Navigating Your Travel Insurance Claim
With summer travel season upon us, getting travel insurance in these uncertain times may be at the top of your mind. Like any insurance, it’s important to know what you are getting, understand the fine print and know exactly what to do if a claim needs to be filed. At MGW Law, we help clients better understand their home, health, life, and even travel insurance policies and will assist clients to get them the timely, fair compensation they deserve. Here are some frequently asked questions about travel insurance claims, what to know and how to navigate a claim should the need arise.
Do I even need travel insurance?
This is one of the first questions every traveler asks themselves when they’re in the process of booking a trip. The short but honest answer is that it depends. Most travelers consider it when the trip is over a few thousand dollars or if there is more risk involved such as traveling to another country. Things to weigh in advance are the age and health status of the traveler, the location of the trip, if there will be any risk-prone activities, the value of your possessions you’re traveling with and what coverage you may already have. Take everything into account, understand your options and current coverage and make an informed decision.
What does travel insurance actually cover?
Most insurance coverage covers trip, unexpected cancellation, evacuation, baggage, flights and medical. There are also supplemental insurance plans you can get that cover things like identity theft or political evacuation. If you’re not sure what insurancepackage to get, many providers offer blanket, all-in policies that cover everything but tend to be more expensive.
Do I need travel insurance if I already have health insurance?
Before buying additional coverage for your trip, you should call your provider to know exactly what is covered and what is not. Often, your health insurance does not work overseas so you may need additional coverage, or there are rules defining what is covered, like what is considered “urgent care” or not. Call your provider and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible so you are well informed. If you are still unsure of a key point in your coverage it may be a good idea to get the insurance.
What mistakes should I avoid when filing?
Like any insurance claim, it’s important to be honest, know what your policy covers, document as much as you can, and be timely in filing your claim and with correspondence. Filing an unexpected claim is obviously the last thing you wanted to do but putting in the work can often reduce the potential for future headaches and make the process go smoothly.
Documentation and timeliness are key. Saving receipts, taking pictures and getting documentation from the hospital, hotel or tour guide can often be the difference in a claim getting denied or approved. When you need to make a claim, there is typically a term limit on when it can be submitted, but every policy is different so make sure to find out if you have 30, 60, or 90 days to submit.
What if my claim is denied?
If your claim was denied it can be disappointing, but not the end of the process. Appealing a claim is common, and can result in the denial being overturned. The first thing you need to do is understand why your claim was denied. Typically, lack of proper documentation is the biggest reason a claim is denied. Regardless, it’s best to get on the phone with your provider and speak to someone about the reason. This will help you better understand the situation and how to fix it.
With over 60 years of combined experience with insurance law, MGW is a resource to Wisconsin residents facing denied or delayed insurance claims. No matter the type of claim or where you are at in the process, we can help you better understand your situation and step in if needed to make sure you get the fair and timely claim you deserve.
