Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

The whole purpose of travel insurance is to be there for you when you need to file a claim. Having to file a travel insurance claim may not be something you plan on doing, but sometimes the unexpected happens while you are traveling.

At Arch RoamRight we recognize that filing a travel insurance claim can be confusing and sometimes even stressful. That’s why we have tried to make the process simple for you, guiding you through every step of the process, including things you should not do when filing a travel insurance claim.

Here’s a list of mistakes people commonly make when filing a claim for travel insurance.

Not Reading Your Policy Thoroughly

Before you start the claims process, take a moment to read through your travel insurance policy. Ideally, you did this before you even purchased your policy. Read the sections and definitions that relate to the claim you want to file. Having an understanding of the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy can help avoid any misunderstandings that may occur as the claim is being processed.

When you purchased your travel insurance from Arch RoamRight, you were emailed a copy of your policy (It’s a link in your order confirmation email). Alternatively, you can find all of our policies listed on our Brochures and Forms page.

Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

We know everyone’s circumstances are different, and filing a claim either while on your trip or immediately when you get home may not be possible.

When you have an Arch RoamRight travel insurance policy you have 365 days from your departure date to file a claim. This gives our customers time to address the situation at hand – such as an illness, a death in the family, or some other emergency – without feeling pressured to file paperwork right away.

While this gives travelers time to compile any needed documentation, it also means any claim submitted after that year cannot be accepted.

Magnifying Your Losses

Submitted claims must align with actual losses incurred. Any submitted claims proven to include incorrect amounts will be adjusted to the actual covered amounts incurred, and any claims proven to include intentionally fraudulent information will be denied in full.

Not Supplying Adequate Documentation to Support Your Claim

When you file a claim, we will ask you to provide documentation to support your claim. The documentation we ask for is standard in the travel insurance industry, and we do not require original – or even scanned – copies. You can also send in photocopies or pictures taken from your smartphone, provided the information is decipherable.

Every claim is different and that affects the documents required for our claims examiner to thoroughly and accurate review the claim. When you submit a claim with us, our claims examiners work closely with you to understand which documents are needed to support your claim. If you are unsure about what documentation you need for your claim, you can contact our customer service team at 800-699-3845.

While there are differences in required documentation for each claim, some claim types do have documentation that are almost always required.

Documents Needed for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, or Delay Claims

Be sure to provide proof of payments for any portion of the trip in which you are seeking reimbursement, such as transportation or housing deposits. These documents need to show both the dates the payments were made as well as the total amount paid. Specifically for trip delay claims, receipts for food purchased while waiting for a delayed flight will also be needed.

Documents Needed for Medical Claims

You will need to submit an attending physician’s statement if you are filing a claim for a medical reason. This is true for both medical issues that for you to cancel your trip and emergency medical costs incurred while traveling.

Documents Needed for Claims That Involved the Police

If you are filing a claim that involved stolen items, a car accident, or anything else that involved the police, you will need to submit a police report that details the incident.

Documents Needed for Baggage Delay Claims

If you have to purchase replacement essential items as a result of a baggage delay, you will need to supply receipts for those items.

Helpful Articles About Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim
At Arch RoamRight we have worked to simplify the travel insurance claims process, providing you with the ability to file online from any device, receive email updates once you have submitted your claims, and contact a highly-rated customer service team trained to help you along the way. These simple steps should help you if you find yourself needing to submit a travel insurance claim. Read More ->

When Travel Insurance May Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
Even if you have a pre-existing condition, you should still have the option to travel and purchase travel insurance. Learn more about how you may have pre-existing conditions covered under an Arch RoamRight travel insurance policy. Read More ->

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.