Getting Your Travel Insurance Claim Accepted

Oh, it's tempting to just assume everything's fine and dandy when your policy arrives through the door. Afterall, all that small print looks so damned... dull.

Of course, if you don't read it, you're potentially letting yourself in for a world of hurt later. Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and as such you may not be covered for an activity, a place or an eventuality that happens. If you're expecting something to be covered and it's not there, then you can't complain when they don't reimburse. Check early on, and phone up if something's missing that you think you'll need - they may be able to add it to your policy for only a little bit more than you've already paid!

If you lie on your travel insurance application, then the policy is null and void - it's that simple.

Sure, they may never find out, but it's a fairly big risk to take and is fraud really worth the slight increment in cost?

One area that people are often less up-front about is pre-existing medical conditions. This all seems fine - until that condition you 'forgot' to refer to on the form flares up when you're abroad. If this happens, there's no way that your travel insurance company will foot the bill!

If you've had something stolen, don't spend too long moping about your misfortune or you might not get your money back! Get a report within 24 hours (from the police, the airport lost luggage department and/or the hotel) and keep it on file for when your holiday insurance company asks for it. If you've lost specific items,you may be asked to provide proof of purchase too, so have your receipts at the ready.

If that makes you worry, bear in mind that some online stores will keep your invoices in your account for years - you may be able to get a copy online!

Does your travel insurance cover your expensive laptop, or your mobile? The time to check is before you go! Valuables and money usually require special treatment - sometimes in the hotel safe when not in use. Certainly keeping your valuables lying around will prompt little sympathy (and even less cash payout) from your travel insurance provider!

I've already said you should report a crime within 24 hours to satisfy your insurance people, but give them as little reason as possible to turn down your claim. If you need medical treatment while abroad, it may be necessary to call your travel insurance people first to ensure the terms are agreed...

Basically, if you've read the small print you'll know what is required. Follow it to the letter, and there's far less chance you will get turned down!