"Couldn’t be happier with the company…"

Couldn’t be happier with the company and service that they provide

"Need a 24 helpline for contact in emergency."

Renewal was fine but when we needed to contact Columbus during an emergency on our last holiday, the lack of a 24 hour helpline meant we could not consult or get advice. Luckily, Travel Company stepped in but it should have been an insurance matter.

"My premium was increased hugely 300%…"

My premium was increased hugely 300% having been using them for years and never claiming. I was told it was because one of the two policy holders was 66 - but one is not. They gave me a small refund - but I really think that they should have contacted me not automatically renewed. It went to spam and I only knew about it when checking my bank statement.

"When during Covid 19 lockdown we were…"

When during Covid 19 lockdown we were not allowed to travel, I contacted Columbus Direct to ask them to freeze my annual travel insurance policy and they blankly refused. I hadn't asked for a refund, just for them to freeze the policy until I was allowed to travel once more. They were totally unreasonable.

"0345 customer service number and long…"

0345 customer service number and long wait to be answered.

"Haven't claimed but very fair and transparent pricing for declared health conditions"

I write this review not ever having claimed on my Columbus travel insurance which is obviously the acid test for any insurance policy.
The 5 stars are given for my experience with Columbus to date. Key points are: -
Their pricing, when declaring known health conditions, is fair and reasonable and the increases (if applicable) are totally transparent.
Unlike so many insurance companies, their annual premiums do not increase unreasonably upon renewal, i.e. you are not punished for you loyalty. Over the years, the premiums have increased slightly or even decreased for not having claimed against a declared condition.
The website application process is also easy, clear and transparent.
Their Covid cover is clearly explained and fair.
Finally, after recommending Columbus to a friend their policy, including cover for a specific condition, was £20 cheaper than the competition that my friend also got quotes from. Indeed, several other companies wouldn't cover the condition at all.

"I can’t speak to anybody at all…"

I can’t speak to anybody at all regarding a claim.

"Disappointing claim response times"

Got one email back as a reply of how to claim and then nothing. Have followed up twice. No response.

"Easy to renew…"

Easy to renew - they just do it. Everything else is hard. No online management of your policy, everything is through the call centre (even changing your email address). Most things not covered (eg rental car costs if there's a problem like a flat tyre and you need call out). But it's there and relatively cheap

"Have used Columbus for years"

Have used Columbus for years - never had to make a claim but application process is simple.