Travelling brings a sense of adventure but there are many things that can go wrong when you are on a trip. From being medically unfit just before your travel, to falling sick during the travel, loss of baggage and documents, and flight delays, the possibilities are endless.
Travellers today are more aware and are looking at travel insurance more seriously due to its multiple benefits. For many, however, it may still be their first time taking travel insurance.
So, if you are one of those opting for travel insurance for the first time this summer, or need some quick practical tips, here is what you need to know about travel insurance claims.
Contact your insurance company: The first thing to do when you face any situation that warrants a claim is to inform your travel insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you have both the domestic and international toll-free numbers of your insurance service provider handy. Not only will the travel insurance advisors assist you by contacting local medical facilities on your behalf if needed, they can also offer any assistance you may need at any hour. Informing your travel insurance company late can be used as a possible claim denial reason, so take no risk and reach out to them immediately.
Documentary evidence: Document everything while travelling so that you have documentary proof for any issue you may encounter. All proof of expenses incurred by you, medical reports, police records, FIRs, etc. should be documented for a seamless claim application.
Medical emergency before travel: If you are unable to go on your planned trip due to medical reasons you will need a doctor’s certificate stating the same. You can also file claims for a pre-existing disease if your insurance plan has a pre-existing condition waiver. To file a claim, you will need to submit the claim form of your insurance company along with your medical reports and details of the expenses you want reimbursed.
Medical emergency during travel: If you fall sick while travelling, the first thing to do is to contact your travel insurance service provider and take their help in seeking immediate medical help. Once you recoup, you can then work in tandem with your insurance company for the required documentation needed for your claim. The usual documentation required in this scenario includes original invoices of the expenses incurred, payment receipts for all invoices, and any other document suggestive of payments made to the hospital. In case of an accident, you must also provide the FIR document filed with the police.
Loss of baggage and personal documents: If you ever encounter loss of baggage or personal documents, file an FIR with the local police. You must submit a certified copy of the FIR, along with a photocopy of your passport, if you have one. Original or certified copies of valuation certificates are needed for claims involving precious items like jewelry.
Loss of cash: For you have lost cash during your travel, you will need to submit along with your claim form the original, or true photocopies of, the FIR document along with documentation of cash withdrawal or traveller’s cheques issued to you.
Flight delays: This is a common travel issue that can lead to financial losses. While flight delays are usually never deliberate, most travel insurance companies require you to file a copy of the confirmation letter from the airlines clearly stating the duration of, and the reason for, the flight delay. This must be attached with your claim letter for any losses you may have incurred along with invoices of purchase like meals, and alternate travel plans that you had to undertake due to flight delays.
The writer is CEO, BankBazaar.com