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38 Years
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Emergency
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Your Trusted Travel Insurance Partner Since 1988
Columbus Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist established in 1988 with a history of innovation in the industry. We pioneered direct-to-consumer travel insurance in the UK and were the first to fully sell policies online. With over 15 million customers since our inception, we prioritise customer satisfaction and value for money. Our policies include coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage, and over 150 sports and activities. We offer flexible options such as single-trip, annual multi-trip, family, and adventure travel insurance. Our award-winning service includes 24/7 emergency medical assistance and free airport lounge access for delayed flights.

We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. Our team provides quick, efficient, and hassle-free service, supported by a 24-hour multilingual emergency assistance line. We cater to diverse needs, including pre-existing medical conditions, winter sports, and business travel. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, we remain a trusted partner for global travel protection.
Services
Single Trip Insurance Annual Multi-Trip Insurance Family Travel Insurance Winter Sports Cover Cruise Travel Insurance Backpacker Insurance Business Travel Insurance Golf Travel Insurance Scuba Diving Insurance Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Details
  • Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
  • We have over 30 years of experience in travel insurance innovation.
  • Our policies include 24/7 emergency medical assistance services.
  • We offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with simple screening.
  • We provide free airport lounge access for flight delays of one hour or more.
  • Our flexible policies cover over 150 sports and activities at no extra cost.
Associations and certifications
  • Financial Conduct Authority
Services
Single Trip Insurance
Single Trip Travel Insurance provides comprehensive protection for one-off journeys, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. Ideal for short or long trips up to 365 days, it includes free airport lounge access for delays and optional add-ons like gadget or winter sports cover. Designed for flexibility, it ensures peace of mind for leisure or business travel.
Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
Annual Multi-Trip Insurance offers coverage for unlimited journeys within a year, with trip durations of up to 60 days. It includes medical expenses, cancellation cover, and protection for over 150 sports. Perfect for frequent travellers, it also provides free airport lounge access and optional winter sports or cruise add-ons, ensuring continuous protection for spontaneous or planned trips.
Winter Sports Cover
Winter Sports Cover extends protection to skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-related activities. It includes emergency medical expenses, piste closure compensation, and equipment protection. Available as an add-on, this cover ensures safety and financial security for adventurers hitting slopes in Europe or worldwide destinations, with 24/7 emergency assistance included.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions cover requires a simple online screening to include conditions like diabetes or heart issues. This ensures medical emergencies related to existing health issues are covered, providing peace of mind for older travellers or those with chronic conditions. Available across all policy types, it guarantees comprehensive support abroad.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
24/7 Emergency Assistance offers round-the-clock support for medical emergencies, repatriation, and travel disruptions. Our multilingual team coordinates medical care, arranges air ambulance services if needed, and liaises with local providers. This service ensures immediate help for accidents, illnesses, or unexpected travel delays, enhancing safety for global travellers.
Questions
What is covered under Columbus Direct travel insurance?
Our policies cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, over 150 sports, and optional add-ons like winter sports or gadget cover.
Does Columbus Direct offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, we provide coverage for pre-existing conditions after a simple online screening process to assess eligibility.
Can I get travel insurance for multiple trips in a year?
Yes, our Annual Multi-Trip policy covers unlimited journeys within a year, with trip durations up to 60 days.
Is there 24/7 emergency assistance available?
Yes, we offer 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance for medical treatment, repatriation, and travel disruptions.
Do you cover adventure sports and activities?
We cover over 150 sports as standard, with optional Adventure Sports cover for activities not listed.
What benefits are included in Gold policies?
Gold policies include up to £15m medical cover, £5,000 cancellation protection, free airport lounge access, and extended trip disruption cover.
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