Frequently asked questions – travel insurance
About your travel insurance cover
Can I get immediate travel insurance cover?
- Yes provided you buy the cover before the start of your trip, you're covered as soon as you complete your travel insurance application and your payment is authorised.
Your policy documents will be emailed to you and you should make a note of your policy number and the telephone number for the emergency helpline. What help is available in an emergency?
- You can rest assured that if the worst does happen, you will have immediate access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the assistance centre from anywhere in the world. Experienced staff can handle any emergency situation from a lost passport to authorising medical assistance.
Should I buy a single trip travel insurance or annual travel insurance policy?
- The cover offered under both of these policies is almost identical (depending on the policy chosen), but if you plan to travel more than once in the next 12 months, an annual policy may be more cost effective.
How does an annual travel insurance policy work?
- An annual travel insurance policy will cover you for an unlimited number of trips during the policy period. The maximum trip length available varies between 31 days and 60 days depending on the level of cover you select.
What is the maximum age?
- There is no upper age limit on single trip policies, however you can only purchase a policy online for travellers up to age 99. For older age groups requiring a quote please call 0800 048 3036. The maximum age limit on annual policies is age 74 years.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
- Cover is available for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to medical screening. An online screening system is provided or alternatively you can call 0800 048 3036 to speak to an advisor who will be happy to take you through the screening process.
Do I need baggage and money cover?
- All single trip and annual policies include cover for baggage as standard but you can opt to remove this cover for a premium discount. However, before removing you should check to see if your home insurance provides this cover and that cover will be in place for your trip. Money is covered on all policies with the exception of Standard Cover.
My Partner and I live together but are not married. Are we still eligible for the couple/family option?
- Yes, a couple is defined as either
- Married
- Common-law partners or cohabiting (including same sex relationships)
- Civil Partnership
Who is covered under the family travel insurance policy?
- A family is considered to be a legally married couple, a civil partnership couple, a common law husband and wife, a single parent or adult couple who have cohabited for at least one year and up to 3 children aged under 18 (or up to 22 if in full time education) . Under 2's travel free on an Adult or Couple Policy (please select Family, under Type of policy to set this up.)
What is an excess?
- This is the first amount you and each named person on the insurance certificate, must pay towards a claim under each section of the policy. Full details of the excesses payable can be found on your policy schedule.
Can I remove this excess?
- No this isn't possible
Are there any optional extras available on the travel insurance policy?
- Yes, a number of optional extras are offered including
- Winter Sports Cover
- Business Cover
- Variety of sports and activities
Will I be covered for hazardous/special sports?
- You are covered for a variety of sports and activities as listed in the policy wording, however there maybe some sports that are not included as standard. You may be able to extend your policy to include extra cover, and this may require an extra premium. Details of cover available can be found in the policy wording, which is available to view online.
What if I change my mind about this policy?
- If you wish to cancel your cover please notify Columbus Direct within 14 days of receiving your policy documents and your premium will be refunded in full. If you are travelling in less than 14 days then the cancellation period is from now until your departure date. If you have already travelled using the cover provided by the policy, or made a claim you may cancel the policy, however no refund will be given.
Where can I get up to date travel information on the place I am visiting?
- You can get travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure you have more information on your destination before you travel.