Everything you need to know before you buy a travel insurance policy!

Travel insurance policies are designed to cover a range of misfortunes when you travel. While the specifics of each policy is different, they usually cover a range of things from cancellation costs, emergency medical assistance, theft, and even vehicle hire excess. Hopefully you’ll never have to make a travel insurance claim but if you do these tips will help speed up the process.

1. Be upfront and honest

When you take out your policy make sure you disclose everything, especially things like pre-existing medical conditions.

Some travel insurance companies automatically cover some pre-existing conditions provided they are well controlled and you haven’t had any recent flare-ups, so be sure to check. If your condition isn’t covered, you’ll need to mention it. To apply for cover for that condition you may need to pay an extra premium or supply some additional information, but being upfront and honest about it initially will save you time and hassle if you need to claim in the future.

2. Know the details of your policy

When you apply for any kind of insurance coverage it’s important to read your policy wording. You need to be aware of any exclusions, like civil unrest, pandemics or acts of terrorism for example. Your level of coverage also needs to be at the minimum prescribed level for your destination.

It is strongly recommended that you read the fine print before making your mind up about the coverage that you need.

3. Keep everything

Original receipts and documents are the most important forms of evidence to support your claim. If you’re traveling and you find yourself in a situation that you might be able to claim for, keep every document, receipt and report you’re given. Including these supporting documents will ensure a speedy claim process.

What kind of documents are needed

• If you receive medical treatment overseas you must supply the original receipt and documents from the hospital, medical centre or dentist.
  
• If you’ve had something stolen or lost you need to include the original police report and any documents that support your proof of ownership. This can include receipts, warranties, credit card vouchers, statements or valuations.
  
  
• For delayed luggage you need to include your lost baggage report and proof of ownership like receipts, warranties, credit card vouchers, statements or valuations.
   

4. Be as detailed as possible in your claim

Providing as much detail as possible when you claim will allow your claim to be processed quickly.

Always aim to:

• Answer each question with as much information as possible.
  
• Make sure your handwriting is neat and legible.
  
• Continue answers on another piece of paper if there’s not enough room on the form.
  
• Answer all the questions. Chasing up unanswered questions may delay the processing of your claim.

5. Be patient

We know it can be frustrating waiting for an insurance claim to be processed but the best course of action is to be patient.

Check with your insurer before you leave, many have specified times in which they must answer queries. Some claims may need more investigation so make sure you informed of our progress with regular status updates.

We hope these tips will come in handy if you ever need to make a travel insurance claim.