The Travel Insurance Claims Process: How it Actually Works
You planned your trip perfectly. You took all the right steps to travel smarter and safer. You even got travel insurance. But something still went wrong. Now what?
This guide will walk you through the travel insurance claims process so you know what to expect if you need to file a claim, plus the travel insurance tips you need to help you avoid a denied claim.
How do I make a travel insurance claim?
The specifics of how to file a claim for travel insurance will vary by provider, but most companies will ask you to submit your information online or through an app. Even if there are other methods to file a claim, such as by fax, it’s typically better to do so online. In most cases, this can help expedite the process.
If something unexpected happens on your trip and you think you’ll need to submit a claim, try to collect all the information you’ll need sooner rather than later. If it’s a travel medical insurance claim, for example, that could include the doctor’s notes. If you’re seeking reimbursement for flight delays, keep all your receipts.
Submitting the required information at the time you first make your claim can help make the process go smoother and more quickly. If you aren’t sure what’s required, contact your provider directly or check their website. They will often have a list of the documentation and forms needed.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You must file your claim within a certain number of days of the incident, which is known as the timely filing limit. This deadline can vary by plan. For most trip protection plans, it’s 90 days. Travel medical plans range from as short as 60 or long as 180 days. You can find this deadline in the plan document explaining your benefits, which you should have received when you purchased your travel insurance.
Submitting your claim outside this window could result in your claim being denied. For this reason, we always recommend that you file your claim as soon as possible after the incident.
What documents do I need for a travel insurance claim?
First, it’s important to remember that there are two main types of travel insurance: trip protection and travel medical insurance. Trip protection offers coverage for things like trip cancellation and delayed baggage as well as medical emergencies that occur during your trip. Travel medical insurance provides high limits of medical coverage and is particularly ideal for international travel when your domestic health insurance doesn’t cover you overseas. The documents you’ll submit will be slightly different depending on your plan and the type of claim.
Let’s start with an example of a trip protection claim. If you’re making a claim for a canceled flight, some of the documentation you’ll need includes a proof of loss form, proof of payment for your travel arrangements, and a statement from the airline or airport explaining the cancellation.
On the other hand, a claim for travel medical insurance likely requires a proof of loss form and a payment authorization form, both of which will be available from your travel insurance provider. You may also need to supply original itemized medical bills and receipts, and proof of payment. If your injury is a result of an accident such as a car wreck, you might need to submit accident details and a police report as well.
How are travel insurance claims reviewed?
Your claim will be reviewed by a licensed advisor who is trained to know the ins and outs of your travel insurance plan. They will examine the forms you submitted to make sure your situation meets the qualifying requirements for reimbursement.
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts in travel insurance is covered reasons. It’s important to remember that when you have a trip protection plan, you are only eligible for reimbursement if your incident was triggered by a covered reason and meets the requirements listed in your plan document.
For example, standard trip insurance will only reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your trip for certain reasons. Those reasons vary by plan but can include situations such as sickness or injury that prevents you from being able to start your trip, or a natural disaster evacuation at your departure city or destination.
Fear of travel, however, is not a covered reason for cancellation in standard trip insurance plans. So if you decide to cancel because you’re worried about a recent increase in violent crime at your destination and change your mind about going, you would not be eligible for reimbursement.
This is why we encourage people to read their plan documents carefully before they travel. You want to know exactly what is covered before you make a claim.
Confirming that your incident was triggered by a covered reason is one of the main checkpoints for your claims advisor. They also look at when the incident took place and if it happened during your coverage period. They determine what level of coverage — or what percentage of reimbursement — you’re eligible for according to the limits of your plan.
Once your claim has been thoroughly reviewed, you’ll receive a notification letting you know your claim has been paid or denied.
What are the steps for a travel medical insurance claim?
Travel medical insurance claims work a bit differently. You’ll file your claim, and it will be reviewed in a similar manner as a trip cancellation claim. However, if you have a deductible and coinsurance as part of your plan, you’ll be required to pay those first.
Not all travel medical insurance plans have coinsurance. Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance, for example, has 100% coinsurance. That means that the plan will begin paying after you’ve paid your deductible.
If your plan does have coinsurance, however, you may be required to pay a percentage of your medical expenses before your insurance can pay.
Finally, if your claim is approved and the remaining balance (whatever is left after you pay the deductible and coinsurance) falls below the medical maximum you chose for your plan, your travel medical insurance will pay the rest of the medical expenses.
Why would a travel insurance claim be denied?
Travel insurance claims may be denied for a number of reasons, but there are a few that we see frequently.
1. Because it wasn’t triggered by a covered reason
First, as we mentioned above, your claim could be denied because it wasn’t triggered by a covered reason. One of the best ways to avoid this is to read your plan document and understand the covered reasons. If you review the document before you travel and find out that the protection you wanted isn’t included, contact the travel insurance provider. You may be able to update your coverage or choose a different plan.
2. Because the incident occurred before your effective date
A second common reason a claim could be denied is because it occurred before your effective date. In other words, the incident happened before your plan started. You’ll find your effective date on your ID card.
3. Because the care you received was routine or preventative
Next, if you’re making a travel medical insurance claim, it could be denied because the care you received was routine or preventive. Most travel medical insurance plans are intended for short-term coverage and cover sudden illnesses or injuries that occur during your travels. It’s best to visit your doctor before your trip using your domestic health insurance if you know you’ll need routine or preventive care.
4. Because you submitted the claim after the deadline
Finally, claims can be denied because the timely filing limit expired. In other words, you submitted your claim after the deadline.
What happens if a travel insurance claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you’ll typically have an opportunity to follow up with your claims advisor for more details as to why. You do have an opportunity to go through an appeals process if you believe your claim was reviewed incorrectly or can provide additional information that could change the decision.
Travel with peace of mind
Travel insurance can be complicated, which is why it can be incredibly helpful to lean on experts when purchasing a plan or filing a claim. Look for a company that specializes in travel insurance (like Seven Corners), rather than another type of provider like a cruise line or credit card company, so you know you’re getting the most knowledgeable support available.
Whoever you purchase from should be able to not only provide the best coverage for you but also guide you through any mishaps that occur during your trip so you can travel with peace of mind.
Becky Hart has 15 years of experience as a public relations professional and writer, but a lifetime of experience on the road. She is the communications specialist for Seven Corners and drives the content strategy behind the travel insurance provider’s blog and e-newsletter, The Wayfinder. As the voice of Seven Corners, Becky’s appearances on television and in various industry publications aim to empower adventurers — especially solo women — in their exploration and demystify the complexities of travel insurance so they can travel with confidence.