It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. But what do you do if you need to file a claim? This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to get your money back quickly and without any hassle.
Filing A Travel Insurance Claim
Most travel insurance policies require the traveler to submit and file an insurance claim within 90 days of the loss. Make sure to have proof of loss. Submit all of the receipts. Fill out every insurance claim form with little errors. Name a beneficiary on the application.
Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider to File a Claim.
This starts the process with the travel insurance company and gets the ball rolling. Great travel insurance companies will advise how to make this inconvenient situation as smooth as possible.
Step 2: Collect Receipts
Since most plans require you to pay upfront for expenses, you need to collect all bill receipts for reimbursement. Always ask for a detailed bill as well. Have the service or facility itemize each procedure. Also, ensure the bill and receipt are printed on official letterhead or stamp.
Step 3: Submit Claim Online.
This is the easiest way to record all documentation. Submit receipts via email or mail. Additionally, communicate as much info as possible. These steps will provide a full picture of the occurrence.
Step 4: Monitor Claim.
Finally, monitor the claim closely. Monitor the claim daily to avoid any hold-ups. You might have to submit additional documentation, for instance. After that, the insurer will mail a check. Additionally, you should be provided an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The EOB details how and what was paid on your claim.
You can file a claim and collect a reimbursement check between 30 – 90 days. For that reason, you should be very diligent in the claim process. Typically, the process takes around 30 days.
What Excluded From Travel Insurance Coverage?
Exclusions are all in fine print, so please review the insurance policy. Below are common examples of exclusions:
- Existing medical conditions
- Suicide or intentional harm.
- Pregnancy complications.
- Fertility treatments, childbirth, elective abortions.
- Mental or Nervous Disorders
- Physical Complications
- Drug or Alcohol Abuse
- Learning to fly an aircraft
- Examples include participating in extreme high-risk sporting events such as skydiving, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, caving, body contact sports, mountain climbing, and scuba diving.
What Events Are Excluded From Coverage?
Excluded events are where travel insurance coverage can be tricky. Definitely review the insurance policy if traveling internationally to a risky location. This means the policy might not have coverage in the following events:
- Epidemics
- Pandemics (Think COVID)
- Natural Disasters
- Pollution
- Nuclear Reactions or Radiation Contamination
- Terrorist Events
- Financial Defaults
- Unlawful Acts
- If there aren’t departure or return dates on your tickets that match your application for coverage.
Which Goods Are Excluded If Lost, Damaged, or Stolen?
Once again, please review the policy before purchasing. There could be exclusions that apply like:
- Intentional loss of or damage to equipment;
- Defective materials or quality; or
- Ordinary wear and tear;
- Animals;
- Cars and accessories, motorcycles and motors, aircraft, boats, and other vehicles;
- Bicycles, skis, and snowboards (unless they’re checked with a common carrier);
- Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses;
- Hearing aids, artificial teeth, and limbs;
- Wheelchairs and other mobility devices;
- Consumables, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, and perishables;
- Tickets, passports, deeds, and other documents;
- Money, credit cards, securities, bullion, stamps, and keys;
- Rugs and carpets;
- Property for business or trade; and
- Baggage when it is:
- Shipped as freight;
- Sent before your scheduled departure date;
- Left in or on a car trailer; or
- Left in an unlocked car.
Next Steps
Applying for travel insurance and filing a claim doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can rest assured that you’ll get the coverage you need and that you won’t be left out of pocket if something goes wrong on your trip. And when it comes time to compare rates, make sure to use a reliable source so that you can find the best deal for your needs.
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