Preparing the necessary documents to file travel insurance claims is key. This may include receipts, documents or proof via email or online.
By having these essential items on hand, it can help prevent future claims being denied. Even if a claim is initially rejected, staying calm and working with customer service can get it re-considered.
Get in Touch with Your Insurer
If something goes amiss during your travels, it is vitally important that you contact your insurer quickly. Doing so will enable them to quickly comprehend your situation and may help resolve it faster. Most travel insurers provide either a customer service number or online portal where you can connect. Depending on the nature of your claim, documentation such as credit card statements, receipts, medical records, police reports and itineraries may be required; keeping these organized will make submitting claims much simpler.
Before filing a claim, it’s a good idea to read your policy documents thoroughly. This step is particularly important if you are seeking reimbursement for personal belongings that were lost or stolen; your provider will want proof that reasonable care was taken in order to prevent their loss – usually by providing loss reports from transportation companies or police reports, along with lists of items packed and their values.
Your insurance policy should clearly outline which situations and conditions are covered, while outlining which conditions do not fall under its coverage. Failing to comprehend all aspects of your coverage could lead to your claim being denied or disputed; according to Squaremouth, the top three reasons for travel insurance claims being rejected are:
Starting by reaching out to your insurer and understanding their coverage is the first step toward making a successful claim. If your claim is denied, remain calm and work with customer service representative to address the situation. They will be able to provide instructions on how to appeal, additional documentation that may be required and provide instructions for filing an appeal if needed. Keep in mind that most travel insurance claims eventually get approved even when initially rejected – purchasing a policy with a high claims settlement ratio may help increase chances of a successful claim process.
Gather Documentation
Documents necessary to substantiate a claim can range from police reports, medical bills and intake forms, travel tickets and receipts for unexpected expenses incurred during travel as well as receipts from unexpected expenses you incurred on said trip. Your policy document will outline which documents are necessary depending on what kind of loss or incident has taken place.
As part of your trip planning and post-travel claims filing process, it is imperative to save all documentation related to your luggage and valuables before and during travel as well as after returning home. Experienced travelers often take pictures of what they packed before traveling so that in case they need proof later of having brought something on a lost item claim process they have evidence.
Your claim could be denied due to lack of supporting documentation, most commonly because the incident didn’t take place within your insured time period or because preexisting conditions weren’t disclosed properly.
Many times, these claims can be countered with more information and thorough documentation. It’s always advisable to keep this paperwork handy in case the insurer requires verification or further investigation of your claim.
Keep in mind that insurance companies typically allow a certain period after your trip for them to make decisions regarding any claims you submit for reimbursement, known as the “Claim Determination Period,” depending on their insurer.
When your claim is denied, having all the appropriate documentation ready is key in filing an appeal. This may involve calling or logging in to your provider’s website/app and following their directions to file one at once; some providers even offer an online appeals portal which makes submitting documentation much simpler and quicker than ever before.
If your provider doesn’t offer an online portal, contact your state’s Department of Insurance to file a complaint and mediate between yourself and the insurer on your behalf – though this process cannot guarantee to overturn a rejection decision.
Submit Your Claim
Your insurer will require that you provide documentation in support of your claim, which may include original itemized medical bills and reports, airline tickets, carrier irregularities reports, receipts for additional expenses and more. To expedite the claims filing process it is wise to have all required documents ready prior to filing the claim – many travel insurers offer quick and easy online claim submission processes with live chat support which allow for quick uploads rather than emailing individual pieces back and forth individually.
As part of any claim process, it’s also essential that you sign any forms that your insurer requires of you, such as payment authorization forms, privacy disclosure forms and subrogation forms based on the type of claim being submitted. When facing an emergency situation it can be hard to think ahead in this way but as soon as the incident has taken place it is vital that you contact your travel insurance provider promptly afterward in order to discuss what documentation they require from you in your unique circumstance.
Good news is that approximately 90% of claims are honored. Unfortunately, not everyone understands how the claims process works or what their options are should their claim be denied.
If your claim has been denied, there may be ways of appealing the decision. Reach out to the travel insurance provider or agent that sold you your plan and inquire about their process for filing an appeal; they should be able to guide and advise how best to file one.
If you’re still dissatisfied with the decision of your claim, contact your state insurance commissioner or Better Business Bureau for help. Additionally, most travel insurance companies provide a Zero Complaint Guarantee program which can investigate and mediate on travelers’ behalf when experiencing problems with their provider – this doesn’t guarantee an overturn of decision but provides another layer of protection if your claim is denied – Squaremouth offers this guarantee with all Atlas Plans with World Trips as well as Seven Corners Explorer through Trawick International.
Appeal
If your insurer denied your travel insurance claim, and their decision has left you feeling dissatisfied, appeal it. In general, an appeal requires providing new supporting documentation – though what forms this takes may depend on the type of claim and when. Check your insurer’s website or policy wording to learn what documents might be needed such as receipts, itemized bills, test results or medical diagnosis paperwork to appeal.
When writing your appeal letter, it’s essential that it strikes an objective tone. While your circumstances have likely left you frustrated and angry, allowing this frustration to show may compromise your chances for a favorable result. Perhaps having someone else review your letter beforehand might be beneficial in making sure its tone remains professional and polite.
Insurance companies sometimes simply need additional documentation or have made mistakes when processing claims, and appealing may only lead to reevaluation of your claim. If they still refuse approval of it though, submitting an appeal could result in them issuing you with a letter of deadlock that confirms this and you must take your dispute to small claims court for resolution.
When purchasing travel insurance, it’s crucial that you thoroughly research policies and ensure you’re receiving adequate coverage at an appropriate price. Travelers may encounter situations in which their claims for coverage were unfairly denied; in such instances Wallace Law can advocate on your behalf in small claims court against the insurance provider as well as help find another policy which meets your needs if necessary. Contact us now to discover how we can assist!
