Making a Travel Insurance Claim

Making travel insurance claims can be tricky, especially if you have just suffered an accident or illness, or have lost some precious items. To assist you with your travel insurance we have compiled an outline of the key things you will need to ensure your claim is processed as quickly as possible.

For Emergencies, Hospitalisation or Unexpected Return Home

Always contact your travel insurers' Emergency Response team first. When you do this you can make sure that you are following their particular guidelines, or otherwise you may end up jeopardising your entitlement to claim.

Cancellation of travel:

· Make sure you have documentation outlining the event that resulted in the cancellation of travel, this includes medical notes, certificate of death etc.

· You will also require proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, and any correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Include invoices and/or receipts showing proof of payment of fares and accommodation e.g. a letter from your travel agent, bank statement etc.

Note: Some insurers may ask for a copy of the terms and conditions of the travel agency or airline used in preparation for your travel.

Loss or Damage of luggage and personal effects

You will need to provide the following:

· Proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Proof of ownership e.g. receipts or invoices. If you do not have copies of these documents, provide any remaining components of the lost item such as manuals etc. In some instances this is only necessary if the item is over a certain value, however ensure that you are able to provide proof of ownership in all instances should you need to.

· A copy of all invoices and/or receipts that support the amount being claimed e.g. replacement receipts or repair quotes.

· A police report in the case of burglary/theft.

· A repair or replacement quote for any damaged items.

· A carriers' report outlining deprivation or total loss of personal effects or luggage from your airline.

· In the case of loss of money, provide documentation such as withdrawal and bank statements as proof of value.

Medical Expenses while travelling overseas:

Remember you need one claim form for each medical event. Included in this claim form should be:

· A copy of all medical notes requested from your doctor outlining the nature of the illness or injury, including scans and x-rays if relevant. Keep the original documentation in case you are required to show them to the insurer.

· Copies of all invoices and/or receipts from the medical provider that support the amount being claimed.

· Proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Prescriptions and/or itemised receipts for any medication on which you may be claiming costs.

Note that this is a guideline only and your own travel insurer may have further requirements for a particular type of claim. Make sure that you check the policy BEFORE travelling so you are familiar with the cover and what could be required of you.