Filing a claim doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s why.
Dec 07, 2021 | Aon
While travel insurance often ends up simply providing peace of mind, sometimes things really do go wrong during a trip – whether it’s a medical emergency, sudden illness, flight delay or lost bag. When it comes to filing a travel insurance claim, understanding the submission process will help make the experience more accessible, easier and faster.
“Before you get started with filing a claim, contact your insurance provider right away so you have a clear understanding of what’s needed,” says Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Communication from the get-go is critical and can help prevent delays. For example, some plans include different terms and conditions that may require additional documentation.”
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- There are situations where you might need to file a claim during your travels. Write down important phone numbers, including your claims and emergency assistance department, before you depart.
- While every claim is unique, your insurance provider will need documentation, such as: a police report, a doctor’s note, verification of delay from a cruise line or original credit card statements. This means when you’re traveling, keep everything. Don’t throw away your receipts because they could be the difference between getting reimbursed or losing money.
- If an insurance provider needs more information from you, they will let you know. This doesn’t necessarily mean your claim has been denied – it just means it’s incomplete.
- It’s a good idea to keep your booking number handy. It can be found on your travel confirmation or travel invoice and is often referred to as you reservation number or itinerary number. This is different from your reference number, which you will need to check the status of your claim.
Many providers enable you to file a traditional paper claim, of if you prefer, you can go the digital route by using a web browser or simply going on your phone. For example, last year, Aon Affinity Travel Practice released a series of robust updates to its online claims sites, giving travelers the option to upload pictures of their documents and view their claim status details at any time.
The Aon Travel Takeaway? “The good news is the travel industry is making it more convenient for you to file a claim by offering tools like website forms or apps that help expedite the process,” says Goldin. “If you have any questions about when to file or how, most providers offer 24/7 assistance.”