Filing a Claim

Quick Answer: A travel insurance claim is a formal request you submit to your insurer for reimbursement of covered losses or expenses during your trip. To file a claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, gather your required documents, complete the claim form, submit your paperwork, and wait for the insurer’s decision.

Claims Assistance Overview

Every travel insurance claim is different, so you’ll need to respond based on your specific situation. If an emergency happens, contact your insurance company within 24–48 hours, or as soon as reasonably possible.

Your policy includes a travel insurance claims phone number and 24-hour assistance numbers for both inside and outside the United States, so you can reach your insurer anytime. If you’re traveling internationally, you may need to place a collect call using the out-of-country emergency number listed in your policy.

If you can’t find your provider’s contact information, contact us. We’re happy to help.

Also, when you buy a plan through InsureMyTrip, you get access to IMT Assist at no extra cost. Our licensed insurance experts provide one-on-one guidance, helping you understand how to file your claim, which documents to submit, and what to expect throughout the process. You’ll always file directly with your provider, but with IMT Assist, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

Follow these steps to file your travel insurance claim:

1. Contact your insurer – Notify your insurance company as soon as the incident happens. Most policies require you to file within a specific timeframe, often within 90 days.
2. Gather documentation – Collect receipts, records, and proof of expenses related to your loss.
3. Complete the claim form – Fill out the official claim form your insurer provides.
4. Submit supporting documents – Send all required documentation with your completed form.
5. Wait for the decision – Your insurance company reviews your claim and notifies you of their decision.

If you’re unsure at any point, IMT Assist can walk you through what to do next.

Find important and useful tips on how to file a claim.

What Documents Do You Need to File a Travel Insurance Claim?

Accurate documentation helps your claim move forward smoothly. Gather:

• Receipts for expenses (hotels, meals, transportation)
• Medical records and bills for emergency treatment
• Proof of loss or incident
• Your policy number and certificate of insurance
• Police reports (for theft or accidents)
• Airline or travel supplier documentation (cancellation notices, delay confirmations)
• Proof of trip payments and your itinerary
• Photos of damaged or lost items

This is especially important for medical care you receive overseas, since it can be very difficult to obtain paperwork after you return home.

Common Claim Scenarios

Trip Cancellation Claims

If you need to cancel your trip before departure, contact your insurer immediately. They will explain how to file your claim and tell you exactly what documentation they require.

Medical Emergency Claims

If a medical emergency happens during your trip, contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible.

Here’s why:

1. Some companies require pre-certification. This means you must contact them before receiving certain treatments or arranging a medical evacuation. If you’re facing a serious emergency, seek care immediately and handle the claims process once you’re stable.
2. Your insurer can tell you which documentation you need to collect before you return home.

Baggage Loss or Delay Claims

If your baggage is lost or delayed, report it to the airline immediately and request a copy of the report. Save receipts for essential items you buy while waiting for your bags. Then contact your travel insurer to report the issue and submit the airline incident report along with your receipts.

Primary vs. Secondary Coverage Claims

Understanding your coverage type helps you file correctly:

• Primary coverage pays first, before any other collectible insurance. You file directly with your travel insurance provider.
• Secondary coverage pays after another primary insurance has paid, and its limits are exhausted. You must first file with your existing insurance (such as your health insurance) before filing with your travel insurance provider.

Review your policy certificate to confirm which type of coverage applies to each benefit.

What to Do If Your Travel Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your insurer denies your claim, take these steps:

1. Review the denial letter – Understand exactly why they denied the claim.
2. Check your policy – Compare the denial reason to your certificate of insurance.
3. Gather additional documentation – Collect any missing or supporting documents.
4. Request a review – If you bought through InsureMyTrip, contact IMT Assist. We’ll explain the denial and walk you through your available options.
5. File an appeal – Follow your insurer’s formal appeal process if you believe the denial was incorrect.

You don’t have to figure it out alone, IMT Assist can help you understand what happened and what to do next.

Subrogation

After your provider pays your claim, they may pursue reimbursement from other collectible sources, such as another insurance policy or a travel supplier. This process is called “subrogation.”

Your policy certificate, which InsureMyTrip emails to the primary traveler, explains how subrogation works under your specific plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the listed prices cover the trip (two people) or is the price per person?

The listed price is the total cost for all travelers on the policy, not per person.

Do I need to file with my health insurer first?

If your travel insurance benefits are secondary, file with your existing insurance first. If your coverage is primary, your travel insurance pays first.

If I cancel due to a pre-existing condition, will I be reimbursed?

Many comprehensive plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver if you:

• Purchase within 14–21 days of your first trip payment
• Insure all prepaid, nonrefundable expenses
• Are medically fit to travel on the day you purchase the policy

Use the “pre-existing conditions waiver” filter on the quote results page to view eligible plans.

Will travel medical insurance cover me abroad if I don’t have international health coverage?

Plans with emergency medical coverage are designed to cover unforeseen illness or injury during your trip. Always review pre-existing condition look-back periods and other exclusions.

Does Cancel for Any Reason cover Covid-19-related cancellations?

Yes, if you qualify. To add on this benefit, you typically must:

• Buy the policy within 14–21 days of your first trip payment
• Insure all prepaid, non-refundable expenses
• Cancel at least 48 hours before departure

If you meet these conditions, the benefit usually reimburses 50% – 75% of your insured trip cost, unless otherwise noted.

What if my travel agency goes out of business?

Most comprehensive plans do not cover the bankruptcy of the travel agency where you booked. Some plans offer Financial Default coverage for certain travel suppliers (like airlines or cruise lines) if they completely cease operations. Eligibility requirements often apply, including buying within a certain timeframe after your initial trip payment.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Timeframes vary by policy. Your certificate of insurance lists how long you have to notify the insurer and submit proof of loss. Many policies require notification within 20–90 days.

Can I insure the estimated total cost before finalizing all arrangements?

Yes. You can estimate your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost and insure that amount upfront. Or you can insure what you’ve paid so far and update your policy later as you make additional payments.

Can I be on the same policy as a friend who lives elsewhere?

If you live in the same state and travel on the same dates, most providers allow you to share a policy. Otherwise, you’ll need separate policies.