how do travel insurance claims work?
Travel insurance claims work like most insurance claims.
will fill out insurance company claim forms, which will include information such as your name, policy number, travel dates, reason for filing the claim, and the date of the claim.
then send it to you with the necessary documentation to support your claim for reimbursement. this may include documentation from a doctor (for sickness cancellation claims), flight delay notices, police reports, etc. basically anything that shows you suffered a loss.
The travel insurance plan provider will review your claim and process the documents you submitted. they will often have follow-up questions or requests. after that, you will receive a refund.
This makes it seem simple, but there are a few things you can do to make it successful (and easier):
4 tips for filing a travel insurance claim
When it comes time to file a claim, you want to be fully prepared to expedite the claims process. Here are some tips from the moment a situation arises until you file your claim.
1. trip cancellation claims due to medical problems must be supported by a doctor
For pre-trip cancellations due to illness or infirmity, you will need to see a doctor and obtain documentation that you are too sick to travel. the document you need is a full diagnosis or a “doctor’s statement”.
why do you need to see a doctor?
You must prove to the travel insurance company that a doctor told you that you could not take your trip, so the cancellation is a covered claim.
This is true even if you have a pre-existing condition, have purchased the pre-existing medical condition exemption, and know how to treat your condition. again, it’s about proving it to the insurance company.
Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes people make with travel insurance claims.
2. medical emergency claims must be supported by a physician
You may also have a medical emergency during your trip. this could be a slip & fall, heart attack or even food poisoning.
If the situation is an immediate emergency, seek medical attention immediately.
While it’s important to contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible, you should also address immediate medical concerns first.
Once the emergency is under control, contact your travel insurance company and inform them of the situation. they will be able to provide guidance on the best hospital for care, arrange care and transportation, and even serve as translators in foreign countries.
3. contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible
Claims and questions about claims should be made directly to your travel insurance company.
for medical situations, handle any immediate needs to make sure everyone is safe.
The next call should be to your travel insurance company.
Don’t make assumptions about your coverage and claims. make sure you are taking the correct steps by calling the travel insurance company, informing them of the situation and following their instructions.
They will be able to advise you on treatment, documentation and how to speed up the process.
Also, travel insurance companies provide 24/7 support to help you when you need it.
take advantage of this service. they will contact local medical facilities on your behalf and make the necessary arrangements. They can also provide translation services, if needed.
4. save documentation for everything
It is very important to keep documentation for everything you can. The insurance company will obviously need proof of expenses, amounts you’ve paid, and any reimbursement you’ve received.
the more documentation, the better.
also keep a record of the personnel you deal with at the insurance company, including an operator number and/or first and last name.
documentation you will need to support your claim
rule of thumb here: document and save everything.
If you have digital copies in your email or when you log into websites, don’t delete them. save copy paper and even consider taking digital photos of them. bank statements with fees can also be helpful.
here are some examples of what you might need to send:
- Receipts and itemized invoices for all expenses (trip cancellation)
- unused tickets, proof of payment (trip cancellation)
- explanation of the doctor’s diagnosis (medical statements) or “doctor’s statement”
- police reports (luggage theft or car collisions)
- proof from the airline that the luggage was delayed
- not completing the form correctly (this happens more often than you think).
- forgetting to provide accurate contact information (so the insurance company can call if they have questions).
- not include the necessary documentation to support your claim.
- reimbursement claim for events not covered by the insurance plan.
- misinformation, including unintentional errors, on the claim form.
- inaccurate contact information.
- lack of necessary documentation to support the claim.
- claims for events that are not covered by the insurance plan.
- seeing a doctor is essential for all pre and post departure medical issues
- seeing a doctor is essential even if it is a pre-existing condition and you know how to treat it
- contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- save all documentation
- Travel Insurance Claims: The Complete Guide
- the beginners guide to travel insurance
- How do I know if I need pre-existing coverage?
- understand how travel insurance claims are paid
Most common mistakes to avoid when filing a travel insurance claim
When filing a travel insurance claim, you will most likely file the travel claim online. Part of that process includes scanning and uploading documents like medical statements, receipts, and reports that support your claim.
The most common mistakes travelers make when filing a travel insurance claim include:
top reasons why travel insurance claims are denied
Like any other insurance provider, travel insurance providers have the right to deny claims for events not covered by the plan. Once your claim is submitted, a representative will review the details you provided and supporting documentation and determine whether or not your claim will be paid.
The most common reasons why claims are denied by travel insurance providers include:
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