Travel insurer World First has discovered that travellers seeking specific insurance coverage can spend as much as six hours acquiring it, longer than the time it takes to fly to Greece.
Those with more complicated insurance needs average 12 calls to insurers, according to World First, with calls taking up 25 minutes, plus 15 minutes spent searching the internet.
It is commonly the case that those with complex needs opt for some internet browsing initially, and then use the data collected to contact the relevant insurers.
James Jordan, a 77 year old with angina, found that the firm that had insured him last time would no longer do so and that of 80 he contacted only two would offer insurance, with premiums of £1,500 and £2,500 for a three week trip.
Following a medical, World First Travel Insurance was able to offer Jordan insurance for £275.
World First offers insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions, and for people up to the age of 100 for a single trip policy.
Managing Partner Martin Rothwell advocates contacting a travel insurance specialist early on, rather than opting for an internet search, which is a more feasible method of finding standard insurance coverage.
Pre-existing medical conditions can prove troublesome when the time comes to arrange insurance. Last year over 50s insurer staysure.co.uk launched a new service, covering a large number of minor pre-existing conditions for no extra cost.