Going away as a family is the last word in relaxation; you’re all together, doing what you love, and enjoying some quality time. We’re here to make sure you feel protected on your trip, so you can make the most of your time away.
Got any queries about Columbus Direct holiday insurance for children? We’ve compiled some questions frequently asked by parents; you should find the answers you need below.
If you have any other questions, please call our customer care team on 0800 0680 060. They’ll be happy to help.
How many people can I put on a single policy?
We allow a maximum of 8 people on a policy. A family is defined as two adults and a maximum of 4 children, as long as they are under 18 or, if the child is still in full time education, under 23.
What about an annual policy?
Our annual cover permits a maximum of 8 people on a policy. As with single trips, a family is defined as two adults and a maximum of 4 children. Children must be under 18 to be included or, if your child is still in full time education, under 23.
How much does it cost to add kids to a policy?
Kids go FREE if you purchase annual cover with us. Buying an annual policy with us is great value for two reasons - not only are your children covered for multiple holidays throughout the year, but their cover will cost you nothing. Plus, you don’t need to remember to purchase a new policy every time you travel - it’s one less thing to think about!
Can you help us with lounge access if our flight’s delayed?
Yes, we can. If your flight’s delayed for two hours or more, you and up to four fellow passengers (adults and children inclusive) can enjoy FREE lounge access at over 500 airports worldwide. Most lounges offer free Wi-Fi, and you'll be able to grab a bite to eat or something to drink and relax in quiet, comfortable surroundings. If there are over five of you on the policy, you will not be entitled to free lounge access.
Please note that the two hour delay would have to come as a one announcement and some lounges don’t allow children – check online to see if your airport will accommodate you. It’s worth reading our terms and conditions before you travel, and our FAQ section should tell you everything you need to know.
Are there maximum and minimum age limits for family policies?
Standard age limits apply, plus those mentioned for children above. We can provide cover as long as a family member is aged 85 or under at the time of booking. Grandparents can add grandchildren to policies as long as the grandchildren are within the age ranges mentioned above.
What happens if we decide to extend our trip – can we alter the policy?
Lucky you - enjoy your extra-long break! Your trip can normally be extended as long as you contact us before to the expiry date of the policy, and as long as there are no claims made or pending against your insurance.
Will you cover us for missing bags and lost passports?
Yes, we do cover the cost of lost bags - but the amount of cover can vary according to which policy you’ve chosen. When you apply for your policy online, you can check the baggage limits in the summary of benefits shown under the quoted price.
If a family member’s passport goes walkies, you may be covered for the cost of an emergency replacement passport, and any reasonable travel and accommodation expenses you may have due to the passport being missing. We’d advise you to keep extra receipts for the extra costs and refer to the full policy wording for our terms and conditions.
Does the policy cover childcare-related costs, such as getting a babysitter if we go out for a meal?
Your insurance doesn’t cover childcare costs.
Are under 18s insured for sports such as kayaking and horse riding?
Great news for thrillseekers - we provide cover for over 150 different sports and activities as standard. In some instances there will be restrictions on the cover; for example, horse riding will be limited to a maximum of 7 days cover and doesn’t cover jumping or hunting. If an activity isn’t automatically covered, you can get in contact with us and we may be able to insure you.
It’s sensible to read your policy wording while you’re on holiday so you can check before taking part in any unplanned activities.
If we get an annual policy, can a single member of the family travel solo with it?
Yes. We try to offer as much flexibility as possible, so everyone on your policy will be covered even if they travel independently, including your children.