Before You Go
Go over your policy very slowly. Know what is covered, what is not (exclusions), coverage limits, and deadlines for the claims process. Early knowledge of this will help you avoid problems down the road. For instance, many policies include deadlines for reporting missing bags; therefore, before you travel, familiarise yourself with these specifics.
Copy everything: your credit card information, driver's license, travel insurance policy, airfare and hotel confirmations, and passport. Organize these copies separately from the originals. This is a lifeline should your paperwork be stolen or lost.
If Something Goes Wrong
Get right on calling your insurance company. Tell your insurer immediately whether it's a medical emergency, missing bags, or a trip cancellation. Many companies have 24/7 help lines, mainly for crises. For a medical emergency overseas, for example, seek treatment and promptly notify your insurance. They can frequently guarantee you are in a covered facility and help arrange treatment.
Note everything. Get an airline Property Irregularity Report (PIR) should your bags disappear. If your stuff is taken, report it to the police. Save all receipts for expenses resulting from the covered occurrence (e.g., extra hotel nights for a missed connection, replacement toiletries for delayed baggage). Get thorough medical notes and itemized bills for medical emergencies. If you require an ambulance, also record that.
Filing Your Claim
Get the claim form. Most insurers prefer online claims filings, which are usually the fastest approach to file organization. If your insurer does not have an online gateway, ask for a claim form by email or phone.
Fill out the form precisely. Share all requested information completely and honestly. Avoid estimations; use exact times, dates, quantities, and sites. Errors in information could cause delays or rejection of your claim.
Attach supporting records. Add all pertinent records you have collected—including receipts, police reports, medical records, and your travel schedule. Arrange your papers, marking everyone for simple access.
Start your claim right away. Follow the deadline your policy calls for. Most insurance companies require claims to be made within a designated period—usually 30 to 90 days following the incident.
Store all of your records. Save copies of your finished claim form, supporting documents, and all correspondence with your insurance. Tracking your claim depends on this, and it also comes in handy should you have to appeal a ruling.
Following Up
Track your application. Track the state of your claim using your insurance's web portal or by calling their customer care. Record your contacts with your insurance, including names, dates, and specifics of your interactions.
Practice patience. Processing complicated claims, especially, can take time. Regular follow-up is advised, nevertheless. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable period (check your policy or ask your insurer), get in touch to find out the situation.
If Your Claim Is Denied
Know the reason behind it. Get a written denial explanation. Extensively review it to find the particular causes of the denial.
Think about attractiveness. You are entitled to appeal should you feel the refusal is unwarranted. Compile any more evidence to support your argument and send a formal appeal letter outlining your grounds. Refer to your policy documentation; some policies describe a particular appeal procedure. You can also get help from your insurer should they be a member of a trade body such as the US Travel Insurance Body (USTIA).
| Provider | Claim Filing Methods | Claim Time Limit | Required Documentation (General) | Required Documentation (Medical) | Required Documentation (Baggage) | Required Documentation (Trip Cancellation/Interruption) | Claim Processing Time | Reimbursement Method | Claims Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Guard | Phone, Website, App | 20 days or as soon as reasonably possible for notice, 90 days for proof | Receipts, refunds received, relevant correspondence | Medical certificate, authorization for release of information, medical bills, EOBs | Travel itinerary, incident report, receipts for lost/damaged items, homeowner's/renter's insurance declarations and EOB | Documentation of reason, trip invoice, proof of payment, details of settlements/refunds | 7 business days (after all documents received) | Check | Phone support |
| Chubb Travel Protection | Online, Email, Mail | 30 days | Completed claim form, travel booking confirmation and itinerary | Attending physician statement | Proof of purchase, police/incident report, claim with transportation provider | Proof of covered reason, attending physician statement (if applicable), invoices/receipts for non-refundable amounts, cancellation charges, additional expenses, transportation ticket | 3 days (email), 5 days (mail) for claim number confirmation | E-payment | Phone, email support |
| Allianz Travel Insurance | Online, App, Fax, Mail | 90 days from date of loss | Receipts, invoices, medical reports, police reports, itineraries, notices | Medical reports (obtained by claimant) | Property irregularity report, receipts | Receipts, refund information | 3 business days (if organized), 10 business days (typical) for document review | Direct deposit, debit card, check | Phone, online, app support |
| Squaremouth | Provider dependent (online, phone, mail, app) | Provider dependent | Receipts, cancellation notices, delay notices, medical bills, physician's notes, correspondence, police reports, unused tickets, refunds received | Medical bills, physician’s notes | Airline/police reports, receipts | Airline, hotel, rental car, excursions receipts; cancellation notices; delay notices | Provider dependent (typically 10-30 days) | Provider dependent | Zero Complaint Guarantee, provider support |
| Seven Corners | Online (Seven Corners account) | 90 days (Trip Protection & Travel Medical) | Claim forms, receipts, medical bills | Original itemized bills/receipts, proof of payment, accident/police report (if applicable) | Proof of Loss form, receipts, possibly police reports | Proof of Loss, proof of payment, statement from airline/airport, Attending Physician Statement | Varies | Check, direct deposit | Dedicated Claims Advisor, Online Account Access |
| Yonder Travel Insurance | Online, mail | Provider dependent | Receipts, medical bills, police reports, proof of payment | Medical bills, intake forms, doctor's statement, Attending Physician's Statement (if pre-existing condition) | Receipts for luggage/items, homeowner's/renter's insurance EOB, airline report for delay/loss | Doctor's note (if applicable), trip itinerary, proof of payment, other party credits | 30-60 days (after all documentation received) | Check, Direct Deposit | Yonder team support, provider support |
| VisitorsCoverage | Online, Mail, Fax (depending on provider) | Provider dependent | Passport, medical bills, receipts | Medical records, doctor's statements, bills | Airline/carrier report, receipts for replacement items | Proof of covered reason (medical records, death certificate etc.), nonrefundable trip expenses receipts, proof of any refunds/credits received | Several weeks to a few months | Selected on claim form | Claims Assist Specialists |
| AXA | Online, Email, Fax, Mail | 90 days | Policy documents, claim form | Medical records, bills, receipts | Airline report, receipts, police report (if stolen) | Proof of covered reason (medical certificate, death certificate, etc.), receipts for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, documentation of refunds/credits/vouchers | 7 working days (after all required documents received) | Direct Deposit, Check | Phone support |
| Travelex Insurance Services | Online | 30 days | Confirmation of Coverage | Medical records, receipts | Airline report, receipts, police report | Documentation for reason of cancellation/interruption, receipts for trip expenses | Varies | Check, Direct Deposit | Phone, Email |
| Faye | App, Email | 90 days | Receipts, proof of payment, physician statement (medical), police reports (theft/auto), airline proof (cancellations/delays/baggage) | Physician’s statement | Airline proof, police reports (if applicable) | Receipts, proof of payment, documentation from travel providers | 48 hours (after receiving all information) | Faye Wallet, Bank Account | 24/7 chat, email, phone support |
| Travel Insured International | Online, Email, Mail | 20 days after loss, then 90 days for proof | Claim forms, verification of travel arrangements | Medical Expense Claim Form, Planholder/Patient Authorization Claim Form, proof of loss, medical expense receipts, proof of payment, verification of travel arrangements | Baggage Delay, Lost, Damaged or Stolen Claim Form, verification of travel arrangements, receipts, verification of delay/damage/theft/loss (police report, statement from airline) | Trip Cancellation Claim Form, verification of travel arrangements, airline tickets, itemized invoices/receipts, proof of loss, proof of payment, refunds info, copy of travel supplier terms and conditions. | 15 business days | Check | Phone, Email |
