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Making a claim is not the easiest process in the world. Both fraudulent and exaggerated claims have an inflationary effect on insurance policies and travel insurance companies have mechanisms in place to root out the legitimate claims from those who may be trying to cheat the system.
Unfortunately this means those of use making a legitimate claim are treated to the same series of examinations as those who are trying to cheat the system. So how can you ensure that you minimise the time it takes to process your claim?
All policies are different. Take the time to read the policy wording carefully and understand what you’re covered for and what you’re not. Check the exclusions and the policy excesses and if in doubt, ask.
This is important. If you do not declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may be suffering from, you will probably still be covered in general but not for any claim that is a result of these conditions.
It seems like a very simple thing to remember when you’re making copies of your documents, but many people forget to include their travel insurance in the list of important documents. It is possible to make a claim without it, but it sure helps.
All insurers have telephone numbers to call in an emergency. These are often on your policy certificate but if they aren’t have them to hand because the last thing you need in a crisis is a struggle to locate the right phone numbers to call, particularly if the locals don’t speak your language.
In the unfortunate event that you may need medical treatment, it’s important to call your insurer as most insurers have limits on the value of any procedures they will cover without prior authorization.
Make sure you report any theft or incident to the local police or authority as soon as possible as this is almost mandatory. Some policies require you to report the incident within a given timeframe so be sure to check your policy.
Whether it be a police report of your stolen wallet, a doctors certificate or a receipt for the medicine you need from the pharmacy, make sure you keep the original. If you send these in when you make your claim, make sure you take copies for yourself as documents lost in the mail are not uncommon and significantly hinder any claims settlement.
In any situation, if you still have a camera, time-stamped photographic evidence is always useful.
If you are going to be away for a while, think about the valuable items you are taking with you and what you would use to validate possession? This can be anything from receipts or credit card statements to box packaging. Don’t take these with you but make sure you know where they are.
Cameras and electronic equipment are obviously high-risk items. Write down the serial numbers and keep these in a safe place as these can often significantly improve the ease with which a claim can be settled.
When you make a claim, make sure you clearly write down who you are and what your policy number is (try to imagine a claims department handling thousands of claims and your unmarked envelope stuffed with loose receipts lands on someone’s desk …). Staple items to your claim form, make sure you keep track of dates when you sent what and to whom and keep track of your dialogue with the claims company.
I have used TID before and found there webste easy to use and they covered everything that I needed for a my trip at a reasonable price. I just want good cover for a fare price. TID offer this. Very fortunately I have not yet had to claim.
Brendan | 29/01/2012
I have always used the same travel insurance company. I was planning to travel to Thailand for 8days so I contacted them for a quote. I advised them that I would be 19weeks pregnant at the time of travel. They provided me with a quote which was more than I had previously paid for 6weeks in Sth America so I set about looking for a comparison quote. A friend recommended TID. Even with my "pre-existing medical condition" the quote came in at 50% less. I was impressed and will use TID for future travel
Sandra | 27/01/2012
I dont get insurance anywhere else. I have used them the past 5 times I have travelled. Well priced. Good coverage. Such and easy process
Noeleen Lechner | 20/01/2012
have used CTI for the last 3 years, last trip had to claim on overnight medical & hospital expenses while in Bangkok,paid once we got back home & sorted out paperwork,also had to claim stolen wallet{pickpocket]in Kuala lumpur.Claimed online, sent police report & claim was promptly paid.We are using them again this year & highly recommend them but they don't cover pre existing conditions which is clearly stated on the policy.
sandra mccartney | 16/01/2012
I have used TID three times for my children and have found the prices very reasonable, the policies easy to chose and the support excellent. When my 16 year old daughter was on exchange and got sick TID were fantastic with their advice and support.
Halina | 12/01/2012
I have used TID on several occacions, three times as a normal policy and I am now onto my secdond year using the twelve month policy. Their rates are better than any I have researched and the prompt service I received when making a claim was excellent.I have recommended them to many of my friends as well as people I have met on my travels.
Janice Sullivan | 11/12/2011
I found the price from TID with comparable coverage, cheaper than any other company and I will definitely use them again.
John | 3/12/2011
After researching several insurance policies TID had everything i needed in a policy and it was quick and simple to organise. The best part was the price....
Linda | 30/11/2011
TID is our first choice in Travel Insurance. We have used them at least 3 times now and would recommend them to anyone as the service is great and their rates are extremely comparable.
Robyn Gill | 19/11/2011
QBE Travel insurance sucksDon't do it.My infant daughter had an asthma attack while travelling overseas and needed hospital treatment overnight.QBE refuse to pay a single cent because they consider that a "pre-existing condition" - even though she's not even 2 years old yet!Choose a different insurer.
I agree with Chris, it doesn't cover much. They should call it medical expenses travel insurance to avoid confusing travellers!
Stephen | 9/11/2011
i have never found buying travel insurance to be so cheap and easy. great work TID
brad | 9/11/2011
I keep coming back to TID as they are great value and easy to work with.
SJC | 8/11/2011
I've been using TID for many years now, and have always been happy with the website, the booking system, the service, the communication and the price!When I made a claim a few years back after my laptop was damaged and some of my money was stolen, they came through with the goods, and were very communicative and cooperative.TID is the best : )Tawfik
tawfik | 3/11/2011
Great post… you’ve posted very informative article. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing with us
Alameda Taxi | 2/11/2011