Columbus Direct Travel Insurance Reviews
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“At best incompetent!”
Written on: 17/05/2013 by Talkstoomuch (1 review written)
Whilst on holiday in Tenerife I suffered from a stroke, although only relatively young at 54. Fortunately our Daughter was on hand at home to deal with the insurance. She spent hours on the phone sorting things out. They were absolutely incompetent. I initially lost the use of my left hand side so wasn't particularly well. It took five days before I could stand. I still needed a wheelchair when we were repatriated. Although I was I'll, I knew what was required for me to be allowed to fly... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“terrible company”
Written on: 21/04/2013 by gibsoncordwell
I paid a lot of money to make sure I had the correct insurance for my daughter who has a medical condition, we had to cancel our holiday to turkey as she needed brain surgery. Columbus spent 4 months trying to avoid paying us. I the end I had to threaten going to the papers and telling them our story!! Needless to say they suddenly paid us. I would never use them again. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Total Nightmare!”
Written on: 16/04/2013 by lisalacey
I took out the standard £1 each way travel insurance through Columbus when booking my rail. I couldn't travel because of the snow. I contacted Columbus and sent them all the information they asked for (including having to get thetrainline.com to confirm the tickets were non refundable). 15 emails, 6 phone calls, two recorded deliveries (forms duly completed and sent)later and they have now advised me ONCE AGAIN that they cannot locate my claim forms. I have just contacted Royal Mail... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Columbus/Global claims still haven't paid after 10 weeks”
Written on: 02/04/2013
I have used Columbus many times before and finally had to make a minor claim. They are administratively incompetent or simply lying, claiming not to have received various documents. I went to great efforts to produce duplicates and they're still playing games. Never, ever again... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Every obstacle possible”
Written on: 24/03/2013
Having had to abandon my journey because of delayed trains and the general advice from many sources not to travel because of snow, I attempted to claim the cost of my ticket from Columbus Direct. As others have reported they, and their agents Global Claims, were administrationally incompetent and seemed to revel in placing every obstacle they could think of before me, repeating previous requests, calling me by names other than my own, and eventually demanding I acquire supporting letters... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Appalling 'service'”
Written on: 13/03/2013
After 6 months, I have finally been reimbursed some of the considerable outlay I made while my husband was taken ill in Spain in September last year. Columbus Direct Travel hand it over to Global Claims Services and make no contact with you or even acknowledge you, their customer. The acknowledgement to pay was not received during the 5 days my husband was in hospital which meant we had to settle the bill. GCS sent letters to our old address, lost paperwork after having acknowledging receipt... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“As a result of my five year old son being diagnosed...”
Written on: 11/03/2013
As a result of my five year old son being diagnosed with a severe form of cancer we were unable to go on the holiday we had booked. The claims management firm have spent the last four months doing everything they can to stall payment of the claim and not pay for items that are clearly covered. Dealing with this company, at a time of great stress, has been one the worst experiences of my life. The deliberate non payment of valid amounts claimed must represent fraud. Given it appears my... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Avoid Columbus like the plague. I have had an annual...”
Written on: 22/02/2013
Avoid Columbus like the plague. I have had an annual travel policy with them for two years. We had to cancel a holiday last September because my wife's father was taken to hospital shortly before we we supposed to travel (he subsequently died). We claimed the non-refundable air fare and a couple of other, relatively minor, expenses. The claim was referred to an outfit called Global Claims Services Ltd. We have provided loads of info to this firm but they keep coming back and asking for more,... (read more)
Talkstoomuch's Comment
Written on: 17/05/2013
I think Global Claims excel themselves in avoidance techniques. The fact that the claims team are in South Africa and they only ever see paperwork that someone scans in over here doesn't help. Attachments to my receipts were separated before they reached the claim team. They are hopelessly incompetent.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Use at your peril”
Written on: 05/01/2013
We have had an annual policy with Columbus for a number of years now and fortunately have never had to claim. We were due to travel on holiday with my mum (who was insured herself with LV). Unfortunately she suffered a stroke 8 days before travelling. LV Paid my mums claim within 2 weeks without any problem. Columbus are refusing to pay our claim stating that our travel companion has a pre-existing medical condition. My mum has suffered from High Blood Pressure for 3 years, it is well... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“This company will not provide you any support overseas”
Written on: 05/01/2013 by JHeal
In Nov of 2012 I was traveeling in rural Vietnam, having insured with Columbus Direct, as I had for years. I always bought insurance with the thought in mind that I would be supported if I was unwell and assisted to get home - as rural Vietnam is not a place you want to get sick in. During my visit I developed a condition that over a weekend became critical - and I was hospitalised in a rural Vietnamese hospital. I immediately contacted Columbus Direct in Australia who directed me to call... (read more)
Lonnieboy's Response to JHeal's Review
Written on: 26/02/2013
Thank you for reporting the appalling treatment you have been given by CDTI.
