Traveling can be an exhilarating experience full of discoveries and adventures. However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan, making it necessary for you to make a travel insurance claim. From lost or stolen money and medical expenses to lost luggage and flight cancellations, there are various reasons why you may need to make a claim. Fortunately, filing a claim is not a daunting process, as long as you have the necessary documents and details on hand. Moreover, many insurance providers usually offer online portals or over-the-phone services as convenient options for making claims. Rest assured, help is at hand if any unforeseen circumstances disrupt your plans.  

Before you travel, make sure you read the product disclosure statement (PDS) so you can understand the conditions of your travel insurance policy and what it covers. If you are unsure of anything, reach out to your insurer to clarify, and have the appropriate documentation and information at the ready. This will include your Certificate of Insurance which should contain important information about your policy as well as any emergency and support contacts. It’s advisable to have these with you in both digital and hard copy.

It’s important to have as many validating documents as possible when making a travel insurance claim. This could include a police report for stolen items, a medical report from a health care provider, or even bank statements and purchase receipts. In the first instance, if an incident or event happens that affects your travel, contact the relevant authorities so you can officially report it. Be mindful that some providers may only accept a claim if the incident was reported within a 24-hour time frame.  

• Medical expenses: You may be able to pay any immediate medical bills you incur at your destination of travel and claim them through your provider after or in some cases, your provider may be able to pay them directly. Check with your individual provider. 

Don’t delay, contact your insurer as soon as you can and explain your situation. They may be able to guide you with all you need to have to make your claim so that you are well prepared. Your provider may even be able to direct you to the appropriate authorities at your current destination who may be able to assist you further. You may even have the option to start your claim and issue supporting documents later on. 

If there is an online claim form, this may be an easy and convenient option for you to submit a claim, especially if you are still traveling. This will mean uploading the documentation supporting your claim. You may also have the option of posting a downloaded claim form in the mail. 

If your travel insurance claim is successful, you may need to pay an excess. The excess amount will vary depending on your agreed policy of choice and this should be listed on your policy documentation. Your provider should be able to guide you through this payment process. 

While traveling can bring unexpected challenges, it is comforting to know that travel insurance is there to provide support when things go wrong. Whether it's lost money, medical expenses, lost luggage, or flight cancellations, making a travel insurance claim is a relatively straightforward process. So, if you find yourself in a difficult situation during your travels, remember that travel insurance is there to help alleviate some of the burden.