Navigating the Unpredictable: Unpacking the Most Common Travel Insurance Claims and How to Handle Them 

By: Redpoint Travel Protection

Travel is, by nature, an unpredictable endeavor. We plot our journeys with meticulous detail, but life has a way of inserting unexpected plot twists. It’s these unforeseen curveballs that make travel insurance such a vital companion on our explorations. From medical emergencies to misplaced luggage, travel insurance is your lifeline when things veer off the itinerary. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common travel insurance claims and provide clear guidelines on what to do should you find yourself facing these predicaments. 

Medical Emergencies 

By far, the most common and often most significant travel insurance claim is for medical emergencies. A sudden illness or injury during your trip can not only ruin your plans but also cause a severe financial strain. If you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, it’s crucial first to seek immediate medical attention. Afterwards, get in touch with your travel insurance provider as soon as possible, ensuring you have all your medical documents at hand to file your claim effectively. 

Trip Cancellation or Interruption 

The second most common claim revolves around trip cancellations or interruptions. Unforeseen events like illness, personal emergencies, or even global crises can throw a wrench in the best-laid travel plans. In such cases, you should inform your insurance provider immediately. You’ll need to provide substantial evidence for the reason behind the interruption or cancellation, such as a doctor’s note for medical emergencies or documented proof of a significant event. 

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Luggage 

There’s little as frustrating as arriving at your destination only to discover your luggage took an entirely different trip. Loss of personal belongings can cast a shadow over any trip, but that’s where travel insurance swoops in to save the day. In the event of lost, damaged, or stolen luggage, make sure to report the incident to the relevant authorities or airline and obtain a written report. Contact your insurance provider promptly with these details to start your claim process. 

Travel Delays

In the realm of travel, delays are virtually a given. Whether it’s a missed connection due to a late inbound flight or a cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, travel delays can disrupt your plans significantly. With travel insurance, you can claim costs incurred as a result of these unexpected delays. Always keep all documents and receipts related to your delay as your insurance provider will require them when you file a claim. 

Now that we’ve covered the most common claims, let’s delve into some key steps on how to make an insurance claim: 

Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider 

The first step after any mishap is to contact your insurance provider. Most insurers have 24/7 hotlines for such emergencies. They’ll guide you on how to proceed, what documents you need, and how to submit your claim. 

Step 2: Document Everything 

Insurance claims thrive on evidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to document everything related to your claim. For medical emergencies, keep a record of all medical reports, prescriptions, and invoices. For lost luggage or travel delays, maintain all related receipts and correspondence with airlines or authorities. 

Step 3: Submit Your Claim Promptly 

It’s essential to file your claim as soon as you can to avoid missing out on your coverage due to time restrictions. 

The realm of travel insurance can be a maze of complexities. Still, by understanding the most common claims and knowing how to navigate the claim process, you can ensure you’re prepared for any surprises your travels may throw at you. Remember, the purpose of travel insurance is to be your safety net in unfamiliar territory. It’s there to support you when unforeseen circumstances threaten to disrupt your journey, bringing you peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most. 

Once you’ve submitted your claim, ensure you follow up if necessary. Keep track of your claim’s status and be proactive in providing any additional information that your insurer might need. 

In closing, while we all hope to avoid the need for making travel insurance claims, the reality is that unexpected incidents do occur. By understanding the most common types of claims and how to handle them, you can take control of such situations, ensuring that your journey doesn’t end on a sour note. 

With the right approach and proactive handling of the claim process, you can turn what might initially feel like a nightmare into a minor bump on your travel road. So, the next time you’re preparing for a trip, give your travel insurance policy the attention it deserves. Understand what it covers and the process of making a claim. That way, if life does throw a curveball your way, you’ll be ready to hit it out of the park. 

Remember, travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and a comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures that no matter what comes your way, your adventure can go on. 

About Redpoint Travel Protection

Redpoint Travel Protection is a one-of-a-kind protection provider. It provides an extensive suite of travel insurance products and emergency services for individuals and groups of all sizes. Backed by a seasoned team of experts, Redpoint offers unparalleled peace of mind to adventurers across the globe. With services such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and baggage loss insurance, to emergency medical and evacuation services, Redpoint ensures your safety and satisfaction are top priorities. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers, whether it’s an international family vacation, a solo adventure, or a corporate trip. Leveraging innovative technology and a responsive, 24/7 customer support, Redpoint effectively addresses contingencies, enabling clients to explore with confidence. Choose Redpoint Travel Protection, your reliable partner in ensuring safe, secure, and worry-free journeys. 

Why Purchase Travel Insurance: The importance of protecting your next trip

Booking a vacation is exciting. You are most likely concerned with picking the right destination and packing your suitcase, but are you also concerned with purchasing travel insurance? Many travelers think that insurance is only necessary for oversees vacations or expensive travel, but travel insurance can be a valuable investment for all vacations.  

No one purchases a vacation with the intention to cancel, but sometimes the unexpected event happens. Travel insurance programs provide valuable protection against these incidents. One of the most popular benefits of purchasing travel insurance is the Trip Cancellation benefit. For example, if you experience an unforeseen sickness or injury before travelling you could be covered. This coverage can provide reimbursement for unused, non-refundable pre-paid travel arrangement if you cancel for a listed covered reason. 

Comprehensive travel protection plans also provide coverage in the event a traveler incurs medical expenses while traveling. Many travelers are unsure whether their health-care plan will cover medical expenses while traveling.  Purchasing medical expense coverage for a specific trip ensures you receive quality care while on your vacation. Many comprehensive travel insurance products also include a medical evacuation component. This coverage can provide transportation services if you or your family member needs hospitalization. Redpoint Travel Protection will arrange and pay for all evacuation services to occur with no out-of-pocket cost for the traveler. 

