Considering how much I travel (and the shenanigans that I get up to), I consider myself extremely lucky that I’ve only had a few number of mishaps happen to me. Some of you may remember the biggest panic I had years ago when I lost my camera in Florence.
I wasn’t able to recover my camera, but I was still fortunate because I was covered by travel insurance. Here are some handy tips to ensure you are able to claim your travel insurance properly.
Making an insurance claim is a hassle that most people would rather avoid. When it comes to reporting a claim for travel insurance, many people don’t know how to go about it.
According to an article published in National Geographic, only 1 in 6 will actually make the claim. This could be because a lot of claims in Ireland are denied with only roughly around 10% being accepted. You can increase the odds of having your claim accepted fast by following these seven tips.
- Know what your policy covers. This is probably the single most important thing. Be sure to read through it carefully to know what is covered and what is not.
- Are pre-existing conditions covered or exempt? Read through your policy to find anything that would be considered a “pre-existing” condition such as pregnancy, heart disease, diabetes, a prosthesis, eyeglasses, or other medical devices or conditions.
- Report accidents, theft, or vandalism with the local authorities as well as the hotel where you are staying. It is better to have something in writing for your claim, so make a report as soon as possible. Next, contact your insurance company and make a report of what occurred. It helps your claim if you notify them immediately. The websites of travel insurance specialist such as theaa.ie offer useful guidance that can help to ensure your travel insurance claim fast.
- Designate a business credit card and use it for all of your expenses while traveling. It is a good practice to always keep receipts of everything you purchase as a rule. If you travel frequently you should also keep receipts of meals, hotel costs, copying, and any other expenses made by you. Your credit card statement is then your proof of purchase
- Make sure all of your paperwork is signed and dated, and you have at least 3 copies of everything. One copy for yourself, and 1 – 2 copies for the respective insurance providers.
- Check all of the insurance policies you currently hold. You may be able to get reimbursement from your homeowner’s policy for certain things. You may not get a total reimbursement, but checking with all sources for coverage could net you something you weren’t expecting.
- Don’t put off filing your claim. It’s understandable to feel like a total wreck when something goes wrong, but keep your head and remember to do what you need to make things right. You may be able to reasonably explain a delay, but the travel insurance adjuster will want to know why you didn’t file immediately.
4 Reasons Your Claim Could Be Denied:
- Forgetting to check your policy coverage.
- Exaggerating the amount of your loss
- Not providing documentation to support the claim
- Waiting too long to file a reimbursement claim.
When dealing with insurance claim adjusters it helps to know what your policy covers, have documentation of everything, and have receipts for what you purchased. You’ll get the most benefit from your insurance if you prepare well in advance.
While some Irish people may say that they don’t see the need for travel insurance, it can be a lifesaver when something goes wrong, and the policy you purchased will cover this particular situation. It’s the difference between being able to continue your vacation knowing that you’re covered, or having to go home and deal with your losses. If these tips helped you to get your claim accepted, then please share them with others.
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