Who doesn’t like to travel? But, have you ever had your luggage misplaced in transit or, worse, been severely ill while on vacation? These incidents often turn your vacation into a hellish experience. Purchasing travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind.
However, this is only one piece of the puzzle. Making up your claim is not always easy since insurers have strict documentation and process requirements.
So, if you ever need to submit a claim, keep the following in mind:
1. Check policy documents thoroughly
All policies have terms and conditions that can be found on the insurer’s website. These are known as inclusions and exclusions, and they are crucial facts. Before purchasing the policy, you should thoroughly study it and clear any concerns with the representative. This is simple to accomplish by calling their customer service number or sending an email.
2. Understand the Difference Between Cashless Claims and Reimbursement
Knowing the differences between the two will allow you to better prepare for any emergency state without being confused about the claim procedure. Cashless claims are often accessible in cases of hospitalization overseas. These are only accessible at network hospitals, and you must notify your insurer in advance to take advantage of this benefit. Reimbursement, on the other hand, is a pretty frequent way of claim settlement in which you pay for expenses (medical, passport issuing charges, etc.) out of your pocket first. You can have it reimbursed when you return if you have the necessary documentation.
3. Provide Correct Information
Fill out the proposal form with a valid phone number or email address. Ensure that this number will be operational throughout your overseas journey. Furthermore, do not hide any underlying health concerns, particularly if you have a pre-existing ailment that may pose a risk in the future. If you have any PED, your insurance can simply reject your claim (unless you have an add-on for that!)
4. Keep a soft copy handy
Whereas most people now prefer digital documentation, it is critical to keep your insurance policy in a safe place. In case your phone gets stolen or the physical copy of your policy is misplaced overseas, make sure to have backup storage with soft copies of your insurance, passport, and vital papers on hand.
5. Save the insurer’s contact details
Most insurers provide a dedicated helpline or a team solely focused on policyholders' needs overseas. Some insurers, however, provide smartphone apps, email IDs, EAP, or fax numbers by which you can reach them. It’s critical to know all of these contact points so you know how to reach them. Save them on your phone or in the mail so you don’t have to look for them in an emergency.
6. Quickly inform the insurer
Contact your insurer as soon as you find something is wrong or you have a problem. The sooner you notify them, the faster the resolution. They will assist you with the right course of action to take in the situation.
7. Fill out your claim form carefully
Before completing your claim form, double-check it to ensure that no detail has been missed or a mistake has been overlooked. This will spare you any additional steps or effort spent clarifying such mistakes afterward.
8. Ensure the safety of all documents
This is especially crucial throughout the reimbursement procedure. Important papers such as invoices, receipts, FIR copies, and any other documentation of expenses made overseas should be kept carefully to be reimbursed afterward. Misplacing these papers may result in the claim being rejected or receiving a lower compensation.
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