6 Reasons Your Travel Insurance Claims Were Unsuccessful

It’s summer holidays travel season and everyone is on the move again. With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, many sport enthusiasts may be drawing up their travel plans now.  Besides your passport and visa, don’t forget to sort out your insurance coverage.

These days, travel insurance is no longer something that you can choose not to buy. If we have learnt anything in the last two years, it’s better to be prepared.

However, just buying a travel insurance policy doesn’t mean you’re covered if something unexpected happens and you need to make a claim.

There are many reasons why your travel insurance claims may be unsuccessful. Below are some of the common reasons:

1. Forget to inform the insurance company

The most important part of making a travel insurance claim is to contact your insurance company and inform them the details of your problem.

It is best to make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel emergencies as soon as possible. That way, they could assist you and provide the best solution for you.

2. Giving a wrong reason

You may be rejected a claim if the reason for your claim is unreasonable and not something the insurance policy covers. Trivial issues are often dismissed. This is to ensure people don’t take advantage of the insurance company.

3. Claim not covered by policy

Remember to read the fine print on your policy for exclusions. Your travel insurance policy will normally list out  the things that are not covered by the insurance. Examples of typical exclusions include self-inflicted injuries (e.g. suicide) and miscarriages.

Read More: Here’s What Your Travel Insurance Does And Doesn’t Cover

4. Did not make the claim in time

Timing is important as any unreasonable delay may cause the insurance company to void your claim.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation and are not able to make a claim within the specified time period, simply contact the travel insurance company and explain the situation.

Read More: How To File Your Travel Insurance Claim In Malaysia

5. Missing or wrong paperwork

In almost any insurance claim, having proper paperwork is essential. For example, if you were to cancel a trip due to health reasons and make a claim on it, the claim should be accompanied with a document from a certified doctor verifying that you are unfit to travel. Also, make sure you submit original documents and keep copies for yourself.

6. Buying your policy too late

Once you have paid for your flight tickets, make sure you purchase your travel insurance policy straightaway. Your insurance company will only cover for future events. So, if something were to happen after you purchased your flight tickets but before you bought a travel insurance policy, you will not be covered.

You should always do your part to protect your belongings and take reasonable measures to avoid travel cancellations and baggage theft or loss.

In order to ensure a smooth claims process, make sure you are dealing with registered insurance companies with good track record. Most importantly, make sure you understand and thoroughly read the insurance policy before signing.

In cases where you are not satisfied with the compensation, or that your claim is rejected for inappropriate reason, you may lodge a complaint with PIAM (Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia) here, or contact the Ombudsman for Financial Services (OFS) at 03-2272 2811.

This article has been updated on June 19, 2024.