How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

Travel insurance typically covers you for any mishap sustained while traveling. Insurance companies offer different plans that cover a myriad of events you might encounter while traveling. Depending on your policy, you can file travel insurance claims for trip cancellation, travel delay, baggage loss, baggage delay, baggage damage, medical expenses and accident to a rented car. Here’s how you can file a travel insurance claim.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the coverage provided by the travel insurance policy.

2. Decide the line of action based on the type of loss or mishap sustained.

3. Inform the insurance company immediately after the event, as it will help speed up processing of the claim.

4. Call the insurance agent to make sure you use the correct claim form. Claim forms differ according to the kind of coverage in your policy.

5. Ask the insurance agent about the information and documents required for processing your claim. Usually several documents as well as pertinent information about your travel need to be submitted with your claim form. These typically include travel date(s), mode of transport, name of travel agency and reservation receipts.

6. Collect and retain all the documents you believe are related to your claim for the kind of coverage in the policy. Your insurance agent can guide and help you in this effort.

7. Cooperate with the adjuster from the insurance company to verify your claim.

8. Assess the depreciation value, if possible.

9. Monitor your claim status. It may be available online.

10. Stay in touch with your agent to ensure prompt processing of claim.

Documents Needed for Specific Claims:

11. Rental car claim: Provide the make of car, travel date, proof of travel, police complaint copy and the estimate of loss or damage.

12. Air travel: Provide a copy of the airline tickets, proof of travel and estimated loss or damage.

13. Baggage theft: Provide a list of items that are lost or stolen, a copy of the complaint to police and travel agency and estimated cost.

14. Baggage delay: Provide a list along with receipts of urgent purchases until your baggage was returned.

15. Medical expenses: Track the treatment offered and retain a list of prescriptions and receipts for reimbursement.

Tips & Warnings

• A large number of claims are rejected by insurance companies for belongings that were left unattended in airport lounges, hotels, restaurants, train stations and bus stops. The company rejects these claims by saying the individual had not taken "reasonable care."