Steps To Take If You Need To Use Your Travel Insurance

Travel insurance options vary greatly by plan and provider, so it’s important to be familiar with limits and policy terms before you need to file a claim overseas. Before you file a claim or count on your travel insurance for assistance, learn about your coverage terms, policy deductible and travel assistance benefits. Following these precautionary instructions can help you receive compensation and comply with insurance steps in the claims process established by your provider.

Many travel insurance providers will process claims up to one year after the date of the emergency. However, some travel insurance options have much shorter limits, so it’s important to become familiar with the claims process, cut-off dates and insurance steps needed to file a claim. Saving ATM receipts, bills for overseas medical care and official invoices are one of the most important insurance steps you can take to preserve your right to file a claim for medical care, prescription medications or items stolen from your accommodations.

In addition to registering your credit cards with your insurance provider before your trip for easy cancellation, maintaining a photocopy or your passport, driver’s license, photo ID, credit cards and important travel documents also helps make things easier in case you need assistance while out of the country. In the event your personal items or documents are stolen, one of the first insurance steps you need to take is notifying your provider. With access to your insurance company’s 24-hour hotline, you can cancel a lost or stolen credit card, request emergency cash and or contact the nearest embassy in the country you are visiting.

Convenient travel insurance options also give policyholders instant access to multi-lingual translators, medical advice from trained professionals and the real-world assistance that travelers need. Depending on your provider and their claims process, it may be necessary to find an approved medical provider in your area. Calling your provider’s medical assistance hotline is often the best way to receive a qualified medical opinion from a professional who can recommend a physician in your area. Many providers will accept claims from any licensed physicians overseas. However, some health insurance companies use a global network of approved providers along with a simplified claimless billing system, so it’s important to review policy terms or contact your provider’s help line in case you have any questions about coverage or claims.

Insurance steps in the claims process vary depending on the travel insurance options associated with your plan. When you’re traveling overseas, there’s no substitute for 24-hour access to phone assistance and dedicated travel professionals who can answer all of your questions about scheduling medical treatment, receiving emergency benefits or filing a claim.