What to Know About Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

Published: Jun 2, 2017

At Travel Insurance Center^®, we hope you never have to file a claim, because it means something, somewhere went wrong on your trip.

But it’s important to talk about claims, so that you’re prepared, should you ever have to file one.

One of the most important things to know is that you’ll need to provide documentation and receipts for the insurance company. The claims analyst there will determine from the documentation you provide if your claim is legitimate and should be paid. On average, claims submitted with “all the right stuff” are usually paid within three weeks or less.

Always take your travel insurance documents with you. You should have your policy number and the emergency services worldwide collect phone number. Emergency services personnel are trained to respond to any medical emergency. They will handle arrangements quickly and effectively if you should need medical attention while on a trip.

If you have a claim due to a travel delay, baggage delay, or lost or stolen baggage, then you should rely on your diligent documentation and receipts. Just call the insurance company for the claim forms when you return home.

A quick note on baggage claims: It’s a good idea to have a list of items you packed in your baggage in case your bags are lost or stolen. Having receipts for those items also is helpful. If you don’t have receipts, just write down the approximate purchase date and price of each item. If you really want precise documentation, take pictures!

Another important thing to note is that there are limitations on baggage coverage. Take this example of limitations from Travelex Travel Select’s policy:

Items Subject to Special Limitations
We will not pay more than $600 (or the Baggage and Personal Effects limit, if less) on all losses to jewelry; watches; precious gems; articles consisting in whole or in part of silver, gold, or platinum; cameras, camera equipment; digital or electronic equipment and media and articles consisting in whole or in part of fur.
Items not included above are subject to a $300 per item limit.

In other words, it’s smart to leave your expensive jewelry at home.

You should report a loss to a third party at the time of the loss. (A third party would be local authorities, airline, train conductor or hotel management.) Hold on to documentation of the loss from the third party and receipts of expenses incurred.

For trip cancellation and interruption claims, you will need to provide documentation that you are cancelling for a covered reason. For example, if an illness or injury caused you to cancel your trip, you will need that in writing from your doctor. Here’s an example of the policy language in the Travelex Travel Select plan regarding cancellation due to a medical reason:

The Sickness must commence while coverage is in effect, require the examination of a Physician, in person, at the time of Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption and, in the written opinion of the treating Physician, be so disabling as to prevent you from taking or continuing your Covered Trip.

Here’s to smooth sailing and not having a claim — and to knowing that somebody’s got your back.

Had a great experience purchasing trip insurance. The agent was very friendly, helpful, and fully explained the different options. Will be back! - Robert K.