Our motto: travel worry-free. One way to live this motto is to plan for the unexpected! No one wants to dwell on the possibility of filing a claim, but if you do you’ll want to be prepared.
A negative claims experience can ruin the perception of travel insurance and deter some people from buying it again. Travelers can take several steps to give themselves every opportunity to have the claims process conclude in their favor. Often confusion about what is covered or not covered can lead to denial of claims. This is why our customer care representatives are here to assist with any questions prior to buying a plan.
Steps to take before purchasing a travel insurance policy and filing a claim:
- Research travel insurance options thoroughly before purchasing and be educated about what travel insurance policies provide.
- Ask questions about the specific policy being considered. Read ratings and reviews from other travelers about that policy if there are available.
- Discuss any information that may be relevant to an insurance purchase before buying a policy – this might include things like pre-existing medical conditions of travelers or non-travelers, charter arrangement or plans to participate in unusual activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing.
- Purchase a policy as soon as possible after the initial payment is made on a trip. A timely purchase will ensure eligibility for time-sensitive benefits. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a policy within 14 days of the initial trip payment.
- Make sure to read the policy thoroughly to understand all the coverage and exclusions. If there are errors or misspellings, notify the provider immediately.
- Keep in touch with the provider before you depart, to communicate any changes to the travel plans. Of particular importance are changes to the travel dates, different destinations or an increase in trip cost.
- Keep all receipts and documentation for any expenses associated with the trip before and during the trip.
- Obtain copies of the medical records from that facility before returning home, if receiving medical treatment while out of the country. It’s often difficult to get those records later, and they will be needed when filing a claim.
- Provide all requested documentation when filing a claim. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about exactly what is expected to be provided. Fulfill that expectation in a timely and efficient manner to help the process go smoothly.
- Ask questions about the claim process, time frames and methods of communication. Also keep a record of significant dates and times, along with notes about the conversations and the names of any people spoken to regarding the travel insurance claim.
While there are no guarantees that a travel insurance claim will be resolved in favor of the traveler, if you follow these tips and are proactive about your role in the process, you’ll have a much greater likelihood of avoiding disappointment should you have to file a claim.
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.
