Claim filing is often a cumbersome process and more so for travel insurance related claims since you may find yourself in a remote destination and filing claims in the absence of relevant documents becomes very difficult. But with a little care, the entire process of claim filing can be completed easily.
Preplanning your trip
Before you embark on your travel plans, it is best to check with your insurance provider and find out the details of relevant TPA’s (Third Party Administrator). Most major insurance providers have listed the contact details of TPA’s on their websites. Ensure that you have the contact details of the relevant detail with you at all times. Save the details in your smart phone or on email for ease of access.
How to file a claim for travel insurance?
In most cases, your insurance provider will direct you to the relevant TPA who will guide you regarding the claim process. Keep all relevant documents with you. You would need a copy of the policy and identity documents.
In case you lose your passport, you would need alternate identity documents for the same. Ensure that you keep a scanned copy of all relevant documents with you at all times so you can easily access them when needed. It would also make the entire process of claim filing much easier. Otherwise, you would end up making frantic calls back home to locate your documents and in a worst case scenario, your claim may not be honoured.
In the event that you need to use cashless hospitalisation facility, ensure that you check with your service provider or the relevant TPA before you use the services of a hospital. Some insurance providers are pretty strict with claim filing process but others do not have a specific time period for filing the claim but its best to be on the safe side and file the claim as early as possible.
Documentation Required
While filing your claim, the documents required will differ and will depend on the policies of the insurance provider but in general you would require; the original boarding pass or a copy of your visa to indicate the travel dates. All original bills, receipts are mandatory submissions while filing a claim. If the original bill is a different language, then you would need to get it translated first. The cost will need to be borne by the customer as most insurance providers do not provide translation services.
Any diagnostic reports or consultation documents are also required while submitting a claim for a medical emergency while you are travelling abroad. If you need to get admitted for a medical emergency while on a foreign trip, then you would be eligible for cashless hospitalisation but for OPD and general consultation, generally cashless services are not provided and you would need to file a claim for reimbursement for the same. Each insurance provider has a maximum sum insured which is the maximum amount the insurer will pay in the event of a claim so ensure that you research carefully before opting for a particular insurance firm. This maximum amount is always mentioned in the policy document.
The claim filing process will differ as per your insurance provider but it is best to inform your insurance provider as early as possible in case you encounter an emergency and need to file a claim. Do not delay and inform your service provider within 24 hours of the incident.
