The cost of travel insurance cover for those visiting the USA is likely to be higher than for a trip to Europe, Halifax Travel Insurance has asserted.

Halifax spokesperson David Bruce commented that medical fees in the United States are much higher than in Europe - a factor that may be of particular relevance to senior travellers.

Mr Bruce added that the "age, circumstances and health" of consumers are contributing factors to the cost of travel insurance.

He noted that there was a growing trend in consumers taking a number of short breaks rather than one long summer vacation, resulting in an increase in popularity for annual cover.

According the Association of British Insurers, travel insurance usually provides cover in case of medical emergencies or repatriation costs in the case of illness, loss or theft of money, damage or loss of possessions as well as a number of other possible misfortunes.