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 The
Companion Advisor: Insurance
Know Before You Go: Filing a Claim
Contributed by Robin Ingle, Ingle International
January 2005
A Companion Advisor Article
When you're shopping for travel insurance, take
some time to educate yourself on the process to file a claim with the
various travel insurance programs you are comparing. It will save you
time and give you peace of mind if you do a little research before you
buy.
All major travel insurance plans should provide
a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week travel medical assistance service, where you or
a health care provider can call to confirm coverage and notify the company
of an emergency situation. Collect or toll-free numbers will be located
on the back of your benefit card or on the policy or confirmation document.
Questions you should ask: Is the assistance service
staffed by trained, multilingual personnel? Does the assistance staff
know the program's benefits in detail? Is the assistance service simply
an answering service for the insurance provider or a full service company
with access to medical personnel and the locations of health care facilities
worldwide? Do you have to choose from several telephone numbers according
to your travel location or do you have to supply detailed, technical information
such as confirmation numbers, policy numbers, travel agency addresses
and identification numbers?
Ask about filing a claim. Does the insurance provider
have a direct billing arrangement with health care providers? Do you have
to send your travel health claim to the provincial health plan first?
Will the insurance provider deal with the government health plan on your
behalf? Do medical institutions in your destination country recognize
the insurance provider?
Find out in advance what information the insurance
provider will need from you in the event of a claim. For example, most
insurance programs require a doctor's written, detailed diagnosis. Insurers
will also want an itemized bill, detailing how the various costs were
accumulated. If you've paid for any small, out-of-pocket expenses yourself,
make sure you get a receipt and submit it to the insurer as well as proof
of your payment. Include an explanation of the emergency associated with
the claim and details of how it occurred. Your insurance provider might
also have a standard claim form, which it requires you to use. If so,
take a few copies with you when you go. If you're filing a claim for lost
or stolen baggage, you will also need written proof of your loss from
either a transportation authority or local police.
Robin Ingle is the president and CEO of Ingle International, www.ingleinsurance.com
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