Travel insurance is an important safeguard for all travelers as it helps protect against unforeseen situations, particularly for medical emergencies.
One caveat of using travel insurance, however, is that you must file a claim for all services or treatments in which travel insurance is utilized, whether for reimbursement for already paid expenses or for care that was directly billed to the insurance provider.
Claims can be a concern for travel insurance buyers, as the process can be intimidating, especially for first time travel insurance users.
However, understanding the claims process and how you can set yourself up for success when filing a claim can make the process smooth and stress-free.
Why Is Making a Claim a Concern for Travel Insurance Buyers?
Filing a claim for travel insurance can be a concern for some buyers, mostly due to the anxiety surrounding denied claims.
Many travel insurance users may feel that if they don’t file their claim correctly, it could be denied. It can also take some time for a claim to be processed and determined.
Armed with the proper knowledge on how to make a claim and understanding what travel insurance covers and what it doesn’t can give travel insurance confidence when filing a claim.
When Is Making a Travel Insurance Claim Required?
You are required to make a claim on any and all expenses you are requesting coverage for when it comes to travel insurance.
This means that whether or not you paid for your medical care upfront and out-of-pocket or if the healthcare provider directly billed your insurance, you still need to file a claim for any expenses that you want coverage for.
What Is Needed to File a Claim?
In order to file a claim, you will need to fill out your travel insurance provider’s claim form.
You will need the following information to file your claim:
- Details about your injury or illness, including information such as when your symptoms began, details about your condition, previous medical conditions, and more.
- Information regarding the provider(s) you visited such as the provider’s name, date of service, and provider location.
- Total charges paid or billed for each service or treatment you received.
- Copies of any receipts for bills paid, medications prescribed, itemized details of your treatment, etc.
How to File a Travel Insurance Claim
Filing a travel insurance claim can be done in just a few easy steps.
If you purchased through VisitorsCoverage, you can log into your account through our Customer Portal to access key documents, including your claim forms, to start your claim.
Once your claim form and supporting documents are complete, you will submit your claim to your travel insurance provider.
The status of your travel insurance claim can be tracked through your insurance provider, or you can contact your provider for updates on your claim. Claims can typically take up to 30 days to be processed.
The Importance of Understanding Your Policy
By understanding your travel insurance policy and its coverage details, you can save yourself frustration during the claims process.
It is important to review your policy’s description of coverage, including exclusions and limitations, to fully comprehend what your coverage entails.
When you understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy, you’ll be better equipped to file eligible claims on your policy.
Tips to Avoid Frustration During the Claims Process
When filing a claim for travel insurance, you can save yourself frustration with the following tips:
- Make sure that your claim form is filled out completely, accurately, and in detail to avoid back and forth between you and the insurance provider.
- Submit any necessary supporting documents that will help validate your claim.
- File your claim in a timely manner.
- Read your policy’s fine print in full to understand exclusions and limitations in coverage.
- Ensure that all of your monetary claims are accurate and can be verified through bills and receipts.
File Your Claim With Confidence
Don’t let the claims process deter you from protecting yourself when traveling.
With the right information and understanding of how travel insurance works, you can use your insurance with confidence.
Still have questions? Contact our Customer Success Team for friendly assistance regarding your travel insurance policy or the claims process.