I hope your circumstances have now improved. Having read your review and many other negative reviews of how this travel company treats its policy holders, I will not renew our policy with this company when it becomes due soon.
Fellow Aussie traveller.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 68 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“INSURANCE THIEVES”
Written on: 22/12/2012
Flight got delayed by 3 hrs because of severe storm. This in turn caused us to miss our flight to Dubai which caused us a 6hr delayed flight from Dubai to Rome, and in turn missed a pre-booked evening tour of Rome. Tried to claim on their policy for delayed flight, but was refered to a law firm which did everything to make sure they got out of paying the claim. Do not touch this company with a barge pole as they do not honour their Insurance claims, and hire a law firm to find legal... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY”
Written on: 26/11/2012 by buzybee1 (1 review written)
This company is terrible do not buy an insurance policy with them I have encountered problems you would not believe, Easy Jet lost my case and admitted fault but yet this company is refusing to pay me. DO NOT USE I am contacting Watchdog as they should not be allowed to trade, I am also making a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Appalling! Take your money elsewhere”
Written on: 22/11/2012 by Aquaduct
I'd echo many of the reviews already made about this outfit and Global Claims Services. I suppose as ever it is a case of 'buyer beware' and read the small print of the policy document before you buy but this has been nothing short of appalling. Their first response is simply to come up with any excuse not to pay out. I am now writing to them again regarding their last judgement in which they have come up with wording which is not even in their policy document as a reason not to pay out.... (read more)
Sc-R's Response to Aquaduct's Review
Written on: 13/03/2013
Just the same experience. Global Claims Service should be shut down. When I complained to Columbus, they didn't even acknowledge my complaint, just forwarded it to GCS who sent a standard letter.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Columbus travel insurance”
Written on: 05/11/2012 by Bebe184
Absolutely rubbish travel insurance... Very quickly take your money but become very difficult when they need to pay out. My dad had a heart attack and was in ICU.. He spent 7 weeks I hospital. I had the hospital consultant fill out all necessary forms but now they want the GP.. The staff are unfriendly ad not helpful at all. I would rather pay a bit extra and get insurance from a reputable firm like direct line. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Don't Waste Your Money”
Written on: 21/10/2012
A few days before planned holiday to the USA I took ill with a bad ear infection. Took advice from my GP as to fitness to travel and was advised would be OK to fly. A few days later I visited local A & E to ensure once again fit to fly and to obtain further advice / medication.. still OK to fly. Following flight to USA ear infection became much worse, deafness and severe pain. Sought treatment from local GPs in the US and obtained medication / treatment to settle things down. Now trying... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Thieving scum.”
Written on: 22/09/2012
Holiday cancelled due to my wife having an ectopic pregnancy , which required emergency treatment. All requested forms sent back, including medical certificate signed and stamped by the surgeon who treated my wife. Surprise surprise, after 2 weeks a letter turns up stating that they cannot process the claim because the medical certificate needs to be signed by our GP (as opposed to a fully qualified gynaelogical surgeon!) and that I need to send proof of flight booking (which I did) and... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Just don't!”
Written on: 13/09/2012
Having planned a trip to the US which involved flying to Chicago and then taking the Amtrak California Zephyr to San Francisco we renewed our insurance cover with Columbus as we had had insured with them for several years (no claims had been made in this time). Three days before we were due to leave, we receive notification from Amtrak that the train had been cancelled because of flash floods which had washed away part of the line. Safe in the knowledge that our annual insurance was up to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“ BEWARE - DO NOT USE! - Theives!”
