If you’ve taken more than a few trips in your lifetime, you’ve likely had a travel mishap or two.
Whether it’s a rental car that broke down, an unexpected storm, lost luggage, or an unfortunate illness, sometimes things just don’t go as planned.
Luckily, if you purchased travel insurance ahead of time, you can file a claim for money you paid or lost.
Erika Recommends
- Allianz Travel Insurance
Accepts online claims through website or app. - World Nomads
Covers insurance claims for adventure travel. - SquareMouth
Online marketplace for comparing travel policies.
Steps to File a Travel Insurance Claim
When it comes to filing any insurance claim, the process can seem overwhelming. The key is to have proper documentation and understand what is and isn’t covered in your travel insurance policy.
Here’s what to do.
1. Contact your provider immediately
As soon as you have a travel disruption, contact your insurance provider right away. Document everything and keep receipts. Clarify with your provider what is and isn’t covered.
For example, maybe there’s a snowstorm and your flight is canceled. The airline can’t rebook you, and even though the airline owes you a refund in this situation, you’ll have to pay for a new one yourself — and it’s more expensive than your original booking.
Ask your insurance provider if that will be covered. If the customer service agent says yes, ask for confirmation in writing. Policies vary a lot, so double-check before paying for alternate travel or any other expenses out of pocket.
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2. Gather necessary documentation
Documentation is the most important part of your claim. Keep all receipts and take photos of any damage.
If you become ill or injured on your trip, get copies of your medical reports and doctors’ notes.
If someone steals your belongings, make an official police report to show evidence of theft.
3. Submit your claim through the proper channels
Many travel insurance providers have online portals or apps that make it easy to file a claim. However, some companies require you to email or mail documentation.
Make sure you send your claim to the correct contact or through the proper channels. Submitting quickly and to the right person is essential.
Types of Claims and How To File Them
According to a survey by travel insurer SquareMouth, 64% of travelers list getting sick as one of their main concerns when traveling.
However, there are many other types of claims you can file for, like if your trip was canceled because of bad weather, your luggage was lost or stolen, and more.
- Trip cancellation or interruption claims: You’ll need documentation confirming the cancellation and receipts of your payments.
- Medical expense claims: Submit documentation about hospital visits, prescriptions, and emergency care costs. Also, gather receipts documenting what you paid for missed excursions or flights because of your illness/injury.
- Baggage loss, theft, or delay claims: Airlines are legally required to compensate you for lost luggage. However, each airline has different rules regarding “reasonable” expenses and amounts for the items in your luggage — so you may have to turn to your insurance. Keep all receipts after purchasing replacements.
If your insurer offers online claims, use their portal or app and upload documents directly — it’ll make the claims process less painful. If you do have to mail anything in, keep a digital copy of everything.
Contact customer service if you have questions. Many insurance companies have around-the-clock support.
What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied
Although it’s disappointing to receive a denial of your travel claim, that doesn’t necessarily mean all hope of recovering your money is lost.
Here are a few steps to take if your travel insurance claim is denied:
- Review the denial reason. It could be as simple as filling out a form incorrectly. However, if the reason is it isn’t covered by your policy, you may be out of luck — that’s why it’s important to check the coverage limits and exclusions before you buy any policy.
- Gather additional evidence. If you believe you still deserve to have your claim paid, get more documentation to support your claim. Add photos and receipts. Write down the times you called customer service.
- Appeal the decision. Once you have additional documentation, re-submit your claim. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask your travel insurance provider how to appeal their decision.
FAQs About Filing Travel Insurance Claims
How long does it typically take to get reimbursed after filing a claim?
This depends on the insurance carrier you use and the complexity of your claim. Allianz Travel Insurance says most of their claims are processed after 90 days, while World Nomads says you can expect to hear back in about 15 days.
What happens if I lose the receipts needed for my claim?
Contact the companies to ask for a copy. Car rental companies, hotels, hospitals, and airlines should all be able to send you a copy of your receipt if you request it.
For future travel, take digital photos of your receipts throughout your trip so you can find them easily.
Are there specific types of claims that are harder to get approved?
In general, the claims that are challenging to get approved are the ones that don’t have good documentation. It’s important to keep good records, including receipts, information about flight delays, medical reports, and more.
Can I file a claim while still on my trip, or do I have to wait until I return?
Yes, most travel insurance companies accept claims while you’re still on your trip. Companies like Allianz have a claims button built into their app, allowing you to submit your claim directly on your phone.
What should I do if my provider’s claims process is too slow or unresponsive?
If your provider is unresponsive, call the company and ask to speak to a manager. Emailing customer service is much easier, but if you can’t get a quick response, calling and talking to a supervisor will accelerate the process.
TL;DR: Tips for Filing Travel Insurance Claims
For the best chance of success when filing a travel insurance claim, stay organized and notify your insurance company early. Document everything so you have proof of the reason for your claim and how much money you’ve spent.
Being proactive, following up, and taking the time to understand your policy before you need it can all help you to file a claim successfully.
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