How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work?

Few adventures are as exciting as long-distance travel, but it adds an element of uncertainty. Unexpected travel disruptions can happen, causing unnecessary financial loss. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance will cover you for most travel disruptions. Still, you must understand the policy terms and conditions and submit a claim to reimburse nonrefundable expenses. 

In this detailed guide, find out how to submit a trouble-free claim to prevent reimbursement delays. 

Steps for Submitting a Travel Insurance Claim

Submitting a claim is not difficult, but you must meticulously follow each step to avoid delays. 

Determine if You’re Eligible for Coverage

It makes sense to check whether you have coverage before you waste time completing claims. Look through your policy terms and conditions to find out what it covers. Policies are usually quite clear about insured events. Look for benefits, excluded events, and claim limits. If you are still uncertain, contact your insurer via email or telephone. 

Provide All Necessary Documentation

Include all required documentation. Many claims are delayed because they arrive without the needed documents. Submit your documents online if your insurer offers this service. It’s a quicker and more reliable way to ensure the travel insurance company receives your claim’s submission.

You’ll need a copy of your insurance policy, proof of payment, and correspondence regarding the claimed occurrence. You may also need a passport and visa. The remaining required documentation will depend on the type of travel insurance claim. 

Trip Cancellation

Submit all the documentation explaining why you had to cancel the trip. Required documents may include a doctor’s note for illness or proof of a family death. Most insurers also cover natural disasters, jury duty or court subpoenas, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, visa or passport theft and serious residential damage from flooding or fire. You will need proof of the event if you cancel for these reasons. 

You must also provide proof that you canceled the trip you are claiming. Your insurer may request that you submit any unused airline tickets. You can claim for transportation, accommodation, tours and vehicle rental up to the limits specified in your policy. 

Provide information about the amount refunded by the travel provider. You may only claim nonrefundable payments. 

Are you looking for more information about trip cancellation insurance? Here's everything you need to know. 

Trip Delay 

Postponed or canceled flights are the most likely cause of trip delays. Check your travel insurance policy to understand the benefits, limits and exclusions. Trip delay coverage takes a while to take effect. Usually, coverage kicks in between six and twelve hours. It covers extra costs incurred for transportation, meals and accommodation. Your insurance may also cover the costs of rescheduled flights, activities and events you miss because of the delay.

Insurers cap the coverage. The limits should appear in your policy. Keep all receipts resulting from trip delays. Use these receipts with airline confirmation of the delay to support your claim. 

Trip Interruption

Trip interruption differs from trip cancellation in that it occurs after your trip has started. The interruption cannot be of your own making. It must be outside of your control. An example might be an outbreak of war or a natural disaster at your destination. It also covers the death of a travel companion, medical evacuation, illness, injury and natural disasters. You will not have coverage for preexisting medical conditions. 

Trip interruption coverage will reimburse you for nonrefundable trip expenses incurred for the canceled portion of the trip. This insurance does not cover trips lasting more than 60 days. 

If you’ve had to interrupt your trip you will need proof of the reason for the cancellation. 

Baggage And Personal Effects 

Immediately report the loss or theft of personal effects. If your personal effects or baggage is stolen, you’ll need a documented police or airline report and receipts proving the value of the lost goods. 

If your goods were lost by a transport company, like an airline, you must prove that the transporter did not reimburse you for your loss. Your insurer will want a list of the bag's contents, including valuables. 

Medical Expense 

If you’re unfortunate enough to become ill while traveling and have travel health insurance, file a medical expense claim for reimbursement as soon after the event as you can. Your submitted claim must include medical reports documenting all procedures and medicines provided when under the care of medical professionals. Also, include any medical receipts or invoices received.

Submit Your Claim with Documentation Promptly

The insurance may have time limits on claims, so submit yours as soon as possible. Keep all receipts and documentation. Throw nothing away. 

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Claim?

Your travel insurance will have a time limit for filing claims. The limits vary substantially. Most insurers stipulate a limit of between 20 and 90 days, though some may give you as much as a year to claim. 

How Long Does a Travel Insurance Claim Take?

Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, the insurance company should settle your claim in less than two weeks. Claims are generally paid by check or direct deposit. Failure to submit all the documents may cause claim settlement delays. 

What to Do if Your Travel Insurance Claim Gets Denied

You can appeal the insurance company’s decision to deny your claim, but you must follow the correct process. The company's website should provide information on how to submit an appeal. If you can’t find appeal instructions or have questions about the appeal process, contact customer service by phone or email. 

Check your travel insurance policy. Policies usually clearly state covered events. To succeed in an appeal, you must send more substantiating evidence.

What Happens After You File a Travel Insurance Claim?

Filing a claim is the first step toward receiving reimbursement. They may contact you if the insurance company needs more information or documents. Prevent delays by responding to requests for information as soon as you receive them.

Most travel insurance companies have online claims portals where you can track the status of your claim. Check from time to time to keep abreast of the process. The insurer may request information via the portal. 

Review the claim outcome on receipt and ensure it complies with the policy terms and conditions. Understand the reasons for denied claims and appeal if you have more supporting documentation. 

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

If you’re looking for travel insurance, you should find an insurance company to fulfill your needs on the chart below. 

Travel with Confidence

Travel disruptions are unpleasant, but you can alleviate the financial burden if you know what to expect. Always keep detailed records and documented proof of expenses and reasons for the claim. Understand exactly what your travel insurance policy covers, and file your claim immediately. Ensure that all the required documents accompany your claim to prevent reimbursement delays. You can’t prevent the unexpected, but you can confidently travel when you insure your trip with the right travel insurance. 

Frequently Asked Questions