Written on: 04/09/2012 by davkd (2 reviews written)
I purchased a policy to cover my Mother on a 4 day cruise. Unfortunately, she passed away 3 days before she was due to go. That was back in May. I am still trying to claim for the cancellation. Global Claims Direct (who handle all claims on behalf of these robbers) have put up every conceivable problem, excuse, smokescreen and red herring forty and avoid paying out. My Mothers Doctor has confirmed that it was a sudden death and entirely unconnected to any previous condition. Nothing is... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“DO NOT USE COLUMBUS DIRECT TRAVEL INSURANCE ”
Written on: 28/08/2012
I BOOKED TRAVEL INSURANCE IN 2008 WITH COLUMBUS DIRECT, THE COVER THAT I PAID FOR WAS FOR 1 YEARS COVER, I GOT A EMAIL FROM THEM A FEW DAYS AGO 27.08.12 SAYING THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING COLUMBUS DIRECT , WHEN I RANG THEM THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD CONTINUED TO RENEW THE TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS EVEN KNOW I DIDNT AGREE TO THIS !!!! THEY SAID BECASUE I HAD NOT CALLED THEM TO CANCEL IT THAT THEY AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED THIS AND CONTINUED TO TAKE MONEY FROM THE CARD THAT I ORIGINALLY... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Tried to renew our multi trip holiday insurance!!!!!”
Written on: 14/07/2012
Received our multi trip ho Iday insurance reminder and tried to make contact by several telephone calls and email etc., etc but at to no avail.My thoughts are, if this is us trying to renew our multi holiday insurance what would it be like trying to make contact in the event of a claim! (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 68 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Cover withdrawn for cancer victim”
Written on: 07/07/2012 by Brightonmonkey (1 review written)
After 10 years with Columbus, never again. My partner was diagnosed with cancer in April. In May we found it had seriously spread and is now in chemo. We had booked a holiday in March, three days after my partner had first gone to the doctor with undiagnosed symptoms when the GP said it's nothing, don't worry, but we'll send you for a scan to be sure. We only got the diagnosis - a complete shock - 6 weeks later. However, Global Claims, the claims mangers of Columbus, say we should have... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Refused our claim and lied about cover.”
Written on: 04/07/2012
Went to Thailand for a 2 week holiday, and decided to take out insurance with Columbus Direct because of the competitive price. After the first week of the holiday, I got sick from the local food and was moved via boat to a bigger island to receive private healthcare at a hospital. Global Claims Direct (who deal with Columbus insurance claims) assured us that the medical expenses would all be covered, and they would cover the cost of myself and partner's alternative connecting flight's... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“DO NOT USE - terrible customer service”
Written on: 03/07/2012
DO not use Columbus Direct. They automatically renewed my policy (charging my credit card more than £200 without my authorisation) after I specifically asked them the previous year to opt out of automatic renewals. Then, at my expense, I needed to call them to ask for a refund and the staff were not apologetic or sympathetic. They are after your money and do not care how they get it. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Great until you make a claim”
Written on: 29/06/2012 by loxias (1 review written)
Columbus had a policy that covered all my needs and I've had that policy for around 5 years. They were friendly when I called to add snowsports and the premium was pretty reasonable for the annual policy. However, I recently had to make my first claim - for the value of a one-way flight from the US to London as I had to come home due to a serious skin infection I picked up through some mosquito bites. I supplied them with all the paperwork they required, including a full medical report... (read more)
★★★★☆
“"unbeatable for over 75 cover"”
Written on: 03/05/2012 by mmoon
As a mature customer, over 75, I found Columbus to give the best price for the best cover. I took insurance out last year and then had to have an operation, I rang Columbus and told them what had happened and they said fine and I just had to pay an increase in premium. I shopped around this year again for my travel insurance, but they are still unbeatable for over 75 cover with medical conditions, so well done! (read more)
Braganca23's Response to mmoon's Review
Written on: 02/10/2012
That's fine --- but other reviews suggest the trouble comes when you actually want to make a claim!
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Talkstoomuch's Response to mmoon's Review
Written on: 18/05/2013
You may think you've got a bargain. Just try being ill. You'll soon realise what a useless team of scum bags they really are.when they make every excuse under the sun not to pay you!
