How to Speed Up the Travel Insurance Claims Process

Travel can bring unexpected events… usually good ones, but sometimes some not so good ones too. That’s why having travel insurance to cover the unexpected ones is so important. But who wants to stress over claiming on travel insurance due to illness or an injury, a travel insurance claim for cancellation, or a motor vehicle accident claim? We help by taking the big questions out of how to speed up the claims process.

5 travel insurance claim tips to avoid payment delays 

1. When possible, contact your insurance provider before you see a doctor

• Your provider can explain what you and/or your travel companion are covered for.
• This helps avoid surprises or disappointments over what’s covered or not covered. You don’t want to find out your claim is denied because you didn’t know the coverage details.
• They can direct you to travel insurance claim forms online, or can send them by email, to get your claim going as soon as possible.
• To start a claim as quickly as possible, you can create an account with myTuGo and start your claim online.

2. Keep all your receipts, big and small!

• For expenses being claimed, your insurance provider will always need proof of payment, so don’t forget to keep all original receipts together.
• You’ll need proof of travel dates too. Tip: meal receipts (near the border or at the airport) can be used.
• Prescriptions must have the pharmacy receipt—the cashier receipt or credit card receipt isn’t sufficient.
• Foreign language bills should be translated for you, depending on the insurance provider.

3. Create a short timeline of events and expenses

• Since the claims examiner wasn’t there to witness your emergency, it’s handy to write down what happened, while it’s still fresh in your mind.
• Provide some context for the non-medical bills you incur, so that the examiner doesn’t have to ask for more information down the line. 

4. Complete every section of your claim form

• Make sure you’ve provided your signature, everywhere indicated.
• Incomplete forms delay the claims process, and the claim can’t be processed until all the paperwork is received.

5. Submit your claim forms on myTuGo within 30 days

• Ideally, uploading your claim forms to myTuGo within the first month will help avoid delays, even if you don’t have all the bills yet.
• The faster your travel insurance claim forms are submitted, the faster the claim can be processed.
  • Note: there is a travel insurance claim time limit. If you haven’t submitted your claim forms within 90 days, the claim will be closed. It can be re-opened (up to one year from the emergency), but this really slows down the process!

Navigating through a travel insurance claim doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. Avoid lags and issues by contacting your provider as early as possible, and asking for guidance when you need help.
Have more questions about your claim? We answer your top 5 travel insurance claim FAQs and how unstable pre-existing conditions impact claims.

Safe travels,
Melissa