Quick Guide: How to Avoid Travel Insurance Claim Rejection

A Travel Insurance policy is purchased for security and comfort in case of emergencies, especially when away from home. In fact, some countries have made it mandatory to have travel insurance. Apart from peace of mind, it provides an individual with extra protection from travel mishaps. Further, it ensures that travel plans are not interrupted by an unexpected medical emergency, loss of baggage, or death of a travelling companion.

Insurance claims present an opportunity to ask your insurance company to examine the circumstances of the mishap and determine a fair and hassle-free settlement. But there are instances where insurance companies turn down the claims. Read along to know how to avoid rejection on travel insurance claim.

There are several tips and tricks that an individual should follow to avoid rejection of insurance claims made against inevitable travelling mishaps. They are enlisted below –

1. Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Cover

It is essential to purchase an insurance policy that protects against every potential travel risk. Specifically, when visiting local lands, it is advisable to buy an insurance policy accepted by the local regulatory authorities. Further, when travelling internationally, it is wise to purchase a region-specific insurance plan that abides by the travel policies of the destination country.

2. Claim Exclusions

In the excitement of packing and planning a trip, it is easy to forget to check the list of exclusions of an insurance policy. People often find out the hard way that exclusion applies to their situation, sometimes when they are hundreds of miles away from home amid a medical emergency. The main reason that insurance companies deny travel insurance claims is misuse or abuse of coverage, including exclusions. You must understand your coverage and its limitations to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

3. Be Aware of the Coverage Details

To ensure that you get the most out of your travel insurance and your claim is not rejected, read the terms and conditions carefully and be aware of what is not covered. You must also understand the limits of your policy when filing certain claims.

4. Submit Paperwork on Time

To register a valid claim, you must provide substantiating paperwork related to your treatment and the contact information for the medical professional who provided your care. It may also be helpful to submit receipts for any services you received. You need to refer to the list of documents for respective claims as mentioned in your policy. There should be enough valid proof of paperwork associated with your claim for a hassle-free settlement.

5. Opacity in Medical Conditions

As part of the application process for travel insurance, some people may choose not to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. This can prove disastrous if you face an emergency during your trip and your claim for health care is denied. Even if you are hurt or become ill and do not have a pre-existing condition, there is a chance your claim will be rejected. To avoid these situations, make sure to disclose all existing medical conditions when you apply for the policy.

6. Indulging in Adventurous Sports and Activities

Generally, travel insurance does not cover losses incurred from participation in adventure sports and activities. Further, the list of activities excluded from insurance differs with each company. With Digit, we cover adventure activities that last only for a duration of one day. Three-day long treks or hiking, etc. are not covered. So, it is advisable to engage in such sports with extra caution as it possesses a high risk of claim rejection.

7. Avoid Travelling to Places Blacklisted by the FCO and WHO

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Offices) and WHO (World Health Organisation) have compiled a list of locations that may be unsafe for travel, such as war-torn areas. When considering vacation plans, make sure you avoid such blacklisted areas to avoid complications concerning insurance claims in case of accidents or loss during travel.

8. Visit Pre-approved Clinics

Travel insurance companies provide a list of pre-approved hospitals and clinics where their customers can insist on getting emergency care. Customers who have already visited these hospitals should contact the customer service department if they feel they were denied adequate care. Travellers who visit non-listed clinics may find that their trip insurance does not cover them.

9. Avoid Alcohol Abuse

Many insurance companies refuse to pay accidental death benefits for fatal accidents that occur while the deceased individual is intoxicated. So, avoiding intoxication through alcohol or any other harmful drug when travelling is highly suggested.

10. Take Good Care of Belongings

Leaving your valuables unattended is considered negligence, leading to rejection in the claim.

11. Report Theft or Loss of Property Immediately

It is crucial to report any accidents or thefts to the insurance company within 24 hours when one is insured. The individual should get a written medical report and make a police report in case of medical emergencies and non-medical emergencies, respectively. These are the reports that an individual needs when filing a claim with an insurance company to avoid rejection.

12. Provide accurate information

When purchasing your travel insurance policy, provide all the required information correctly. Over or understating information can lead to rejection of a claim. Insurance agencies scrutinize every document before processing a claim. So, if you want a quick, hassle-free paperwork process, you can start off by honestly stating all your information.