Travel Insurance Claims
Most people don’t really read their travel insurance policy until they need to make a claim on it, and then it can often present one or two nasty surprises.
People get very upset, naturally, if their claim is rejected by the insurance company, whatever the reason.
It can be a real help to understand the reasons why insurance companies tend to reject claims, as people can then be prepared in advance to make sure that if their claim is legitimate they have solid ground on which to pursue it and have it settled.
Below is a list of the most common reasons why claims are rejected, followed by a number of articles looking at some of the reasons in more detail :
Some common reasons for travel claims being rejected:
- Not Filling in a Claims Form Properly: Failing to provide all the required information or providing inaccurate details can lead to claims being rejected. It’s essential to fill out the claim forms accurately and include all necessary supporting documentation.
- Policy Exclusions: Most travel insurance policies have specific exclusions and limitations. Claims for events or circumstances that fall under these exclusions may be rejected. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, certain high-risk activities, and events caused by illegal or reckless behaviour.
- Late Filing or Notification of a Claim : Insurance companies typically have strict deadlines for filing claims. Failing to submit a claim within the specified timeframe may result in rejection. It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines and submit a claim as quickly as possible .
- Lack of Proper Documentation: Claims often require supporting documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, or receipts. Failure to provide the necessary documents or evidence to substantiate the claim can lead to the claim being rejected.
- Unapproved Expenses: Some policies may have restrictions on the types of expenses that can be claimed. If the incurred expenses are not covered under the policy, the claim may be rejected. It’s important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered.
- Failure to Notify the Insurance Company: In certain situations, policyholders are required to inform the insurance company promptly, usually within specified time limits, such as in the case of medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Failure to notify the insurer within the specified time frame may result in the claim being rejected.
- Policy Lapses or Non-Payment of Premiums: If the policy has lapsed due to non-payment of premiums, the coverage may no longer be in effect, leading to the claim being rejected. It’s important to maintain the policy in good standing by paying premiums on time.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false information during the application process or when filing a claim can result in the denial of the claim. It’s essential to be honest and transparent when dealing with the insurance provider. False information can mean either providing information that isn’t true, or not telling them something that is relevant to the policy, i.e. by omission
