Mistakes to Avoid When Making Insurance Claims

Unlike in Canada where we have provincial health care, medical billing works differently abroad, and can add up easily. Travel medical insurance can help ensure travellers are protected from out-of-pocket expenses in case of a medical emergency. In the unfortunate case that you or your loved one suffers a medical emergency abroad, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. 

But filing for an insurance claim can be a stressful process, especially if you’re under medical duress already. From understanding what’s considered an out-of-pocket medical expense to paperwork, phone calls, and language barriers, there are quite a few moving parts that can add stress to an already difficult situation. That’s why we’ve put this blog together to help you avoid making certain mistakes when filing an insurance claim. 

Mistakes to avoid while filing an insurance claim

1) Waiting to call your insurance company  

By not calling the insurance company as soon as something happens, these two things could happen: 

1. You could end up undergoing tests and procedures that may not be medically necessary, and as a result, may not be covered by your policy.  
2. If you go to a hospital and don’t notify your insurance company, you could miss out on the direct reimbursement feature most insurers provide. 

2) Skimming through your policy

Insurance policies vary in the services and benefits they offer; you might miss out on valuable assistance (financial or otherwise).  It’s very important to thoroughly read your policy wording so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Understanding your policy can lead to less delays and misunderstandings come claim time.   

3) Forgetting to make copies of receipts and itemized bills 

You must submit itemized bills and receipts with your claim for reimbursement. If you don’t keep copies, then you won’t remember what you’re owed, nor will you be able to prove it if it isn’t processed properly (or if the originals are lost in transit).  

4) Avoiding review of your reimbursements 

If you found yourself in a medical emergency abroad, the currency will likely be different. Be sure to check that you’ve filed for reimbursements in the correct amount in the correct currency. Notify your insurance provider immediately if you’ve made a mistake when filing. 

Thanks to TuGo’s travel insurance coverage, Taylor was covered for over $40,000 in medical bills after an accident in the US. Read Taylor’s story. 

Buying the right travel insurance coverage

Remember to shop around and choose the right coverage when purchasing a travel insurance policy. Consider the reputability of the company, customer service availability, as well as non-medical insurance coverages. 

Before you purchase coverage, identify the types of insurance you need, and compare the coverage to your credit card or group coverage insurance. Not all travel insurance policies are made equal. Policies can be tailored to a person’s needs, health, age, and preferred activities. Additionally, coverage varies throughout travel insurance companies. That’s why when you make a purchase, it’s critical to consider both the cost and the plan’s level of protection in the event of a medical emergency. 

We hope these tips help you in avoiding mistakes when you file a travel insurance claim. If you’re interested in more tips, we recommend reading Tips for Submitting a Claim: Debunking 3 Common Claim Myths as well as 7 Ways to Avoid a Denied Travel Insurance Claim.  

Safe travels,
Suki

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2013 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.