The airport and metro attacks in Brussels have caused widespread travel disruption. Eurostar services to Brussels have been suspended, and there are no flights to or from Brussels Airport.
If you’re in Brussels and you want to know how your travel insurance can help you, we’ve answered some FAQs below. For more information, please call our customer service team on 0800 0680 060.
For up-to-date information about the situation in Brussels, please check the FCO website.
If I’m involved in a terrorist incident, am I covered?
Yes, you are. All Columbus Direct customers involved in a terrorist attack will be covered for medical expenses and personal accident cover.
Our 24-hour emergency team can be contacted at 0208 865 1640. They’ll be happy to talk you through any queries you may have, including getting medical treatment and flying home.
I don’t want to take my upcoming holiday to Brussels any more. Will you refund me?
Unless the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against travel, your travel insurance will not normally offer any compensation.
This is because cancellation only provides compensation for specific reasons, and personal beliefs over how safe a destination is are not included. It’s a good idea to contact your airline and travel provider to see if they can help you, and potentially give you a refund.
At this point, the FCO are NOT advising against travel to Belgium or Brussels. However, you should stay away from crowded places and avoid using busy public transport.
I’m abroad and I’d like to come home ASAP. Please can you help me?
If this is a concern, we advise that you contact your airline or travel provider for them to decide whether they can or will arrange for your return to the UK.
If this is not possible, and you are directly affected by the incident, we will make every effort to assist you and advise you how best to return home on a case-by-case basis.
My train or flight has been delayed/cancelled. Will you sort out an alternative journey home?
Your airline or travel provider, such as Eurostar, is responsible for your journey. They’re legally obliged to look after you, and make sure that you get home safely. We’d advise that you contact them as soon as you can and explain your situation.
I’ve decided to rearrange my travel arrangements; how can I transfer my insurance?
If you’ve decided to reorganise your travel itinerary, we’re happy to adjust your policy for you. Just give our friendly customer services team a call on 0800 0680 060 and they’ll sort you out.
I’m stranded in Brussels and can’t get home. Am I still insured?
If you’re a Columbus customer stranded abroad, due to helping the authorities, lost documentation or other consequent circumstances as a result of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, your travel insurance policy will be extended until you can return home, provided you do so at the earliest possible opportunity.
The cost of additional accommodation whilst abroad as a result of this incident is not covered although, where directly affected by the events, we will review each case on its merits.
My tour operator has cancelled my holiday. Can I have a refund?
If you’ve bought a single trip policy, then you’ll be able to get a refund. However, this may not be available if you have annual multi-trip cover. Please call our customer services team to discuss this.
I haven’t left the hotel since the attacks. Can I claim for anything?
This may be something that you can talk to your travel provider about. We’d suggest that you give them a call, and they can give you some advice.
As a rule, travel insurance cannot provide any cover for loss of enjoyment following an incident.
← Holiday insurance and extreme sports: What do you need to know?