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What is the procedure to file a travel insurance claim?

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Published on May 14, 2021. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Travel insurance should be on top of your checklist if you are travelling domestically or internationally. Infact, most foreign visa requirements mandate travel insurance with a specified minimum cover as part of your travel documents. For a small premium, travel insurance takes care of any accidents, medical emergencies, loss of valuables including passport and in some cases, even loss of life that you may encounter on your trip. If you select a good policy, preserve all important documents associated with travel and file your claim within stipulated timelines, monetary damages arising out of unforeseen mishaps on your trip will be compensated by the insurer. The term of the travel insurance policy may last a month or longer covering single or multiple trips.

Before you purchase a policy you should read the fine print carefully. The fine print are the terms and conditions of the policy which will determine -

• Policy Limitations: This will list down events and contingencies that the policy will not insure such as injuries, accidents, losses suffered under the influence of alcohol or drugs or on account of reckless behaviour, medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, travelling against the advice of your physician, mental health conditions, etc.

• Deadlines for Claim Filing: Even after you buy the insurance policy, it is important to know what the timelines for filing claims are. In the event the need to file a claim arises, you should know the correct time frame or at what point the claims should be filed. For example, would you need to file a claim while you are still travelling or can you return and then file for a claim. Typically, claims settled within 1-2 months from the date of filing.

• What Type of Claims are Covered: Depending on the duration and nature of your travel, different events or situations may arise. Some policies offer compensation for cancelled or missed connecting flights, loss of travel funds, and even a special distress allowance if your plane is hijacked.

• Cashless Claims: Cashless claims are the preferred mode of settlement for policy holders. However not all policies may offer that facility and you should consider how you would like your claims settled and pick a policy accordingly.

Depending on the type of claim you are making, different documents in the form or receipts, vouchers, invoices etc. will be required. It is important to remember that the insurer can only validate your claims based on the information you provide. They have no other way of verifying or investigating expenses on your travels, especially trips abroad.

Medical Emergencies

To make claims for medical emergencies due to accidental bodily injuries or a sudden illness or flare up such as dental issues, you should contact your insurer or agent as soon as possible if you want to make a cashless claim. In addition to t he original ticket and boarding pass, a copy of the passport indicating the travel dates ie. visa with entry and exit stamp you must submit the following records when filing a claim:

• Medical reports and test results

• Prescriptions and bills for medicines purchased

• Other payment receipts and vouchers associated with the treatment

• Incase of an accident, an FIR or police report may also be required by the insurer to process your claim

Delay or Loss of Checked-In Baggage

In case your baggage is lost or has been delayed, receipts of expenses incurred due to loss or delay in delivery of baggage should be maintained along with boarding pass, flight tickets, passport copy along with baggage check-in tags issued by the airline.

Incase of loss of valuables, a list of articles lost and their estimated value should also be accounted for. A letter from the airline authenticating the delay or loss of luggage will also be required. You must file your claim as soon as you return with all the documents mentioned above.

Loss of Passport

The damages incurred in retrieving a lost passport can also be claimed by the insured. To do so, you need to keep a record of the payments made in procuring a travel certificate from the embassy, some form of government-issued identification and a copy of your old passport. An FIR needs to be filed with the local law enforcement authority in the destination country, a copy of which should be submitted to the insurer. The insurer should be intimated as soon as the loss of passport is discovered.

Cancellation or Curtailment of Travel

Oftentimes, trips get cancelled or cut short due to the airline, medical emergencies, personal employment issues or natural disasters. It is possible to claim monetary losses due to cancellation or curtailment of your trip by producing the relevant documents to support your claim. This includes medical bills in case of an accident or hospitalisation, an FIR or police report in case of a burglary, theft or accident at your home due to which you had to cut your trip short. Incase of the sudden death of a family member or co-traveller the death certificate needs to be submitted.

Some travel insurance policies provide compensation to nominees of the policy holder incase of death or permanent disability of the insured while travelling. To prepare yourself for unforeseen circumstances your travel may throw up, you should read your policy carefully and maintain a digital or physical record of all your travel-related documents.

Disclaimer:  The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.