5 Ways To Ensure Your Travel Insurance Claims Get Approved

This was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Travelling is an adventure, full of thrilling moments and, occasionally, a few bumps along the way. While we can plan for amazing experiences, unexpected twists can sometimes throw us off course. That’s where travel insurance comes in handy, acting as our safety net when things go awry.

However, navigating travel insurance claims can be tricky, especially in Singapore. Policies can feel like they’re written in a foreign language, and the process might seem more complex than you can handle.

With a few insider tips, you can increase your chances of getting your travel insurance claims approved without breaking a sweat.

In this article, we’ll share five practical ways to ensure your travel insurance claims in Singapore get the green light. From keeping track of your paperwork to understanding your policy’s fine print, we’ve got you covered.

1. Keep important documents with you

Boarding passes

Holding onto your boarding passes throughout your trip is essential for a smooth travel insurance claim process.

Boarding passes serve as concrete proof of your travel dates and destinations. Keep all boarding passes from your entire trip, including those from connecting flights. They confirm that your itinerary aligns with the coverage period of your insurance policy, helping to validate your claim.

Tip: Even after submitting your claim, keep the original boarding passes until your claim is fully resolved. They may be required for further verification or inquiries.

Make a police report if belongings get stolen

As soon as you realise your items have been stolen, locate the nearest police station and file a report. Quick action helps authorities potentially recover your belongings and strengthens your insurance claim.

When filing a police report for stolen belongings, make sure it includes detailed descriptions of the stolen items, the location and time of the theft, and any other relevant details. Additionally, ask for multiple copies of the police report. You’ll need to submit one with your insurance claim and keep others for your records. This ensures you have all the necessary documentation for a smooth claims process.

Next, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to inform them of the theft. Stay in touch with both the local authorities and your insurance company and promptly provide any additional information they may need to process your claim.

Keep receipts of valuable items and electronics

These tiny pieces of paper (or digital files) are your best friends when it comes to filing a travel insurance claim. They serve as proof of ownership and help establish the value of your prized possessions.

So, ensure your receipts are detailed, listing the purchase date, item description, and price.

Storing your receipts doesn’t have to be a chore. Keep physical copies in a dedicated travel folder, and back them up digitally in cloud storage or a secure app on your phone.

Medical receipts, prescriptions, and diagnoses should be in English

If you encounter any medical issues while travelling, keeping thorough documentation is important for your travel insurance claims to get approved. Start by saving all medical receipts, as these are necessary to prove the expenses you incurred.

Do include prescriptions and diagnoses from your healthcare providers. These documents provide essential details that support the necessity and legitimacy of the medical treatments you received. Think of them as your passport stamps — they verify where you’ve been and what’s been done.

Obtain carrier confirmation for delays or lost baggage

When dealing with travel delays, baggage loss, or delays, obtaining written confirmation from the carrier is important. This document should detail the reasons and length of the inconvenience.

Such documentation serves as tangible evidence to support your travel insurance claim, clearly outlining the circumstances that disrupted your journey.

If your baggage is delayed, you can lodge a report online or at the Lost & Found Office at the arrival airport. Do check that you receive a copy of the report for your records.

2. Pre-existing medical conditions require specific coverage plans

It’s essential to secure a travel insurance plan that specifically covers pre-existing medical conditions. Medical emergencies abroad can be costly. With specific coverage for pre-existing conditions, you ensure that your medical expenses are covered, saving you from potentially crippling bills.

You can enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about what might happen if you need medical attention.

Not all insurance providers offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions. Research different providers and compare their offerings. Look for policies that specifically mention coverage for your medical condition.

When purchasing your travel insurance, be honest about your medical history. Failing to declare a pre-existing condition can void your coverage, leaving you unprotected.

Some insurers might require a medical assessment to determine the specifics of your condition and the coverage needed. This step ensures that your policy is tailored to your health needs.

Many insurers in Singapore offer travel insurance plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions. Companies like AIG, Allianz, and Income provide options tailored to travellers with specific health needs.

Read more: Best travel insurance plans (Updated May 2024)

3. Purchase your insurance before departing Singapore

Purchasing insurance before departure guarantees that any incidents occurring en route or at your destination are covered. It also protects against any cancellations or delays that might happen before you even leave.

Your travel insurance must match the exact dates of your trip, including your return to Singapore. For flights that land after midnight or span several days, such as those that require more than a day of travel, it’s essential that your insurance covers the entire duration of your journey.

Therefore, when purchasing your policy, ensure that the coverage dates align precisely with your departure and return dates. This includes accounting for flights that may land after midnight.

If your travel involves layovers or potential delays, extend your coverage to account for these. It’s better to have a buffer period to ensure you’re covered in all scenarios.

Missed the boat? No worries!

However, if you forget to buy insurance before leaving, there’s good news: Income now allows you to purchase travel insurance up to one day after departure.

Bonus tip: Use Planner Bee to assist with this option and help you secure travel insurance even after you’ve departed. This helps to ensure that your travel insurance claims remain valid and hassle-free to enable your journey smoother and more secure.

4. Seek medical attention promptly after returning home

Visit a doctor within three to five days of returning to Singapore if you fall ill during your trip, and did not get to see a doctor abroad. Your travel insurance plan may specify an exact time frame, so check your policy wording for details.

Prompt medical attention and proper documentation are essential for getting your travel insurance claims approved. Delays in seeking medical care can complicate the claims process and may result in denial.

5. Verify coverage for adventurous activities

Review your policy to see if it includes activities like skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, or trekking. If it’s unclear, contact your insurer directly to confirm coverage and inquire about additional premiums if needed.

Some insurers offer specialised adventure travel plans that automatically cover a wide range of high-risk activities, so consider upgrading if necessary. Always get written confirmation of any additional coverage and understand any exclusions or limits that may apply.

From safeguarding your boarding passes to ensuring those daring bungee jumps are covered, these tips will help you ensure your travel insurance claims get approved. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Safe travels and stay insured! Bon voyage!