Filing a travel insurance claim requires careful preparation, timely action, and thorough documentation to maximize your chances of approval. The process begins with contacting your insurer to confirm required documents, then submitting proof such as medical records, receipts, or incident reports depending on the claim type. Most providers emphasize submitting claims promptly—typically within 90 days—while keeping all original receipts and documentation organized. About 90% of properly documented claims are honored, though denials can be appealed with roughly 50% success rates.

Key takeaways from the sources:

• Contact your insurer first to verify required documents and procedures before submitting anything ^[1].
• Submit claims quickly, ideally within 90 days of the incident, with all necessary documentation to avoid delays or denials ^[4][5].
• Documentation varies by claim type: medical claims need doctor’s notes, baggage loss requires incident reports, and trip cancellations demand proof of non-refundable payments ^[2][7].
• Use online portals for faster processing; many insurers like Generali and Seven Corners offer digital submission and tracking ^[8][9].

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

Preparing to File: Initial Steps and Documentation

Before submitting a claim, take proactive steps to ensure you meet all requirements and avoid common pitfalls. The first action should always be contacting your insurance provider to clarify their specific process, as procedures can vary by company and policy type. As noted in ^[1], "90% of claims are honored" when filers follow the insurer’s guidelines, but this drops significantly with incomplete or late submissions.

Start by gathering all relevant documentation immediately after an incident. For medical claims, this includes doctor’s notes, itemized bills, and receipts for prescriptions or treatments ^[2][6]. For trip cancellations or interruptions, you’ll need proof of non-refundable payments (e.g., airline tickets, hotel reservations) and a justification for the cancellation, such as a medical certificate or death certificate if applicable ^[2]. Baggage claims require incident reports from airlines or hotels, receipts for lost items, and proof of ownership (e.g., credit card statements) ^[2][7].

Critical preparation steps include:

• Calling your insurer immediately to report the incident and confirm required documents—this can prevent delays later ^[1].
• Keeping original receipts for all expenses, as copies may not be accepted for reimbursement ^[4].
• Checking your policy’s time limits: Most insurers require claims within 90 days, but some (like Generali) allow up to one year ^[5][8].
• Avoiding exaggeration or incomplete information, as this can lead to fraud accusations and automatic denial ^[5].

One Reddit user described their experience: "After the call, I was sent a link to complete and submit the claim form, along with a generic list of required documentation" ^[10]. This highlights how insurers often provide tailored checklists once you initiate the process, so early contact is essential.

Submitting and Tracking Your Claim

Once you’ve gathered documentation, the submission process typically involves filling out a claim form and uploading supporting files through your insurer’s online portal. Companies like Travel Insured International and Seven Corners emphasize digital submission for speed, with steps like:

1. Starting the claim via the insurer’s website or member portal ^[3][9].
2. Uploading documents in the required format (e.g., PDF, JPEG) and ensuring files are legible ^[7].
3. Tracking progress through the portal or via email updates, which most insurers provide ^[3][9].

Processing times vary, but reimbursement usually takes up to two weeks after submission if all documents are in order ^[4]. Delays often occur when:

• Documents are missing or unclear, requiring back-and-forth with the claims advisor ^[9].
• The claim is complex, such as those involving medical evacuations or high-value items ^[6].
• The insurer needs third-party verification, like airline statements for delayed flights ^[2].

To expedite reimbursement:

• Submit claims as soon as possible—procrastination is a leading cause of denial ^[5].
• Double-check documentation against the insurer’s checklist before uploading ^[7].
• Follow up proactively if you haven’t received updates within the stated timeframe ^[6].

For denied claims, most insurers offer an appeal process. ^[1] notes that "about 50% of appeals are successful," so review the denial reason carefully and provide additional evidence if needed. Companies like Allianz and Travel Guard allow appeals through their claims resolution teams ^[1][6].