Protection and great value holiday cover

Your holidays are one of the most important times of the year, its your chance to relax and unwind. And we can help you enjoy total peace of mind whilst you are away.

Not only do our policies offer valuable protection for you and your family, they are also great value.

Our single trip policies start from just £4.16 and annual multi trip policies from £30.59*. 

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If you’re on a strict budget for your holiday, but are still looking for the best value travel insurance product, we think you can get a great deal even with our cheapest travel insurance policy. We know that the cost of holidays can keep adding up - flights, hotel, spending money, excursions. Making sure you’ve got the most suitable cover for you can also make it quite stressful. Our cheapest travel insurance for Europe includes cover if you’re visiting the Canary Islands, Russia, Greece and Turkey. Speaking of Turkey, our table below outlines our cheapest prices for travel insurance to the transcontinental country, and shows you the difference in cover between our policy types. I’m sure you’ll agree, they’re quite competitive.

 Benefits Bronze  Silver Gold
7 nights trip to Turkey £8.50  £13.36 £20.23
Medical Expenses £5M £10M £15M
Cancellation £500 £3,000 £5,000
Baggage £500 £2,000 £2,500
Missed Departure £300 £750 £1,500
Loss Passport £250 £250 £500
Standard Excess £150 £75 £50

Based on: Single person 30 year old travelling to Turkey

It’s your world - enjoy it

Columbus Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist, established in 1988 - and we’ve insured over 15 million people since then.

Whether you want to backpack around Australia, ski in the Alps or simply lay on a beach with a good book, you can tailor your policy to meet your needs.

We know how much your holidays mean to you and your family. That’s why we want to make sure you’re able to completely relax when you fly away, safe in the knowledge we’ll protect you.

Our award-winning 24-hour emergency medical assistance team is always on hand if you need them. Plus, our simple, reliable approach to claims means that if you need to claim, it’ll be a straightforward process. We’re committed to being there for you when you need us most, and helping you in your time of need.

You deserve the best care and the chance to fully relax; we’re the helping hand you can rely on. Live your life to the full and enjoy a carefree holiday, knowing we’re here if you need us.

Don’t forget to get in touch with us if you have any questions about your insurance, or you’d like to find out more. You can contact us on 0800 0680 060 or by using the contact form on our website.

We also have an easy-to-use dedicated FAQ section.

Columbus has a range of policies with different levels of cover, our policies provide protection for the following:

  • FREE airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for more than one hour
  • Emergency medical expenses up to £15 million
  • Remuneration if your holiday is unexpectedly cancelled or cut short up to £5,000
  • 150 activities, including scuba diving, are included at no extra cost
  • Your baggage and belongings will be covered if lost, stolen or delayed, up to a value of £2,500
  • Compensation for scheduled airline failure up to £5,000
  • Cover for missed departure up to £1,500
  • Loss of cash up to £300 and loss of passport covered up to £500
  • Legal expenses taken care of up to £25,000
  • Up to £2,000 Hospital benefit in case you or your family are hospitalised fall ill
  • Physiotherapy benefit to help with recuperation back home following an accident
  • Personal Liability protection up to £2 million Personal Accident Cover included
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travel insurance cover kids playing on the beach

Prepare for the unexpected, don’t forget your travel insurance

Life occasionally throws a curveball, and if you’re abroad, this can be a challenging experience. The chances of something unforeseen happening are slim, but it’s always best to think about the unexpected. For example, what happens if you or your family need unexpected medical attention? What about if you lose your expensive sports kit, or your wallet and phone go walkabout?

These things can happen, but if you’re insured by Columbus, you can jet off in complete confidence, knowing that we’ll come to the rescue if your plans change. We can take care of your medical bills if you’re ill, we’ll cover you for missing, lost or damaged belongings and even provide an allowance to purchase essential items in the event that your checked-in baggage is delayed over a certain period of time. 

Get your travel insurance sorted with Columbus Direct before you go, and allow us to shoulder the responsibility instead. You’re free to go and make the most of your holiday; It’s your world - enjoy it!



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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • I’ve just turned 50 – will you be able to protect me abroad?

    • That’s no problem at all. Don’t forget to double check your date of birth when booking - incorrect information about your age could invalidate any claims you might need to make.

  • Will Columbus Direct be able to help me if I’m 55?

    • Not a problem. You’re welcome to buy single or annual policies – now all you need is to find your passport and book that holiday.

  • I’m over 65 – will you still insure me?

    • You can buy our single trip cover up to the age of 85, and we can offer you Annual Multi-trip cover until you’re 74. If you are 80 or over and planning to travel for 31 days or more, then only Gold policies are available for trips of this duration.

  • I’m travelling with children aged under 16 – do they need insurance?

