Insurance breakthrough

High-risk groups that have problems obtaining travel insurance will welcome the arrival of two new niche policies that offer cover without charging high premiums.

Last week, the policies offering cover for people with mental illness or HIV were launched and claimed to remove discrimination against groups other insurers see as 'high risk'.

Those with HIV or people who have been hospitalised with mental health problems often have difficulty finding travel insurance. Many policies exclude cover for pre-existing health conditions.

Now Bureau Insurance Services (01424 220110; bureauinsure.co.uk) has launched Orbis travel insurance, which covers people for claims relating to their mental-health conditions, as long as they declare them, for standard rates.

'Go Gay' (0870 458 3230; gogay.com) targets gay men, lesbians and people living with HIV. It recognises same-sex partners, so that in the event of illness or injury, partners are covered to stay with their loved one or cancel their holiday. It also treats HIV like any other pre-existing medical condition.