At Squaremouth, although we don’t handle your claims directly, we are here to support you through the claims process.
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Below you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding filing a claim.
Table of contents:
A travel insurance claim is a request for reimbursement through your provider. Claims are made after a covered disruption affects your travel plans, resulting in unexpected expenses and financial loss.
For example, this could be getting food poisoning while traveling and having to pay to see a doctor.
To submit a claim, you will likely be required to fill out a form that details the disruption and provide documentation that verifies the incident. It usually takes between four and six weeks for insurance companies to review claims and provide a judgment.
Squaremouth does not process travel insurance claims. Squaremouth is a travel insurance marketplace, and we act as the broker to connect you with travel insurance providers.
To file a travel insurance claim for your policy, you will need to identify the provider listed on the policy and file the claim directly with them.
See a full list of the travel insurance providers we work with.
Travel insurance is designed as a reimbursement-based model.
This means that travel insurance rarely pays things for you outright. In most cases, you will need to pay out of pocket first, then seek reimbursement from your travel insurance provider by filing a claim.
No, unlike other types of insurance, you will not be penalized by higher prices if you make a claim against your policy.
We recommend filing a claim as soon as possible to ensure you meet your provider’s claims deadline. That said, it’s best to wait until you have all of the proper documentation lined up for filing a successful claim.
Each travel insurance provider has different rules and regulations regarding the timing for filing your claim. Your policy’s Certificate of Insurance includes instructions, deadlines, and contact information to help you file your claim.
Typically, yes. Every policy is different, and certain coverages may have specific requirements and deadlines for notifying your provider or filing a claim. For example, emergency medical evacuation coverage typically requires you to notify your provider within 24-48 hours of the event for coverage to apply.
That said, for less time-sensitive coverages, many providers have a 90-day deadline during which you can file your claim, typically starting on the day your losses occur.
Since every policy is unique, it’s important to check the deadlines listed in your Certificate of Insurance to ensure you understand when and how to file your claim. When in doubt, reach out to your provider for clarification.
Most travel insurance providers allow you to file a claim as soon as your losses have occurred. This means you typically do not have to wait to get home to start the claims process.
In fact, many travel insurance providers recommend filing a claim as soon as possible, even if this means you are still traveling. This can be especially helpful for documentation purposes, as requesting documentation from foreign travel suppliers can prove difficult after you have returned home.
It’s not uncommon for the claims process to become long and drawn out, as the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and how quickly you can respond to additional requests that may come your way.
That said, most travel insurance claims are processed within 4-6 weeks after you submit your claims form and all required documentation.
Travel insurance claims require a detailed investigation into the claims made by you, the insured.
This involves extensive research into your policy coverage, trip itinerary, payments, the events that occurred, the travel supplier’s refund policies, and more. Additionally, the insurance adjuster will be cross-checking these claims for signs of fraud.
All of these processes take time, and occasionally, a lack of documentation on your end could require the adjuster to request more information from you, which can lengthen the process.
Every travel insurance company is different, and payout periods vary based on the company, policy, availability of the claims adjusters, method of reimbursement, and more.
Most companies cite that the claims process can take 4-6 weeks; however, some faster-moving teams have been known to reimburse travelers in as little as 7-10 days. Having proper documentation in order and purchasing primary medical coverage can help speed up the claims process.
Travel insurance payouts are typically issued on a per-traveler basis for each member covered by the travel insurance policy.
For example, if you are traveling as a couple, the insurance policy would pay out to each traveler individually for their corresponding portion of the trip. That said, reimbursement policies vary by provider, so it’s best to contact your travel insurance company directly for clarification on reimbursement policies.
Many providers offer direct reimbursement via ACH to your bank account or to a debit card; however, this can sometimes carry added fees.
To avoid added fees, you can typically opt to receive your reimbursement via a check in the mail or a printable check online. Reimbursement methods vary by provider and policy, so it’s best to contact your provider for clarification.
If you made purchases in a foreign country or with a foreign travel supplier, typically your insurer will reimburse you in your home currency, U.S. Dollars.
The insurance provider will typically review the historical exchange rate on the day you incurred your losses and reimburse you the equivalent in U.S. Dollars. This can vary from provider to provider, so we recommend contacting your travel insurance company for added clarification on reimbursement currencies.
If you received less money than you expected, it’s best to reach out to your insurer and request a detailed explanation of the discrepancy.
Common reasons people receive less money than expected from claims include:
If your claim has been resolved but you are unhappy with the outcome, you can file an appeal directly through your insurer.
Additionally, Squaremouth offers our Zero Complaints Guarantee, which is a claims mediation service that is offered for free with all policies we sell.
See our guide to handling denied claims for more information.
If you need help filing a claim, you can reach out to your travel insurance provider’s customer support team for assistance.
Alternatively, Squaremouth offers claims mediation and support via our Zero Complaints Guarantee. A member of our staff can assist you with filing a claim and help you follow up and intervene regarding your claim if needed.
Find your provider's contact information to file your claim.
Have questions about travel insurance coverage? Call us!
1-800-240-0369
Our Customer Service Team is available everyday from 8AM to 10PM ET.