    • Even the youngest children need to be protected, so please remember to include them on your family policy. With Annual Multi-trip insurance, children can travel separately to you - so it’s useful for overnight school trips or holidays with other relatives. For instance, grandparents or a parent who doesn’t live with you. However,  children cannot be insured under their own single trip policy if you’re booking online. In certain circumstances, such as travelling on a school trip or when they’re accompanied by an adult, children can have their own policy if you buy via our call centre. Please call us on 0800 068 0060 and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

  • Will you take medical conditions into account?

    • Yes, we will. You can find out more about our pre-existing medical cover here, or call 0800 068 0060 and speak to a member of our call centre. We accept hundreds of conditions, including diabetes, autism, a range of cancers, back pain, Alzheimer's, anxiety and dementia.

  • I’m a student - can I get insurance?

    • Students lead busy, active lives and travelling is the perfect excuse to find new adventures. We are happy to insure students, and we’ll be there for you if you need us.

  • I’m travelling with my family – will you provide us with a family policy?

  • What about backpackers?

    • We’re happy to insure globetrotters. Our Backpacker package offers worldwide protection, round-the-clock medical assistance services and cover for over 150 sports and activities at no extra cost.

  • I’m pregnant – am I still considered eligible?

    • Yes, as pregnancy is not a medical condition. You’ll be able to claim for reasonable emergency medical expenses with the pregnancy, provided you have not had any prior complications and you are not travelling against medical advice. Please read the policy wording as certain conditions apply.

  • Will my health insurance protect me abroad?

    • Some health plans will provide you with protection while you are abroad. However, we strongly advise that you check what’s included in your policy documentation before you leave the country.

  • If I travel for work, is there a business add-on?

    • Yes. Our business travel extension bolt-on provides travellers up to an additional £1,000 to compensate you for lost, damaged or delayed business equipment, or to fly out a replacement employee.

  • Can I buy annual multi trip insurance?

    • You can as long as you are not aged over 74 – and you can enjoy your holidays without the hassle of having to worry about buying a different policy every time. If you’re taking multiple trips this year, an annual policy could work out cheaper than having to buy two or more single trip plans. 

  • What about long stay travel?

    • We provide worldwide policies for up to 365 days away from home; perfect if you’re after an extended break or you’d like to enjoy a worry-free gap year. Back-packer policies can be purchased up to age 65.

  • Can I buy gap year protection?

    • We’re very happy to protect you if you’re taking some time out to travel. It’s designed specifically for adventure-seekers, and you’ll be able to claim for emergency medical care, loss of baggage and non-manual working abroad.

  • Are there cheaper products available?

    • We always suggest customers to seek the policy benefits that meets their needs. The cheapest insurance cover will likely offer you less protection than more expensive policies, which maybe fine for you.

  • How can I find cheap travel insurance?

    • Cheap isn’t always good. Finding the best value insurance for your needs will help you when it matters most.

  • Do you insure travel to Cuba?

    • Yes. You’re free to explore the island's revolutionary history and its modern, vibrant Caribbean culture with complete peace of mind.

  • Can I get coverage for travel in Europe?

  • Does my EHIC card cover me if I’m travelling to Europe?

    • Even if you’re travelling within Europe, you still need insurance. Your EHIC card covers you for emergency medical treatment in state facilities but it won’t provide you with assistance services or repatriation, neither will it cover costs in private medical centres - but one of our policies will.

  • Can I buy insurance for travel to the USA?

    • Absolutely – we’re happy to provide policies for US based-travel as well as travel to South America and Canada.

  • Do minors under 17 need a policy?

    • They do, so it’s vital you include them on your policy. If you have an annual policy, children can travel independently under your Family package.

Key benefits of cover:

  • FREE Airport Lounge Access

    • Columbus customers benefit from complimentary access to an airport lounge for flight delays of more than 1 hour. Register yourself and up to 4 travelling companions and receive alerts by SMS with your lounge vouchers sent straight to your email. Relax with complimentary refreshments including bites to eat and drinks (including alcohol) in most lounges.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses & Repatriation: up to £15 million

    • Whether its injury or illness, our policies cover you for both emergency in-patient and out-patient treatment, which includes non-routine prescription charges, consultations, physiotherapy and even emergency dental treatment. If it becomes medically necessary to repatriate you back to your home country, then this is covered too.

  • Cancellation and Curtailment: up to £5,000

    • We will compensate you for any unused accommodation and travel expenses which you lose or incur as a result of having to cancel / curtail your holiday due to certain reasons.

  • Baggage & Personal Property: up to £2,500

    • We cover the loss and theft of and damage to your baggage & personal belongings. We also provide you with an allowance to purchase essential replacement items in the event that your checked-in baggage is delayed for a certain period of time.