Top 10 tips: CLAIMS

Making a claim is not the easiest process in the world. Both fraudulent and exaggerated claims (turning a $150 iPod shuffle into a $700 40gig iPod photo) 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?

1. Understand your cover
   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.
2. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions
   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.
3. Take a copy of your policy with you
   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.
4. Keep emergency contact details with you
   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.
5. Medical treatment and emergencies
   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.
6. Report thefts and accidents as soon as possible
   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.
7. Keep all documents and receipts
   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.
8. Take photographic evidence.
   In any situation, if you still have a camera, time-stamped photographic evidence is always useful.
9. Before you go: proof of ownership
   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.
10. High-risk items
    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.
11. Be organized.
    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.

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