Everyone knows what insurance is, and how to get it. But what do you do with when you’ve got it? If you had to make a claim, would you know what to do? This 3 part guide covers what to do in the event of a claim, finishing with travel insurance.
Travel Insurance
If you’re ill on holiday, you may be dismayed at the price of treatment. Buying paracetamol or Imodium for an upset tummy isn’t a cause for a claim, but if you’re ill to the point of needing hospitalisation or a doctor’s assistance, it can be costly. This is especially true if you’re holidaying in the US or Canada as medical treatment is more expensive there.
You will probably need to pay for the medical expenses out of your own pocket and claim them back upon your return home. If so, it’s imperative that you keep all receipts, paperwork and photographic evidence (in the case of injuries etc), so your insurer will have a full and accurate picture of the situation. You could contact your insurer immediately while you’re away but this, unlike with other types of claim, isn’t absolutely necessary. Waiting until you’re back home is fine provided you have the required evidence.
Travel insurance also covers loss of luggage, and theft of belongings while on holiday. If either of these happen you will need to inform your insurer right away, and the police if theft is the issue. Again, you will need copies of all paperwork and police reports to provide evidence to your insurer. You will also need to prepare statements detailing what measures you took to prevent the problem (using a hotel safe, labelling your luggage etc). If it’s seen you were negligible, for example you left your bag on the beach unattended while you went for a swim, your claim will be rejected.
