Columbus Direct Reviews

5 weeks since my accident on holiday and still nothing.
Every time I phone to follow up on my claim I am cut off or told my claim handler is not available and will call me back. They never call back.
There is never a supervisor available the are always in a meeting.
I am now told my claim has been put back in the queue and will be reassigned another claim handler.
Columbus Direct is not even based in the UK, this is a call centre in South Africa.
Its not what I thought I was buying. Very disappointing.

Used to be good. Horrible customer service. I was called once, couldn't pick up the phone and the person couldn't bother to try again. Sent me an email to which I replied and still waiting for an answer. The number I was called from cannot accept calls so I can't contact them. Sent an email complaining about it and got a different number. Called this number but they could help. I was told a person who could actually help would call me straight away but nothing. I can't wait for your call all day, people need to work too you know?

Without mentioning the delay in handling claims, and complaints, good luck with those…
Also the free lounge is just to lure you to buy their insurance products. The entry ticket will take over an hour to be sent following the delay announcement making it completely pointless in most of cases. This is based on 2 episodes, in different countries.

Me and my partner went on holiday and took out an insurance with Columbus and unfortunately we got stuck in Greece 3 months ago as our flight was delayed then cancelled and they couldn’t give us a return flight for 3 days! When I spoke to someone from Columbus on the day they were so helpful told me I would be covered and reassured me but since then, I haven’t received an email from them since October despite me emailing pretty much every single week with all the information I have and they’ve asked for. They have caused so much stress and pretty much lied to me, I won’t EVER be using this company again

Couldnt leave no Stars or i would have. Race i was entered in Hawaii was cancelled i had taken out a Gold policy with columbus not worth the paper its written on. Couldnt get back admin fees from virgin for flights and couldnt get money back for trip cancellation. Dont waste money go elsewhere

Really awful service I waited 6 months to hear back about my claim and then was charged for renewal after chasing it. I’m still chasing the refund for the renewal.

I would really avoid this company as an insurance provider

Whilst we haven’t had to make a claim on our insurance the customer service is excellent and the product is perfect for our holiday needs (this is our 3rd renewal) at a very reasonable price. The inclusion of SCUBA diving (to 30m) is a very welcome part of the package.

Received an email to renew my travel insurance, just click below.
Despite several emails and two phone calls the link never worked and I had to renew over the phone.
I would have given up if annoyingly the quote hadn't been the cheapest of several insurance providers.

Prices for our annual cover have gone up quite a lot in the last couple of years but the company and the insurance policy is good and covers us for the range of things we want and has a few useful extras !!

Have still not heard back about my claim that I made 2 months ago despite contact being promised twice no email or contact received when promised. Used Columbus for my travel insurance for 20 years, but this is the first time I’ve tried to claim and won’t be using them again, they have lost a long time customer.

Always use Columbus Direct for my holidays. Great insurance cover, flexible and good prices. I had to claim with them once and it was no problem and that is an important point when you pick holiday cover. This time I went for yearly insurance and again a quick look at the competition Columbus were still the best.
Would not go anywhere else.

As an ex overseas representative I know the importance of travel insurance but this bunch of cowboys are rude unhelpful taking months don't answer emails it's daylight robbery they state 5 days laughable!!!!!! Left stranded for 3 days with two disabled children AVOID these robbing gits!! Read the rest of claim complaints, 100% of claims say avoid

Quick and easy to set up was recommended to use this company through easy jet. Thankfully didn't need to use it so can't say how good they would have been only issue was I received the email and policy certificate in my junk emails and didn't really check so emailed them and got a reply in Spanish or French so always check your junk email if you didn't receive any emails

As with other reviews, claims take an unacceptable time to be settled. Claim was entered early August and all requested evidence was given within two weeks.
As of today, despite a number of chasing emails, I still have no idea when this will be settled, as no one at Columbus responds to requests for this information. Somewhat horrified by other reviews where 6 months or more have passed before settlement!
Claim reference 407806

I have used Columbus twice now and have found the online application process very clear and straightforward. I have had queries on the medical declaration and when I asked for help the response was quick and very helpful.
Columbus made the process easy and I would recommend them.