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★★★★☆
“Good service - friendly staff”
Written on: 03/05/2012 by mwagner (1 review written)
After receiving your documents by e-mail and reading them through I contacted you by phone in order to verify a point. Your adviser was very helpful,increased my cover as requested and e-mailed amended documents with 10 minutes. Very pleased with your service. Your website is very easy to use and the printed documentation well laid out. Regards. M.W (read more)
★★★★★
“At last a company who understands prexisting health needs”
Written on: 01/05/2012 by francismcnamara
At last a company who understands the prexisting health needs of the elderly and doesn't exclude them from obtaining travel insurance & does not 'rip them off' for that service. This is the third year running I have used Columbus Direct because I find that other insurers cut off policies at age 70. Previous years have been very reasonable premium but it does seem to have shot up this year even though nothing has changed healthwise. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Brilliant insurance for pre-existing conditions”
Written on: 01/05/2012 by benderhazel (1 review written)
Brilliant insurance for those with pre-existing conditions on the whole. It's much more realistic than other firms who's quotes can be astronomical. A more reasonable yearly plan for customers with pre-existing conditions would be good. I've been away 4 times this year and have bought with you every time but I have had to get single trip insurance as it was more reasonable. This is a bit of an inconvenience though. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Highly recommended”
Written on: 01/05/2012 by elsie_hamilton
I would highly recommend Columbus. My partners belongings were stolen on holiday, he had insurance with Columbus. The process to claim it back was very easy and the staff made it very easy at such an already stressful time. I wouldn't go anywhere else. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Won't cancel the policy and keep all the money!”
Written on: 30/04/2012 by JulesBee (1 review written)
I was impressed by the level of cover so bought the policy but the wording around cancellation is not clear about canceling after the cooling off period. They are the ONLY insurer I have ever dealt with that refuses to cancel a policy after the 14 day cooling off period. I called to explain that the policy didn't cover that I needed it for plus was happy to pay an admin fee and have a pro rata refund but they still refused. I'm stuck with a policy I don't want and they kept the whole... (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 68 Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Funny that so many 4/5 Star reviews have been entered....”
Written on: 10/04/2012
...since all the bad reviews. It's amazing how the good reviews sound like they were written by marketing employees. And how come the people that do give them 4/5 stars have only ever written one review. All seems a little strange..... (read more)
Columbusdirect's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2012
An unfair comment and posted anonymously (which could appear suspiciously like foul play).
The truth is that we received hundreds of positive testimonials every month, most of them sent directly to us via email, or through our customer surveys. In our latest survey (which generated over 3,000 responses) 99% of our customers said they would recommend Columbus to their friends and family.
However, since the appeal of review sites, such as Review Centre, have started to grow in popularity we have started to ask customers who send us their thanks and testimonials if they would also be willing to post their reviews directly with Review Centre so that they are in the public domain. This would explain the rise in positive reviews – as previous all such testimonials were only used sparingly on our website.
We feel this is only fair considering our experience is the vast majority of customers are highly satisfied - as 15 million customers worldwide in over 24 years would suggest that we are doing something right.
Customer satisfaction and value for money are the driving forces behind Columbus Direct and we pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service. There are of course times when customers – particularly in regards to rejected claims – feel unhappy. We are sorry when this happens but usually this is not a customer service issue, or even a policy issue, it is most often that the customer has not made a valid claim, or has not read the policy terms.
We are always happy to receive feedback from customers when they feel we could do something better. Obviously it is easier and quicker to respond to that feedback if it is sent directly as to us, as we do not have a dedicated resource monitoring review sites for comments. Comments and complaints can be sent to either admin@columbusdirect.com or complaints@columbusdirect.com.
Columbus Direct Team
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★★★★★
“My elderly mother had an accident in Spain and needed...”
Written on: 08/04/2012
My elderly mother had an accident in Spain and needed Hospital treatment with a short stay in hosptal. We had no trouble what so ever claiming from Columbus insurance. They were very efficient, and made a difficult time less stressful. (read more)
★★★★★
“After 20years, Would Definetly Recommend ”
Written on: 05/04/2012 by patrickboy (1 review written)
Always a good, efficient service! Believe it or not, I started using Columbus 20 years ago when I was a student travelling the world. I now have 2 children and a husband and we all travel the world.... still using Columbus. This company been around a long time and I've always nbeen a sucker for stability and good value. Ask my husband :-). Anyway I Wouldn't think of using any other travel insurance company and since I normally book for the family there is really only one option. (read more)
★★★★★
“A Happy Customer”
Written on: 04/04/2012 by KarenPuckett (1 review written)
For a holiday to the USA I accidentally purchased single trip travel insurance which excluded USA (the exclusion in the area covered was not obvious to me). I rang Customer Service (William) and was able to upgrade easily. I was so happy with the service and price that I have recommended Columbus Direct to my friends and also a cousin who frequently travel to America. Also the policies are always very competitive and as most travel insurance cover similar things, I think service is where... (read more)
Talkstoomuch's Response to KarenPuckett's Review
Written on: 18/05/2013
Claiming is where you'd really spot the difference! Everything is fine until you are claiming.
