How to Avoid Rejection on Travel Insurance Claim ?

Posted on: Feb 18, 2019 | | Written by:

How to Avoid Rejection on Travel Insurance Claim ?

Published on Febuary 18, 2019 . EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

There are several things that can go wrong during a vacation, some of which are beyond our control. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delayed flights, unexpected disruptions, and lost baggage are just a few examples of how things can go wrong. Purchasing travel insurance is a wise decision, providing a safety net for various unforeseen circumstances during your trip. For holidays that do not go as planned, travel insurance at hand can give us extra protection and peace of mind.

Purchasing travel insurance is a wise decision, as it can provide a safety net for various unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Travel insurance ultimately offers peace of mind, allowing you to explore the world with confidence, knowing you have a reliable backup plan in place. But just buying a travel insurance policy is not enough. There are certain things that you need to be mindful of when you travel. Not adhering to the company policies can lead to a claim rejection.

While it is often unlikely that a claim is denied, you need to be careful in order to avoid travel insurance claim rejections. Let us understand how you can do this.

Reasons for rejection of travel insurance claims

When you travel, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Listed below are some of the most common reasons for claim rejection.

1. Missing bills

It is important that you submit all the bills and documents while making a claim. Your insurer needs proof of everything you have claimed for; a failure to provide that may lead to a rejection of claims.

2. Failure to read the fine print

When you buy a TRAVEL INSURANCE, invest some time in reading the terms and conditions well. Not reading it carefully may lead you to misinterpret the benefits, leading you to claim for something you may not be eligible for, hence having your claim rejected.

Tip: One of the easiest ways to avoid travel insurance claim rejections is to understand the policy that you are planning to buy. Understand all the terms and conditions and the coverage. Take the help of the company executive in case there’s something you do not understand.

3. Not sharing your medical history

It is vital that you document your correct medical history so that the right insurance amount can be determined. A failure to do that may lead to receiving less than what you spent or an absolute claim rejection.

4. Not being informed about policy exclusions

One needs to have thorough research and find the most suitable insurance as every insurance may differ in exclusions. While most insurance companies do not accept traveller insurance claims for events that occurred under the influence of alcohol or drugs, many of them also do not cover accidents during adventure sports. So, make sure you are well informed.

5. Travelling to places with ‘travel warnings’

If you choose to head to a place where a travel warning has already been issued, it is most likely that a claim filed for an event that occurred there will not be accepted.

How to make sure your travel insurance claim is not rejected?

Insurance companies refuse claims for events that occurred under the influence of alcohol, so it is suggested to avoid intoxication when you are travelling.

1. Take care of your possessions

Leaving your valuables unattended is considered negligence on your part, leading to a rejection of a claim. Keep them well guarded, and do not be careless in their safekeeping.

2. Know your policy well

For a successful travel insurance claim, be aware of the terms and conditions of your policy. Read the agreement thoroughly and know well about the inclusions and exclusions. Also, spend some time understanding the coverage and its geographical limitations.

Note: The IRDAI mandates that every insurance company has to offer the policyholder a list of policy exclusions. Make sure you understand them.

3. Be honest about your medical history

It is vital that you disclose your entire medical history to your insurer before you purchase the insurance. Some policies exclude treatment for pre-existing conditions, and it is important that you are aware of them.

Tip: In order to save a few bucks on the premium, do not be tempted to hide or misinform your insurer. Any such situation can surely lead to a claim rejection.

4. Be meticulous with paperwork

Sometimes, even the most genuine of claims may be rejected due to poor filing of paperwork. So include necessary bills, receipts and other reliable documentation.

5. Report the claim on time

It is very important to report the claim as early as you possibly can, preferably within 24 hours. Call the customer care, send the company an email or register the claim online if possible. Make sure you submit the substantiating paperwork timely.

6. Try visiting a network/ approved hospital

Your insurer will provide you with a list of healthcare centres where you can get the required medical treatment. Try to keep this list handy. If you cannot visit an approved hospital because of an emergency, discuss the same with your insurance provider.

7. Indulge in adventure sports with caution

In most cases, travel insurance policies do not offer coverage for damages or injuries that happen while participating in adventure sports like hiking, bungee jumping, river rafting, etc. It is highly recommended that you indulge in such activities with extreme caution.

8. Avoid blacklisted destinations

Certain places are considered unsafe by the WHO (World Health Organisation) and FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Offices). Your insurance plan will probably not offer coverage if you are travelling to such places. Make sure to discuss such travel plans with your insurer.

Conclusion

Your travel insurance policy is your safety net for various unforeseen circumstances during your trip. While the policy allows you to explore the world with confidence, you need to understand your coverage properly. Having an insurance ]policy but not being able to make a claim can be heartbreaking. It is, therefore, imperative that you follow the tips given above and avoid travel insurance claim rejections.

To know more, buy and explore travel insurance plans and its benefits, CLICK HERE

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

Common reasons travel insurance claims are rejected

What is the procedure to file a travel insurance claim?

Claim Process for Travel Insurance