance policies would have cost.
• The Fine Print – Read the fine-print, (with a magnifying glass if so needed) in thorough detail. A lot of conditions, claim considerations, etc. are mentioned in fine print deliberately for you to miss them. Don’t give them the satisfaction and pleasure by doing so!

If you have these points in place, even the best travel insurance agent cannot get you to buy a useless policy, even if you are in desperate need of one!

If you are tired of the same type of holiday in Spain or Greece, try something different. And by different we mean a different continent and a completely different type of place. Choose a place that will not only be an eclectic mix of hauntingly beautiful scenery, exuberance and thrilling entertainment but also one that will help you.

Indian cities have always been on the radar of tourists and explorers willing to go beyond the European Alps and the French soufflé. With a culture that has more twists and surprises waiting than the whole Sherlock Holmes series and a reputation for being a safe haven for tourists – Goa should be on your “places to see” list. All you need are some travel tips for Goa, and a Goa travel guide that will lead you through this mesmerising place.

So what attracts tourists like moths to this maritime paradise?

• Beaches – The golden beaches, awash with hash-raving hippies and dreadlocks are the prime attractions of Goa. You will find poor toddlers to CEOs of IT giants revelling in the sands of Anjuna beach. And for all the fun and frolic, strolling in the sun and sipping a cocktail is fairly priced – a great touring incentive for the retired on fixed income.

• Churches – An almost dream-like fusion of Portuguese and Indian architecture, Goan churches are a treat to see. Dotted with churches and serene settlers around, the peace and tranquillity of the churches will make you feel like settling down in this paradise-like state.

• The Carnival – The Goan Carnival, though smaller in stature than its Brazilian counterpart, is one of the main reasons tourists flock to this small state. Even though Christian is the basic faith and motif behind the Carnival, it exhibits a great mix of all races, religions and colour.

• The Dudhsagar Waterfalls – Located in Sanguem district, it can be approached via Panaji (the capital city of Goa) or Margao. Only about 60 km away from the capital, this place is a virtual dream for nature lovers as well as romantic couples. So, if you are an over-50s couple looking for a place to share cherished moments, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is the ideal destination.

• Spicy and Appetising – The last but best tip in our Goa travel guide is to try out the Goan cuisines. A super-spicy ensemble of Portuguese flavours, Indian spices and local innovation, Goa is heaven for food-junkies.

With these few travel tips for a Goa tour, experience the fun and frivolity that Goa represents in full fledge.