Buying travel insurance is all about preparing for the unexpected. In a perfect world, you’d never need to file a claim, but travel doesn’t always go as planned. Flights get delayed, bags go missing, and medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Having coverage puts you one step ahead when things go wrong.
No matter which type of plan you purchased—comprehensive, emergency, or coverage tailored to a specific need—the claims process is often very similar. Knowing what to do before you file a claim can make the experience far less stressful and help move things along more smoothly for both you and the travel insurance company.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Contact Your Travel Insurance Company
Not every travel insurance situation involves personal safety, but your well-being, and the safety of your travel companions, should always come first. Once everyone is safe, your next step should be contacting your travel insurance company.
In many situations, such as a natural disaster, stolen luggage, or a delayed flight, a representative on the 24-hour assistance line can guide you through what to do next. They can provide clear instructions and help you avoid missteps that could complicate your claim later. Following their guidance early on can make a big difference.
For medical-related claims, some plans require pre-certification for certain treatments or supplies. Be sure to save the 24-hour assistance number, and instructions for dialing internationally, so you or hospital staff can contact the insurance company to meet any pre-certification requirements.
Step 2: Keep All Documents – We Mean All of Them
That lunch receipt you almost tossed; it might matter more than you think.
If you bought a meal during a covered travel delay, you may be eligible for reimbursement, but only if you can provide proof of purchase. When you’re dealing with a situation that may require filing a claim, keeping detailed records will make the process much easier.
If you receive emergency medical care and are discharged, don’t leave the facility without an invoice or proof of payment. If your trip is delayed, hold on to every receipt from the moment the delay starts until your travel resumes. The more documentation you have, the better prepared you’ll be.
Be sure to keep:
- Receipts and itemized bills for all expenses
- Unused travel tickets and proof of payment
- A doctor’s explanation of diagnosis and corresponding medical bills
- Police reports for stolen items or car accidents
- Proof from the airline confirming baggage was lost or delayed
Step 3: Review Your Travel Insurance Plan Details
One of the most common causes of frustration during the claims process is not fully understanding what your travel insurance plan covers. Every plan includes specific coverage limits and exclusions for each benefit.
By reviewing your plan details, especially exclusions and maximum reimbursement amounts, you can set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary surprises. Knowing how your coverage works can help you submit a complete claim and streamline the overall process.
Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly After You Return Home
In most cases, you’ll need to wait until you return home to file your travel insurance claim. Once you do, don’t delay. The more time that passes, the harder it can be to piece together details and documentation related to your claim.
Submitting the required paperwork as soon as possible allows the insurance company to begin reviewing your claim while everything is still fresh. Some plans also have strict deadlines, such as a set number of days after you return home or after the incident occurs. Missing those deadlines could complicate, or even jeopardize, your claim.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Filing a Claim
It can be frustrating to have a travel insurance claim denied, especially when you’re not sure what went wrong. In many cases, denials happen because of a few common missteps that travelers don’t realize until it’s too late.
- Assuming everything is covered: Travel insurance plans aren’t catch-all protections. Every policy includes exclusions, so it’s important to review your plan’s details and understand what is and isn’t covered.
- Providing insufficient documentation: Missing receipts, reports, or proof of expenses is one of the most common reasons claims are denied. Insurers need clear documentation to verify what happened and what you paid for.
- Waiting too long to file: Delaying your claim submission can cause you to miss plan deadlines, which may make your claim ineligible for reimbursement.
What If Your Travel Insurance Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you’re not necessarily out of options. InsureMyTrip customers have exclusive access to IMT Assist, a free service that helps travelers understand why a claim was denied.
An IMT Assist advocate can review your situation, contact the insurance provider directly, and explain the reason for the denial. If an appeal is possible, they’ll also help guide you through the next steps.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
