Is this an unfair VAT Tax?

I quiet understand the need as far the cost of insurance and have no issues what so ever about that need and costs involved.

The complaints were simply about the extra heavy VAT charge of 20% , suggestions that consideration that the Gov could consider lower rates were suggested for All sick and disabled for add on premiums and relief on those age related 75 + extra charges, thus my reason for mentioning. I was quoting other people's views.

I well understand some people take the view if you cannot afford the amount don't go abroad. I tried to highlight not all travel for a holiday, but in any case, health benefits accrue from taking a holiday. Years ago I broke my leg at Pontins so I know accidents can happen home or abroad, then insurance is of considerable benefit.

What has really got to me is why so many grans get bitchy and make accusations that are hurtful. It does not encourage anybody to raise a subject on our website that might be controversial but should be aired. Perhaps, that is a subject for another day "Are we getting more bitchy and self centered ?"

janeainsworth, don't be so pompous and offensive in your assumptions

I so agree we don't need bitchy comments like this..

Granddaughter you raised the issue for discussion. The issue is being discussed but you don't like the comments that have been made.
What I' m reading here is that people like us who might save a few pounds on TI, are saying that there are more important problems to deal with, higher priorities, greater needs.
That is far from 'bitchy and self-centered' (sic) but shows a degree of objectivity and fairness.

I think we need a few figures here.

1) What is the typical cost of that holiday abroad?

2) What is the typical cost of travel insurance for an older person with a history of an illness taking that holiday trip abroad?

3) What is 20% of that Travel Insurance? If VAT adds £100, does that mean that travel insurance is £500?

4) What is the percentage increase that the VAT adds to the whole cost of the holiday plus insurance plus VAT plus spending money?

5) How much more is that foreign holiday costing than an equivalent holiday spent in a resort in the UK where the NHS is at hand should any health problems arise?

We were given an example of a gentleman aged 80 who had a cardiac bypass over 20 years ago and had chest infection in 2008 and no problem since.
He wanted to go on a 15 day cruise in June, the travel insurance with Age Uk £791.92 for an annual trip , single trip £579.72.

So vat around £100 to £130+

15 day cruises are hardly essential for health, are they?
My MiL has managed to survive to the age of 94 without ever having been on one.
In fact she hasn't been on holiday for years, not because she can't afford one, but because she can't face long journeys of any sort.
There are many barriers to older people going on holiday - loss of a partner or friend to go with, infirmity, not being able to cope with extremes of heat or cold, not fancying unfamiliar food.
Paying 20%VAT( which is the standard rate, it isn't 'extra') would be a negligible factor.
In the example you cite granddaughter the VAT would probably be between 5 to 10% of the total cost - a small price to pay for those who can afford cruise holidays and as I said earlier, far less than the premium paid by families who have to take their holidays in the school holidays.

High travel insurance for an 80 year old who has had bypass surgery does not surprise me in the slightest. Try being a 60 year old who has had a transplant ! Saga and Age Uk in our xperience have proved to be expensive. Eurotunnel insure my friend's parents, both in their mid and late 80's for under £100 and I think that is an annual policy, not a "one trip".
The question however seems to be that the standard rate of VAT is unfair. I would ask Why?
If you subscribe to a method of taxation which relates to the value of the item, rather than the means of the purchaser, this is what you get. To have a sliding scale of VAT might be an answer, but would be a minefield.
If I had to "nominate" 5 items for lower or zero rating, I would prefer to see lower VAT on sanitary products, children's shoes (that may exist, don't know) tradesmen's bills for e.g. Roof repairs, heating and plumbing repairs , meals or snacks eaten "in" as opposed to takeaway food and drink, and public transport costs.

I still think this issue is a non starter and while you might expect members of Gransnet who are presumed to be "d'un certain âge" and may or may not be infirm to support the idea, it is interesting that there seems to be a strong majority against it.

JaneA sorry but 15 day cruises are essential for my health. I get depressed without them and when else could I flaunt my pearls etc?

You can dazzle us with your pearls any time Galen

Galen

I've given this some more thought and I realised that I always think of the VAT as part of the cost of anything. So I do think if you want to go on holiday here or abroad, the insurance is just part of the cost of the holiday and you can either afford it or not. End of story.

Lets drop the subject, far too busy looking after three children this week. Not a clue about what knickerfit is on about.

I have not been on a holiday abroad for at least fifteen years, so it is a purely theoretical question as far as I am concerned. Anyone who can afford a fifteen-day cruise is not really in need of my sympathy for the VAT. Perhaps they could think of the VAT on travel insurance as their tax contribution to the NHS for the treatment they had received for the condition that made them a higher risk for the business supplying the insurance?

Perhaps they could consider holidaying in this country.

granddaughter
wilma's posts are a great deal more logical and easy to understand than yours.

What's not to understand? Wilmaknickersfit 's post is perfectly straightforward
Somewhat frustrated at no response whatsoever from granddaughter to any of my points raised. So much for "discussion" <sigh>

I'm now convinced it's James (Retired RAF Aircrew) aka Realgranddad because he's used my 'surname' (misspelt). Clearly he doesn't like our replies either way. Not that it matters what name he uses.

So in the absence of universal agreement granddaughter beats a retreat rather than discuss the issue.

Having now read the 'Bee in your Bonnet' thread on the Grandads Shed forum I'm sure you're right wilma <sigh>