Understanding how travel insurance claims are paid

This page outlines only the typical expectations regarding payment of claims. Every travel insurance company will have their own claims procedures which you will have to follow. You can find the information about payment of claims in the plan certificate.

What is expected of you

The rules surrounding travel insurance claims vary from company to company, but in general, you will be expected to:

• notify the insurance company as soon as possible
• describe the loss and provide details about the company or companies (tour operator, cruise line, etc) involved
• describe your trip dates and produce receipts for the amounts you paid as proof of loss
• any other relevant details

You’ll need to provide proof of loss (receipts, sworn statement, etc.) to the company within a certain number of days (typically 90) in order for a claim to be paid.

Who are your Beneficiaries?

If you named a beneficiary on your enrollment when you applied for coverage, benefits such as those for Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) or Flight Accidents will be paid to that person if you die.

Otherwise, benefits will be paid according to the policy definitions. In many cases, this is simply to your estate or next of kin. Some policies, however, define a survivor list and will make payment to the first living person in order on the list.