If canceled flights, significant delays, unexpected medical emergencies, or other forms of disruption have impacted your trip, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your travel insurance policy.
Continue reading to discover how to file a claim, what documents you’ll need, and common mistakes to avoid.
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A travel insurance claim is a request for reimbursement through your provider. Claims are made after a covered disruption affects your travel plans, resulting in unexpected expenses and financial loss. For example, getting food poisoning while traveling and having to pay to see a doctor.
To submit a claim, you will likely be required to fill out a form that details the disruption and provide documentation that verifies the incident. It usually takes between four to six weeks for insurance companies to review claims and provide a judgment.
Countless situations can lead you to file a travel insurance claim, from missing a connecting flight to getting medically evacuated by an air ambulance. Below are some of the most common claim scenarios, along with typical reimbursement amounts for each type of claim.
Trip Cancellations & Interruptions
Medical Emergencies
Delays & Missed Connections
Baggage Loss
Emergency Evacuations
Each travel insurance claim is unique and will be handled as such by your travel insurance provider. To get the best outcome, it's important to be prepared and proactive. Start with the following tips:
Step 1: Contact Your Provider
Reach out to your insurance company’s claims team using the contact information found within your policy. Their team will guide you through the process, answer your queries, and assist you in preparing your claim. Be sure to have your policy number ready.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Before initiating your claim, gather all the necessary documentation related to your incident. This may include credit card statements, receipts, medical records, police reports, travel itineraries, proof of payment, and any other relevant evidence to support your claim.
Step 3: Complete a Claim Form
You will likely be asked to complete a claim form with your provider. It's important to be accurate and thorough when doing so, and attach the supporting documentation to ensure a prompt assessment of your claim.
Step 4: Submit the Claim
Once you've completed the claim form, it’s time to submit your claim. Providers typically accept claims via email, mail, or through a secure online portal. Make sure to retain copies of all documents for your records.
Step 5: Check for Updates
It’s common for providers to request additional information or documents as they review your claim. Being vigilant and responsive to these requests can expedite the process. If your claim is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision.
Disclaimer: Required documents and claims processes may differ among providers. Contact your provider's claims department for the most accurate information.
Regardless of the type of claim you are submitting, you will be required to provide “evidence” that details what happened and how much you paid. The more documentation you can provide when submitting a claim, the better.
The exact documentation you need will depend on the kind of covered disruption you encountered. However, frequently requested documents include:
Travel insurance claims can be denied for a myriad of reasons. Understanding why some travel insurance customers are unsuccessful in their quest for reimbursement can help you avoid common pitfalls and get your claim approved.
If your claim was denied and you feel the decision was unfair, you have a few courses of action you can take to reach a resolution you’re satisfied with.
Appeal the Decision
Most travel insurance companies allow you to appeal a denied claim. This typically involves submitting a new form with additional documentation that supports your case. Contact the provider directly to learn their specific appeal process.
Understanding why your initial claim was denied can help you the second time around.
Fill Out a Zero Complaint Guarantee Form
Any travel insurance policy purchased through Squaremouth is backed by our Zero Complaint Guarantee, which ensures that the travel insurance policy you buy from Squaremouth comes from a trusted provider who will treat your claim with fairness and integrity.
If your claim was unfairly denied, our team of licensed claims adjusters will examine your case and act as mediators with the provider. If the issue remains unresolved to Squaremouth's standards, we will remove the provider and their policies from our website.
Request a Review From Your State’s Department of Insurance
Travel insurance, like other forms of insurance, is governed at the state level. If repeated attempts at a resolution are unfairly denied, you may request a review from your state’s Department of Insurance.
Be prepared to provide documentation and a copy of communications with your travel insurance company in the event of an external review.
Filing a claim can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. The following tips can help you navigate through the claims process with ease and increase your chances of a swift resolution.
Understand Your Coverage
Review your policy before filing a claim to ensure that you’re eligible for reimbursement. Pay attention to coverage limits so you know exactly how much you can receive.
File Early
Most providers require you to submit a claim within a certain number of days. We recommend filing a claim as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid any issues.
Keep Documentation Organized
When filing a claim, you will likely need to provide a lot of supporting documents to your provider. Keeping receipts, booking confirmations, medical records, and other documentation organized and easily accessible can help keep the process moving smoothly.
Be Honest and Accurate
Insurers often go to great lengths to verify the legitimacy of a claim, so incomplete or incorrect information can delay or hurt your chances of approval. Be sure to provide clear and accurate information when filling out forms or communicating with your provider’s claims department.
Stay on Top of Your Claim
Your provider will likely need additional documentation or clarification as they review your claim. Be sure to check the status of your claim regularly to make sure no outstanding requests are holding you back.
Contact details for your providers' claims departments can be found by selecting your provider below. Your travel insurance policy will also include additional contact information.
Have questions about travel insurance coverage? Call us!
1-800-240-0369
Our Customer Service Team is available everyday from 8AM to 10PM ET.
Most travel insurance claims are processed within 4-6 weeks after you submit your claims form and all required documentation. This timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and how quickly you can respond to additional requests that may come your way.
Not all travel insurance providers handle claims the same. Your policy’s Certificate of Insurance will include all the necessary instructions and contact information for you to successfully file a claim.
Typically, the first phase of your claim will include contacting your travel insurance company and gathering documentation related to the incident that occurred.