How To File a Trip Cancellation Claim

  • You’ll need receipts and proof of cancellation to file your claim.
  • Common covered reasons include illness, weather disruptions, and emergencies.
  • Review your policy before you travel so you know what’s covered and how the claims process works.

Did your trip get canceled unexpectedly? While it’s no doubt disappointing, the good news is that if you have travel insurance, you may be able to get your money back. 

And filing a claim with your insurance provider doesn’t have to be stressful. 

You just need to follow these four steps to get what you’re owed from your travel insurance policy.

Step-By-Step Guide to Filing a Claim

You’ll need to gather the necessary documents, submit information, and communicate with the claims processor.

1. Review your policy information

Whether it’s a weather event, illness, or some other reason resulting in the cancellation of your trip, the first thing to do is review your policy information.  

This will typically be your Certificate of Insurance (COI) that you received shortly after purchasing your insurance. Your COI will include the specifics of your policy, especially if there are any deadlines for when you must file a claim.  

Ideally, you’ll have reviewed your policy before ever needing to make a claim, but if you haven’t, do so now. 

Also review your credit card benefits. Some credit cards include travel insurance that covers the cost of missed excursions, prepaid hotel rooms, and more if canceled due to a legitimate reason.  

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card covers up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip) for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, when your trip is canceled due to illness or weather.

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  • 2x on all other travel purchases
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2. Contact your insurance provider

Your insurance provider will be able to guide you on their specific policies, as some providers have their own claim forms.  

They can also help you with the process and give you tips on filing.

READ MORE: How To Choose the Right Trip Cancellation Policy

3. Gather all necessary paperwork

Make sure to save all the paperwork from your trip! That’s because when you submit a claim, your insurance provider will likely require documentation to verify.  

It can be helpful to create a separate file in your email or cloud account to save all the booking confirmations, receipts, etc., so you don’t need to go digging around for them. 

Any missing documentation could result in a denied claim or only partially covered claim, so make sure you have everything necessary to present your case.

READ MORE: Which Situations Are Covered by Trip Cancellation Insurance?

4. File your claim

There are various ways to go through with filing a claim. Most providers allow you to file by mail, phone, their website, or even their mobile app. 

Some insurance providers have online portals where you can submit your claim and track the process.

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Tips for Submitting Your Claim

A trip can be expensive, so if it’s been canceled, you want to get that money back as soon as you can. 

Here are some ways to make sure you’re not left waiting:

  • Don’t delay. Many providers have deadlines for submitting a claim, so file ASAP.  They may have customer service reps who can assist you 24/7.
  • Double-check your documents. Submitting the wrong info could result in a denial or delay. Also, make sure you have all third-party documentation needed. For example, if you're submitting a claim due to illness, your provider will likely require a doctor’s note verifying you were too sick to travel.
  • Submit your claim online. This could be faster and more transparent than relying on old-fashioned mail.  
  • Take notes. Keep your claim number and info handy in case you need to refer to it later. If you talk to a live person on the phone, jot down their name in case you need to speak with them again.

What Happens After Filing a Claim?

Once you submit your claim, it will be reviewed by the insurance provider to ensure it meets the claim criteria. If any information is missing, they may ask you for more documentation. 

Some providers not only allow for online claims filing but also provide tools for you to check on your claim and see where it is in the process.

Many providers are now offering claim reimbursements through direct deposit. While processing times vary, it is possible to get reimbursement sent directly to your bank account. Otherwise, they will send a check in the mail, but this could take longer to get to you.

FAQs About Trip Cancellation Claims

How long does it typically take to process a claim?

The processing time on travel insurance claims can vary greatly. Factors that can influence it are how complicated the claim is, what method you used to file (by mail, phone, or online), and whether additional documents are needed. 

In general, most claims can be processed in just a few days to a few weeks, but it could also take up to a few months. If it’s been a while since you heard back, follow up with your provider.

What should I do if my claim is denied?

Unfortunately, even with adequate documentation, your claim may be denied. If this happens, contact the rep who sold you the policy. They may be able to shed light on the reasoning behind the denial. 

You may just be missing documentation or an appeal may be necessary. Appeals can be successful, so it’s worth submitting an appeal if your claim isn’t denied due to pre-existing conditions.

Can I file a claim for partial cancellations?

It depends on which insurance coverage you have and the details of your policy. 

For example, if your policy includes trip interruption, you may be able to get partial reimbursement. The process would be similar to a full claim, with documentation needed to verify coverage.

Does filing a claim affect my ability to purchase insurance in the future?

In general, just one claim should not affect your ability to purchase in the future or have any effect on future policy costs.  

However, if your profile shows that you have a history of multiple claims, you could be labeled as a ‘higher risk’ which could affect your premium prices.  

TL;DR: Filing a Trip Cancellation Claim

Filing a trip cancellation claim requires a certain level of organization. Most claims require detailed documentation and forms. If you can, submit it online for the quickest processing time.  

If you need to make a claim, contact the person who sold you the policy so you can be clear on the requirements. Stay on top of any communication to make sure your claim is processed in a reasonable amount of time with a quick payout.

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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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I'm an award-winning lawyer and personal finance expert featured in Inc. Magazine, CNBC, the Today Show, Business Insider and more. My mission is to make personal finance accessible for everyone. As the largest financial influencer in the world, I'm connected to a community of over 20 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. I'm also the host of the podcast Erika Taught Me. You might recognize me from my viral tagline, "I read the fine print so you don't have to!"

I'm a graduate of Georgetown Law, where I founded the Georgetown Law Entrepreneurship Club, and the University of Notre Dame. I discovered my passion for personal finance after realizing I was drowning in over $200,000 of student debt and needed to take action-ultimately paying off my student loans in under 2 years. I then spent years as a corporate lawyer representing Fortune 500 companies, but I quit because I realized I wanted to have an impact; I wanted to help real people and teach them that you can create a financial future for yourself.

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Advertiser Disclosure

Our aim is to help you make financial decisions with confidence through our objective article content and reviews. Erika.com is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our aim is to help you make financial decisions with confidence through our objective article content and reviews. Erika.com is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.