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★★★★★
“Amazing service at at desperate time”
Written on: 30/03/2012 by ThomasRobinson
I’m writing this review as a very grateful son who was so impressed by Columbus that I felt compelled to make my feelings public. My parents were on a cruise holiday in the Med when my father was taken ill onboard the cruise ship. As they had a policy with Columbus they called them to see if they could help and I am pleased to say that they were absolutely fantastic in helping my parents throughout what was quite an ordeal. Initially they provided all the reassurance and support that my... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Reliable service from Columbus direct”
Written on: 28/03/2012 by GretchenHill (1 review written)
I tried to claim a few years ago when I was on holiday and had to have my appendix removed. Initially there were problems, my friends wasted alot of money on calling to make sure everything was approved, but once it was there were no problems at all. I have a only one comment however, i clicked on Send schedule by post and it e-mailed it - bit dissapointed. BUT excellent service for reliability and speed of quotes is one of the best so far. . . (read more)
★★★★☆
“Columbus Direct amazed me with incomparable service”
Written on: 28/03/2012 by KristinaChung (1 review written)
On a previous trip I had to be admitted into hospital in Indonesia.I found the 24 hour medical helpline friendly and efficient in dealing with the hospital.They also rang me regularly to keep me up to date.When I was able to leave hospital a flight back to UK was quickly arranged for me without fuss. On return to UK my claim was settled promptly and in full without quibble. It was due this experience that I always use and have no problem in recommending Columbus to others. (read more)
★★★★☆
“HIGHLY RECOMMEND COLUMBUS INSURANCE, A COMPANY YOU CAN...”
Written on: 27/03/2012 by SherriMelton (1 review written)
I have purchased from Columbus direct before , in fact I was so impressed by the transaction that this is now my third travel insurance with Columbus Direct, I have already Recommended Columbus Direct to many of our friends and family whom I know have agreed with me that Columbus direct are a company who make sure the travel policies are tailored to your needs. Thank you for taking the drudgery out of finding Travel Insurance. (read more)
★★★★★
“Fantastic Value!!”
Written on: 26/01/2012 by phase10 (1 review written)
Had a quick trip to France and needed a fast cover at a very good price. After shopping around a bit, a settled on Columbus. A quick quote process and check out makes it very easy. Also there have a various types of cover, I took the cheapest of course as I'm quite healthy, but they also cover pre-existing medical conditions. I'm off to France again to visit my new girl friend in a couple of weeks and I will definitely use them again. I would recommend you give them a try especially if you... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Diabolical customer service and avoided paying out”
Written on: 13/01/2012
Don't touch Columbus if you can help it. Claiming is a nightmare, one customer service advisor after another contacting me asking for details that I'd just given to one of their colleagues. I spent 2 weeks on a merry-go-round like before they said they wouldn't pay out. Money down the drain, will never touch Columbus again. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 68 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Death Certificate is not enough!”
Written on: 23/09/2011 by Davedave898
I took out the insurance when I booked train tickets on 17 August for a trip to London with my wife on 1 September. Sadly, my mother passed away on the morning of 1 September. I did not therefore travel to London with my wife. I later filled in a form to claim the hundred pounds spent on train fare. I received a letter from Columbus Direct asking for not only an original death certificate (which I can understand) but also a medical certificate from a GP stating the reason why the person... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Didn't even get as far as buying a policy!”
Written on: 02/08/2011
I had an email quote for a Gold Adventure Insurance policy with a 10% discount for £119 which I thought was pretty good value. The email stated that the quote was valid for 30 days. Within the 30 day period I tried to purchase the policy, but the price had miraculously increased to £177! I rang Columbus Direct to try and buy the policy at the original quoted price and the charming lady at the call centre refused point blank and merely stated that there had been a price increase and my... (read more)
Talkstoomuch's Comment
Written on: 18/05/2013
Just consider yourself lucky that you had to go elsewhere for cover!
