World First Travel Insurance

World First Travel Insurance, travel insurance based in Exeter

World First Travel Insurance is the trading name of Rothwell & Towler Ltd, a British company that sells travel insurance and began operating in 1973 as part of Rothwell & Towler. Since its beginnings, the company has kept its headquarters and customer service team in Exeter, and presents itself as a family business backed by one of the UK's largest travel insurers.

The entity operates as an Appointed Representative of Crispin Speers & Partners Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 311507). Policies are offered on a non-advised basis and availability and premiums may vary depending on each applicant's circumstances.

Travel policy range

The offering is organised into several types covering different traveller profiles and types of trip:

• Single trip: cover for a one-off trip, aimed at travellers aged up to 100.
• Annual: designed for those who travel more than once in the next twelve months.
• Medical: for people with pre-existing medical conditions, subject to a straightforward medical screening and with an additional premium the company describes as fair.
• Backpacker and longstay: for long-duration trips.
• Sports and activities: includes extras for winter sports holidays and golfing getaways.
• Cruise: with specific cover such as missed ports or cabin confinement.
• Non-UK residents: a specific line for non-UK residents.

Policies can be taken out online or by phone, and the company states that it is possible to get a policy in as little as five minutes. Documents are received instantly and there is the option to tailor the policy to the characteristics of the trip and to cover a whole group under one policy.

Activity cover and medical conditions

In addition to essential cover, the company includes protection for more than 150 sports and activities at no extra cost. On the medical side, it states that it can cover hundreds of conditions, always subject to its medical screening, and that in many cases the additional premium is small. For those who cannot find suitable medical cover, the company points to the Money & Pensions Service directory of specialists.

Claims handling and assistance

Claims are handled directly by the insurer, Collinson Insurance Services, which has a specialist team. Policyholders can start or manage a claim by phone. All policyholders have access to a multilingual emergency medical assistance helpline available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Customer service and reviews

Customer service is provided in-house, with staff trained at the Exeter headquarters, and is available Monday to Friday. The company highlights that it does not charge fees for payment by credit or debit card. On Trustpilot, after more than 10,000 reviews from verified customers, the company has a score of 4.7 out of 5, which, according to its own presentation, places it among the best-rated travel insurers.

Product recognition

The company's Premier policies hold a five-star rating awarded by Defaqto. This rating applies exclusively to those Premier policies.

Location and contact

Winslade House, Manor Drive, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter EX5 1FY · Telephone: 0345 90 80 161 · Email: info@world-first.co.uk · Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00