Are you planning a trip abroad? If so, you’re most likely thinking about what to pack and what not to. Well, have you ever thought about any emergencies offshore? May god forbid, but what if someone steals your belongings or you meet with an accident?
Besides the mental and physical distress, you’ll spend more than your budget. Yes! Any mishap or emergency and your pocket will soon be empty. This is where international travel insurance comes to aid.
From non-medical to medical losses, travel insurance cover will pay for everything. However, many Indians are now facing problems despite having travel insurance. One of the primary reasons is the unawareness of how to file travel insurance claims.
In this article, you’ll learn not only the travel insurance online claim process but also how to maximize coverage. So, let’s start.
How To File Travel Insurance Claims
- Step 1: First, notify the insurer via phone or email if there is a crisis while traveling abroad. You can use their official email or toll-free number.
- Step 2: Take the assistance of a claims support specialist to submit your travel insurance claim. The same representative will explain the travel insurance claims filing procedure to you. They will tell you what supporting documentation you must submit according to the type of travel insurance coverage.
- Step 3: Download the appropriate claim form for your travel insurance online. Enter the details on the empty fields on the form and attest to it with the supporting documents.
- Step 4: Once done, submit the travel insurance claim form on the insurer’s official website. Also, send a copy to the claim support representative (optional).
- Step 5: An insurer-appointed investigator will evaluate the documentation. Your travel insurance provider will evaluate and review the claim and subsequently determine whether to reject or approve it.
Travel Insurance Claims: Supporting Documents That You Must Carry Abroad/Store Online
Individuals who opt for travel insurance online won’t have to carry physical copies of their supporting documents abroad. They will be right there in your inbox, downloadable anytime you want.
However, people not opting for digital travel insurance may have to carry the following documents with them:
| Airline tickets | Travel insurance claims form | KYC documents |
| Relevant medical reports | Certificate of legal heirship | Authenticated copy of the FIR |
| ID proof for a stolen/lost item | Details of the physician | Copy of disability or death certificate |
Now, the main part is where we tell how to maximize coverage. Here’s how:
Ensure Providing Correct & Genuine Information
You have much to do while filling out the travel insurance cover claims form. The first thing is to provide only correct and genuine details.
Have any pre-existing medical conditions? Declare it to the insurer. Also, mention the purpose and date of the trip. Your insurer may reject your claim once they find any misleading or false information on your travel insurance form.
Avoid Wasting Any Time & Contact The Police Right Away!
Go through your travel insurance coverage plan once and see what emergencies it covers. If any emergency happens that is mentioned in the cover plan, such as robbery, your insurer will reimburse you for the loss.
However, you must file a complaint to the nearby local police station first. Failing to provide the insurer with a copy of the FIR can result in rejecting the travel insurance claim.
Be Prepared With The Supporting Shreds of Evidence
When filing a travel insurance online claim, you’ll have to be prepared with the documents that will act as evidence. Whether it’s airline receipts, hotel bills, medical bills, or police reports, there is plenty of evidence you need to provide for different purposes.
Here is a table demonstrating what to consider while filing travel insurance claims.
| Passport Loss Claim:
● Inform the local police station about passport loss ● Connect with the officials from the Indian embassy or consulate to issue a duplicate or new passport. |
| Baggage Delay/Loss Claim:
● Notify your airline about the delay or loss of baggage. ● Ask the airline to give you a Property Irregularity Report ● In case of baggage loss, ask the airline to provide the compensation details |
| Missed Connection Flight/Trip Cancellation Claim:
● Ask for correspondence or some physical/digital evidence from the airline making the delay in certifying and validating the reason behind the cancellation/delay. |
| Accident/Medical Sickness Claim:
● Inform the nearby local police officers if there’s a road accident. ● Ask the hospital or doctor to provide all the original medical papers, bills, and receipts. ● Ask the attending doctor to sign your international travel insurance claim form. |
| Bail Bond/Financial Emergency:
● Inform the local police station ● Connect with your travel insurer via phone or email ● Contact the Indian embassy (if necessary) |
Final Words
No one usually anticipates they will have to resort to travel insurance claims while they enjoy a vacation or a trip. However, a mishap, emergency, or unfortunate incident needs no invitation. So, it’s better to be safe and financially secure than suffer later. By filing a travel insurance claim, you can cope with the financial losses that may arise during a trip abroad.
FAQs
What happens if I misplace my cash while traveling?
Travel insurance will make arrangements for you if you misplace or have emergency cash taken from you.
What are the beginning and ending dates of my trip insurance?
When purchasing insurance, you can choose your trip’s start and finish dates. The advantages are still in effect during this time. However, some advantages, including trip cancellation, can be valid before you leave on your journey.
Can intimation help me with the travel insurance claim procedure?
To seek further assistance with the travel insurance claim settlement process, intimate the claims support representative. Simply ask them about the documents you require to submit, do so, and let them verify. Upon successful verification, the insurer should take no time to settle your claim.