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★☆☆☆☆
“ABSOLUTE RIP OFF!!!! ”
Written on: 31/07/2011
I went to the U.S as something urgent came up. I rung up company earlier asking if I could take out insurance while already traveling. They said yes. I ended up in hospital, they said yes that is OK to go when we rung to ask if that was OK to do so. Tried to file a claim, they WOULDN'T accept it - Said I could not take out a policy while traveling and there's no records of contact between myself and the company. YET I have call records to prove this. First lie - caught out. They then... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“TOTAL UTTER RUBBISH”
Written on: 07/07/2011
I took out travel insurance with colombus traval for a family trip to ibiza as was reasonable price to cover every inc pre-existing illness. The day before we where due to fly home my son fell off a step at the hotel an sprained his ankle so hotel sent us to a local clinic and doctor told us it was columbus travels policy we had to pay then claim the money back when we got home so when we got home i contacted columbus where they said they would need xrays and doctors report so i sent all... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“MISSELLING OF POLICY FOR UK BREAK, WHERE KEY FEATURES...”
Written on: 18/06/2011 by lizzymac (1 review written)
Columbus Direct will not pay out for an abandoned UK HOLIDAY of 4 days where car failure resulted in having to be returned home before arriving, owing to double bank hol meaning no garages open When I claimed. the small print was revealed, not shown in main policy summery. One can be compensated for curtailment or abandonment if one breaks down on the way to the airport but NOTif on the way to an UK DESTINATION! Yet I had to specify my destination when I took out cover, and this was sold... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Utterly appalling! Back in April 2010 we booked a trip...”
Written on: 21/05/2011
Utterly appalling! Back in April 2010 we booked a trip to visit my father in the Netherlands in October 2010. The night before we were due to leave my mother-in-law passed away. I put in a claim for a refund, and am STILL fighting it. They keep making new excuses why it is not eligible, despite TWO separate letters from the GP in support of our claim and having submitted lots of evidence. They don't check details, have no sympathy and are an utter disgrace to the Insurance World. Take my... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Utterly useless. Booked an excursion while on holiday...”
Written on: 04/05/2011
Utterly useless. Booked an excursion while on holiday but was unable to complete as my daughter fell ill. Called Columbus that day to check what documentation would be required, (medical confirmation etc) but was told by them that no claim was to be made: it was a "pleasurable" experience and therefore was not relevant to the ploicy. To add insult to injury, the individual I spoke to was blunt and extremely unsypmpathetic. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Columbus direct sent me a claim form which I returned,...”
Written on: 01/05/2011
Columbus direct sent me a claim form which I returned, luckily recorded delivery, as it came back in the post. They'd supplied me with their old address. When i called, the staff where most unhelpful. I put a complaint in writing, along with my claim form, again no response. Evenually after writing again, I did get a reply. I will never use Columbus again! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I was disappointed by the woeful customer service...”
Written on: 21/04/2011
I was disappointed by the woeful customer service offered by Columbus, a supposedly reputable insurance provider. I have had (overpriced) annual business travel insurance with them for a number of years and have never made a claim. I allowed them to renew it annually and did not shop around. In short, I was a dream customer. For reasons I still do not understand, they did not renew it automatically this year. As such, when I checked to see that my cover extended to hire skis, I found... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 13/12/2011
This company is cunning, I have insured with them for the last two years annual worldwide. When the renewal came up I was already overseas though my insurance was still valid and the call centre staff renewed it over the phone and asked if there had been any health issues since the last applications.
When I got home from a recent trip a friend told me that obtaining a repeat on a prescription means you have seeked medical advice and as such needs to be declared.
Called Columbus and was told this is correct so I asked them to send out a check list form and I will get my doctor to complete it, they don't have them they go on what you tell them so my advice is to use some other company
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★☆☆☆☆
“I took out insurance for a trip in August last year,...”
Written on: 18/04/2011
I took out insurance for a trip in August last year, but unfortunately I had to have emergency surgery which prevented me from traveling. I rang the company straight away and they assured me that I would be covered. It is now 9 months later and they are still putting up hurdles for my claim. They are a totally unethical company and under no circumstances would I recommend this company (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 68 Reviews
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"First class information" Read More
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InsureMyTrip.com - www.insuremytrip.com
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Lloyds TSB Travel Insurance
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Sc-R's Comment
Written on: 13/03/2013
Exactly the same with us. It took 6 months to get payment and the incompetence was staggering. Letters sent to old addresses, lost paperwork etc. I got hold of someone who oversaw the latter end of the process, not much changed, but at least I had someone to complain to as the letters were never signed by anyone.