How Does Free Spirit Provide an Empathetic Service?

Learn how Free Spirit deliver an empathetic service.

Posted Monday, 21 September 2026 | Topic: Case Study

Empathy or being empathic can be a hard skill to master. Especially when you’re in a challenging situation or listening to day-to-day challenges other people face. The Free Spirit customer service team listen to (you) our customers each day and pay close attention to the challenging medical conditions/disabilities they’re living with. Some treatable. Others a battle.

Whoever our customers are and their medical condition or disability, our friendly team are trained to understand and provide an empathetic service. Not just the most suitable policy that can cover a trip.

If you’re familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) or have recently messaged a ChatBot online, you’ll know that typing a question into a machine can prompt it to provide information. This service may be quick and responsive. However, like most machines – it won’t understand the tone of voice. So, you’re not often met with the empathy you may want or expect.

We’re going to explain how our team of friendly humans continue to provide an empathetic service to each person they listen to. Also, we’ve heard from some of our happy customers, who’ve shared how we’ve come across at the other end of the phone too!

A happy woman enjoying her Italian holiday with Free Spirit

Deborah’s Story

Deborah and her husband enjoy looking through holiday brochures and have booked many trips with local travel agents. After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Deborah was determined that she still wanted to travel.

At this time, Deborah needed the reassurance that a travel insurance policy existed to cover MND. As she went for further tests, the need for a holiday grew stronger. Soon they decided to venture to the warm Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

The problem Deborah had was finding an insurance company that would cover her for MND. From visiting the Motor Neurone Society website, a list of insurance companies (who are normally able to assist people with MND) was provided.

However, a couple of the insurers could not decide on the phone. Both said they’d need one week to confirm if cover could be provided. Deborah couldn’t believe they couldn’t answer – one way or another.

Next, she discovered P J Hayman’s Free Spirit Travel Insurance and called to speak with a member of the direct sales team – Neil. During the call, Deborah was relieved to hear confirmation that cover could be provided for MND.

What made the conversation stand out and that an empathetic service was delivered?

Deborah felt like she was having a conversation with someone who was happy to talk with her. Not just someone who was there to ask questions from a script.

A quote from Deborah

“I felt like I was having a conversation, not an interview… Neil was not frightened to have a chat. He seemed to understand what Motor Neurone Disease is…he was happy to talk – just what I needed. It was so nice to talk to someone… he took his time… and said Don’t worry!”

It’s fair to say that Neil provided Deborah with the solution she was looking for. Plus the reassurance she needed. Soon, Deborah and her husband enjoyed a well-deserved holiday. Thanks to Neil and our Free Spirit Travel Insurance policy, she had the freedom to travel, with confidence.

Deborah added: “Free Spirit came to the rescue, and as we will be travelling to Japan in March 2024, I will be coming back to you to insure myself and my family.”

″Neil was so kind and sympathetic to my newly diagnosed medical condition; he had patience. I didn't feel rushed. We have another trip planned this year and will definitely be booking the whole family on the policy. Amazing company...″

Deborah Yates

Alan’s Story

Alan and his partner love cruise holidays. They’ve been on over 20! Each year they take out travel insurance to cover their medical conditions, which include breast cancer.

After being loyal to one provider for two years, they called for a new quote. To Alan’s surprise, the cost had gone up. So, he asked a friend who runs a cancer support group. One member of his group recommended P J Hayman’s Free Spirit Travel Insurance.

After speaking to a member of the Free Spirit team, Alan was happy to take out an Annual Multi-trip Policy. It was not only cheaper than his previous insurer, but it would cover all three of their cruises that year. It was a “no-brainer”! Alan also sensed that the team understood that everyone is different, with a range of medical conditions that affect people in many ways.

Alan then had to call our customer service team back to add his Granddaughter to the policy. He found the team very helpful, and the change was made with minimum fuss.

Alan went on to say: “If the price is right, I’ll come back again”.

Here are more reviews that illustrate our empathetic service…

″I needed travel insurance, mainly to cover potential medical problems. I have a rare condition that may cause serious problems, but hopefully not! The health questionnaire covers everything, I was confident that all was covered. I phoned to renew the insurance and the person I spoke to was excellent, having no problem understanding my needs etc. This is the only company that has been able to understand and cover me. ten out of ten!″

William James Wright

″Amazing customer service and decent quote! The customer service at free spirit was amazing and provided the cover required with an existing medical condition (brain tumour). They were open and honest about how their quotes were calculated and empathetic to the struggles in getting insurance to travel. I would highly recommend and this will be the company I will return to for future travel insurance.″

Elizabeth Amps

″They are great! I called Free Spirit Travel with a bit of trepidation knowing I had more than one medical issue that would need insuring. However, after talking to a delightfully helpful young lady my fears were whisked away. Yes, it was an in-depth conversation but it was well worth the trouble and I was thrilled to be told that I was indeed going to be insured! From the start of the conversation to the end, I was treated with respect, empathy and understanding and the service received was exemplary. The member of staff was amazing, and the price was within my price bracket which was another cause of concern. I have already received my documents, and I am at ease that I can go on holiday knowing that I'm fully covered for any eventuality with Free Spirit Travel! Hopefully, there will be another trip in the future!″

Trish C

″Excellent Customer Service. I have used Free Spirit a few times now and honestly wouldn't go anywhere else. Customer service is incredible. All staff are patient and empathetic. Top Class!″

C Mac

P J Hayman’s Customer Service Supervisor Di, explained further

“At P J Hayman’s call centre, staff are trained to approach every customer interaction with empathy, understanding, and genuine care.

Training begins by helping employees recognise the importance of putting themselves in the customer’s position and understanding how the customer may be feeling, particularly when they are experiencing difficulties or frustration.

Staff are given realistic scenarios to practise responding with patience, compassion, and reassurance, while developing active listening skills and using warm, comforting language.

Real-life situations and examples help employees understand how empathetic communication can make customers feel heard, valued, and supported. Through regular feedback, coaching, and reflection, staff are encouraged to continually develop these skills, creating a culture where empathy is at the heart of every customer interaction.”

A Quote from Victoria, P J Hayman’s HR Administrator

“Empathy and understanding are what I always emphasise when talking to employment agencies about a position I want to fulfil.

We strive to employ people who will “listen” to our customers without interrupting them.

Another skill I always mention is… “Imagine yourself in their position.”

Feel Confident When Calling The Free Spirit Team

Give yourself the freedom to travel, with confidence, no matter your age, disability, or health condition.

View a Free Spirit Travel Insurance policy.

Free Spirit team 2026 who deliver an empathetic service
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