Air travel can also be unpredictable with the potential for a flight delay, missed connection, or lost luggage. Travel insurance provides added assurance that reasonable expenses you incur due to these types of mishaps could be reimbursed. Make sure to keep all receipts and file a claim when you return home.  

Okay, so you have decided to purchase travel insurance, when is the best time to buy? As soon as you purchase your trip! Many travel insurance programs include early purchase benefits. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, purchasing within a specified time frame can waive those conditions. If you forget to purchase coverage within the early purchase window, you are likely still eligible for coverage. Purchasing travel insurance before departure can let you rest assured knowing you are covered in the event you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.  

Make sure you do your research before purchasing. Policies may vary and it is imperative that you examine the key benefits to confirm the policy meets your travel needs. Travelers should also always review the policy’s listed coverage as well as the limitations and exclusions.  Understanding your travel insurance policy will ensure that you are not disappointed in the event you must file a claim  

The information presented in this article is a brief description of travel insurance coverage and is for information use only. Please read your specific policy carefully to fully understand the coverage, terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.  

About Redpoint 

Redpoint  Travel Protection provides travelers with the industry’s best, most comprehensive and flexible array of insurances and services that include trip cancellation/ interruption, property loss, medical and travel assistance, and evacuation. Redpoint Travel Protection’s suite of products ensures the right plan is available for all travel. To ensure the best possible partner experience, Redpoint uniquely owns and provides all key aspects of its offerings: travel assistance, evacuation, claims management and payment, and insurance underwriting.  This means Redpoint can create customized programs for our partners and actively collaborate to provide the best customer experience in the industry. 

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Insurance Plan

By: Sharon L. Broo, CTA, P&C and L&H Licensed, Vice President, USI Travel Insurance Services 

It’s 2022 and travel looks a lot different than it did in 2019. As people feel the comfort offered by vaccines and reduced Covid spread, the travel bug is taking root and offering joy, inspiration and adventure as people embark on trip planning once again. In our new post-Covid world, travelers are more aware of the need to protect their trip with a travel insurance plan. But with so many options on the market today, it’s hard to know what coverage you need, and which plan is best for you. Below are five considerations to keep in mind as you shop and compare travel insurance plans. 

1. Does your destination have insurance requirements for entry? 

Many destinations have added new travel insurance requirements because of the pandemic, including minimum coverage for Trip Delay (in case of mandatory quarantine) and Emergency Medical. Research your destination and make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage to enter the country. 

2. Does the plan cover Covid-19-related disruptions? 

You’ll want to ensure that your plan covers many of the common Covid-19 related trip disruptions. For example, would you have Trip Cancellation coverage in the event that you test positive for Covid-19 before your trip and cannot travel? If you are diagnosed while on your trip and require treatment, will the plan cover your expenses? If you test positive just prior to your return to the U.S. and must quarantine, will your plan cover expenses such as additional lodging and meals? In general, keep in mind that no travel insurance covers cancellation because of fear of travel or closed borders. Additionally, travel insurance generally will not cover the costs of Covid testing required for travel, unless the test is ordered by a physician. 

3. Are there any pandemic exclusions? 

Some plans exclude any coverage related to a pandemic. If this is the case, the plan may be more limited in scope than a plan without this exclusion. Every insurance plan has a section listing plan exclusions. Be sure to read that section (and the whole plan) carefully. 

4. Do you have any special activities or equipment that need to be covered? 

Perhaps you’re going on a golf or ski vacation. Does your plan have adequate coverage for your expensive equipment? If you will be renting a car, seek out a plan that includes some rental car coverage. If you plan to scuba dive, ensure that activity will be covered by your plan. 

5. Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage available? 

Now more than ever, travelers are seeking the flexibility and peace of mind offered by Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades. If you’d like to have this option, make sure your plan offers it and that you fall within the eligibility criteria. Most plans require you to buy your plan within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit to be eligible for the CFAR upgrade, so act early. Expect to pay about 50% more in premium for this upgrade. If you do cancel your trip, you’ll receive anywhere from 50-75% of your non-refundable trip costs, depending on your plan. Other conditions may apply for CFAR – read your plan carefully to understand the benefit. Due to state regulations, CFAR is not available to residents of New York state. 

If you’re still unsure which plan is best for you, contact some travel insurance providers for assistance. And before you buy your plan, we recommend that you always read through the plan document to fully understand the coverage included, plus any terms, conditions and exclusions. Once you have an appropriate travel insurance plan in place, you’ll be able to enjoy your next trip to its fullest! 

About the author: As Vice President of Travel Insurance Services, Sharon Broo is responsible for the national execution of strategies and formation of business relationships promoting travel insurance sales and company growth in the tour operator, cruise line and travel agency marketplace. Sharon has a strong professional history with more than 25 years of building and working for first class selling organizations in the global travel insurance and travel assistance arena. Sharon has always been involved in professional associations related to her career such as ASTA, USTOA, USTIA and WIFS. She holds a certification of CTA (Certified Travel Advisor) from ICTA. In addition, she holds her Life & Health and Property & Casualty licenses in the State of Georgia. 

Established in 1973, Travel Insurance Services (TIS) is a national insurance agency/brokerage providing travel-related insurance solutions for individuals, groups, organizations and businesses worldwide. TIS is located in Newtown Square, PA.