Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

When it comes time to file a claim, you want to be fully prepared to expedite the claims process. The following are some tips starting from the time a situation first arises until you submit your claim.

1.  Trip cancellation claim must be supported by a doctor

For pre-trip cancellations due to sickness or illness, you will need to see a doctor and obtain documentation that you are too ill to travel. This could include a full diagnosis or a “Physician’s Statement”.

You need to prove to the insurance company that a doctor told you you could not take your trip, thereby making the cancellation a covered claim.

This is true even if you have a pre-existing condition, have purchased the pre-existing medical condition waiver, and know how to treat your condition. Again, it’s about proving it to the insurance company. Knowing you have to cancel simply isn’t enough.

2. Medical emergency or trip interruption claims must be supported by a doctor

You may have a medical emergency during your trip as well. If the situation is an immediate emergency, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

While it is important to contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible, you also want to take care of immediate medical concerns first.

Once the emergency is under control, contact the insurance company as soon as possible and inform them of the situation. They will be able to provide guidance regarding the best hospital to receive care, arranging care and transportation, and even serving as translator in foreign countries.

They will also tell you what documentation you will need to make a successful claim.

3. Contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible

Claims and claim questions should be made directly with your travel insurance company.

Do not make assumptions about your coverage and claims. Make sure you are taking the correct steps by calling the travel insurance company and informing them of the situation.

They will be able to advise you in regards to treatment, documentation, and how to expedite the process.

In addition, travel insurance companies provide 24/7 assistance to help you when you need it.

Take advantage of this service. They will contact local medical facilities on your behalf and make arrangements. They can also provide translation services, if needed.

4. Save documentation for everything

It is very important to save documentation for everything you can. The insurance company will obviously need proof of expenses, amounts you have paid, and any refunds you may have received.

The more documentation the better.

Also keep track of personnel you deal with at the insurance company, including an operator number or first and last name.

Documentation you will need to support your claim

• receipts and itemized bills for all expenses (trip cancellation)
• unused tickets, proof of payments (trip cancellation)
• explanation of diagnosis from doctor (medical claims) or “Physician’s Statement”
• police reports (stolen baggage or car collisions)
• proof from airline that baggage was delayed

Company Contact Information for Filing a Claim

Summary

• Seeing a doctor is essential for all pre- and post departure medical issues
• Seeing a doctor is essential if it’s a pre-existing condition and you know how to treat it
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
• Save all documentation

Related topics

• Making a successful claim
• Understanding payment of claims