Ensuring A Hassle-Free Travel Insurance Claims Process: How To Initiate Claim, Documents, & More

A travel insurance claim is usually assumed to be a concern when you come across an instance where you may need to seek support from the policy. However, it may help to have a clear idea of the claims process before you start your trip. It may help you be prepared to face most situations.

Travel Insurance Claim Process^

The nature of travel insurance is slightly different from other types of insurance plans. Travel plans are made to offer you coverage, medical and otherwise, specifically when you are travelling, especially internationally. They cover a wider range of possibilities that are specific to travellers. In most cases, when you face a situation that is covered by your travel insurance plan, you may be in a foreign location. Accessing your usual resources may be difficult. Thus, it may be helpful for you to be acquainted with all the policy details beforehand and have them handy throughout your trip. This includes knowing how to approach your insurance provider with the claim, or how to initiate a travel claim. Commonly, most insurance providers will offer the option of reaching them through a helpline number or email to initiate a claim. However, options to start a claim process may also be available on their website as well as their app. You may enquire about these details when you make the policy purchase if these are not mentioned on your policy document or the website of the insurer. ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy. Here are a few tips to help you ensure a hassle-free travel insurance claim.

1.    Initiate the claim as soon as possible^

If you encounter a situation that is covered by your travel insurance policy and you want to claim your policy for the same, you ought to do it as soon as possible. Even if you do not have a clear idea of how to start the claim process, you can reach out to your insurer to seek assistance regarding the same. Delays in starting the claim may increase the chances of your claims being rejected.* ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.

2.    Gather the necessary documentation^

You will need to be in possession of certain documents to ensure a seamless claims process. The list of documents required will vary based on the situation you are dealing with. When you buy the policy, it may help to go through the policy document to understand what documents are commonly required.* ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.

3.    Submit the claim form^

You can either download the claim form from the insurer’s website or app, or you may ask for it via a phone call. You will be required to fill in the relevant details and submit it to the insurance provider. Ensure that you fill out the form completely and all the details are accurate. After this, you will need to wait for the insurance company to process your claim. This may take a couple of days, or more, depending on the insurance provider and the process they follow.* ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.

Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claim^

Documents you are required to produce when making a travel insurance claim may differ on the basis of the type of claim being made. For example, when making a claim due to medical emergency, you may be required the following documents.

1. Claim form, which can be obtained from the insurance company
2. Policy Documents
3. Diagnosis Report
4. Statement of the attending physician

On the other hand, making claims in case of loss of passport, you may need the following documents:

1. New and old (if available) passport photocopies
2. Original expense receipts and invoice for new passport
3. FIR or Police Report Photocopy

Thus, the documents you need to submit when making a claim may depend on the type of travel insurance claim being made. ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.

How to Increase Chances of Claim Approval?^

No policyholder would want to have their travel insurance claim rejected. They get travel insurance coverage to have support when they face exceptional situations during their trips. Here are some tips to ensure that your claims are approved.

1. Read your policy carefully. Understand the extent of its coverage.
2. Provide all relevant information when filing your claim. The insurance company may investigate your claim, and any false or misleading information may result in your claim being denied.
3. Keep all your receipts and other documentation related to your trip. This will make it easier to file your claim and support your statements.
4. Timely filing of your claim is important.

Claim processes may differ from one company to another. Also, the time taken to process the case may differ from case to case. As a policyholder, it may help you stay prepared with all the details and documents before you embark on your journey. ^Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.   * Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.