Rakesh Kaul
Now that the holiday season is over, so is the season for travelling to exotic places. During your travels, if you have opted for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, it is important to know how to file your claim, in case you have met with an unforeseen occurrence.
From trip cancellation to medical emergencies, there are a lot of risks that you can encounter while travelling. To make sure your insurance truly serves its purpose, here is how you can use it effectively by learning the process of filing a travel insurance claim.
What are some points to keep in mind before filing your travel claim?
Regardless of which destination the person is travelling to, you might have to face certain emergencies, and it is better to be aware of the following important points that will make your travel claim journey smoother.
Pre-travel preparation
It is important to document all the expensive items that you will be carrying on your trip. Before heading out to your favourite destination, ensure that we have taken enough pictures of all the valuable items/documents that you are taking. It is wiser to make a copy of all your travel documents and leave one with a family member or friend, and carry the originals on your trip.
Reading the blueprint
While purchasing any kind of insurance, it is very important to read the policy documents carefully. This will make you aware of the inclusions and exclusions of a travel policy. Policy wordings can be easily available on the official website of your travel insurer. While filing the claim, being well-versed with the policy will allow you to be aware of the claim admissibility because of the listed limitations.
Medical emergencies
In case of an emergency or accident, inform your insurance company immediately. Ensure that you keep all the medical receipts and reports in place, especially when you are abroad. Such receipts will be used by the insurer to ascertain the place where you have received treatment. In case of an accident due to a third party’s fault, get a police report and keep a copy aside to submit it to the insurer.
Stolen or lost baggage
From airports to hotels, there are a number of places where your belongings can get stolen, especially in some foreign countries. Such an insurance policy provides compensation for lost baggage and essentials like clothing, toiletries, and necessary replacements. In case such a thing happens, get a written report from the police station and immediately make your insurance company aware of it. This will ensure that you have proper evidence to file your claim.
File a claim immediately
Every insurance company has a specific time period within which you can file your claim. Especially after the holiday season, it is anticipated that there will be more claims that will be filed. Nowadays, most companies allow you to file your claim online. To initiate a claim, download the claim form from your insurance company’s website and submit the duly filled form. Do not forget to attach all the relevant evidence to increase the likelihood of expense reimbursement.
If you had opted for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, this is the time to ensure it serves its purpose by knowing how to file a claim. While some may hesitate to engage with the process, the financial protection it provides far outweighs the effort involved. In a season marked by unpredictability, being prepared to file your claim promptly and with the right documentation is a smart step to safeguard yourself against unforeseen expenses and to make sure your holiday remains joyful in hindsight.
(The author is Chief Distribution Officer – Retail Business, Bajaj General Insurance Limited. He can be reached at [email protected])
