News Ticker

Travel insurance Claims

Claiming on a travel insurance policy involves a clear and timely process to ensure you receive compensation or assistance for unexpected events during your trip. The first step is to review your policy to understand what is covered, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or travel delays. Each policy specifies coverage limits and exclusions, so checking these before submitting a claim helps prevent misunderstandings or delays.

If an incident occurs, collect as much evidence as possible. This includes receipts for expenses, medical reports, police statements if applicable, and proof of travel arrangements such as flight tickets or booking confirmations. Most insurers require claims to be submitted within a set timeframe, often 30 to 60 days after the event, so prompt action is essential.

Next, complete the claim form provided by your insurer. This can usually be done online or by mail. Include all relevant documentation and a concise explanation of the incident. Accuracy is vital—missing or incorrect details can slow down processing or lead to rejection. It’s also advisable to keep copies of all forms and correspondence for your records.

Once the insurer receives your claim, they will review the evidence and determine whether it meets policy conditions. They may request further information or verification before approving payment or reimbursement. The settlement timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and how quickly the required information is provided.

Most people don’t really read their travel insurance policy until they need to make a claim on it, and then it can often present one or two nasty surprises.

People get very upset, naturally, if their claim is rejected by the insurance company, whatever the reason.

It can be a real help to understand the reasons why insurance companies tend to reject claims, as people can then be prepared in advance to make sure that if their claim is legitimate they have solid ground on which to pursue it and have it settled.

Below is a list of the most common reasons why claims are rejected, followed by a number of articles looking at some of the reasons in more detail :

Some common reasons for travel claims being rejected:

Not Filling in a Claims Form Properly: Failing to provide all the required information or providing inaccurate details can lead to claims being rejected. It’s essential to fill out the claim forms accurately and include all necessary supporting documentation.
Policy Exclusions: Most travel insurance policies have specific exclusions and limitations. Claims for events or circumstances that fall under these exclusions may be rejected. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, certain high-risk activities, and events caused by illegal or reckless behaviour.
Late Filing or Notification of a Claim : Insurance companies typically have strict deadlines for filing claims. Failing to submit a claim within the specified timeframe may result in rejection. It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines and submit a claim as quickly as possible .
Lack of Proper Documentation: Claims often require supporting documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, or receipts. Failure to provide the necessary documents or evidence to substantiate the claim can lead to the claim being rejected.
Unapproved Expenses: Some policies may have restrictions on the types of expenses that can be claimed. If the incurred expenses are not covered under the policy, the claim may be rejected. It’s important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered.
Failure to Notify the Insurance Company: In certain situations, policyholders are required to inform the insurance company promptly, usually within specified time limits, such as in the case of medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Failure to notify the insurer within the specified time frame may result in the claim being rejected.
Policy Lapses or Non-Payment of Premiums: If the policy has lapsed due to non-payment of premiums, the coverage may no longer be in effect, leading to the claim being rejected. It’s important to maintain the policy in good standing by paying premiums on time.
Misrepresentation: Providing false information during the application process or when filing a claim can result in the denial of the claim. It’s essential to be honest and transparent when dealing with the insurance provider. False information can mean either providing information that isn’t true, or not telling them something that is relevant to the policy, i.e. by omission

If your claim is denied, you can appeal by contacting the company’s complaints department with additional evidence or clarification. Understanding your rights under consumer protection laws or financial ombudsman services can also be helpful.

Being organized, honest, and proactive significantly increases your chances of a smooth and successful travel insurance claim process.