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How to Claim Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad with Travel Insurance?

Team AckoOct 24, 2025

Travel is exciting, but unexpected health issues can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. Medical emergencies abroad can be really costly, and finding hospitals in a foreign country can be overwhelming — that’s where cashless hospitalisation through travel insurance can save you.

Cashless hospitalisation allows you to receive treatment without paying upfront, with the insurer settling the bills directly with the hospital. In this blog, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide to understanding and claiming cashless hospitalisation abroad.

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Contents

What is Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad?
How Does Cashless Hospitalisation in Travel Insurance Work?
Tips For a Smooth Cashless Experience Abroad
Benefits of Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad with Travel Insurance
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad?

Cashless hospitalisation is a service offered by travel insurance providers. In this service, the insurer settles the treatment cost directly with the hospital. Instead of reimbursing you after the fact, you share your insurance details, and then the insurer deals with payment. International travel insurance with cashless hospitalisation saves you from financial anxiety, guarantees timely care, and allows you to concentrate fully on healing.

Cashless hospitalisation is particularly useful abroad because:

Healthcare costs in foreign countries can be much higher than at home.
Things like currency exchange, card limits, and unfamiliar payment systems can delay treatment.
Immediate access to treatment can help prevent complications in medical emergencies.

How Does Cashless Hospitalisation in Travel Insurance Work?

To make the most of your travel insurance, knowing how to get medical treatment overseas without paying cash up front is essential. The process is easy and designed to give you smooth medical care when needed. If you follow these steps, you can get excellent medical care without worrying about money.

Step 1: Verify Your Travel Insurance Cashless Coverage Abroad

Not all travel insurance policies give you the option of cashless hospitalisation abroad. Before travelling, check your policy document or contact your insurer to confirm:

Whether cashless treatment is available in the countries you plan to visit.
The network of hospitals where cashless treatment is accepted.
Medical expenses covered under cashless treatment include emergency surgeries, hospitalisation, and critical illness treatment.

Step 2: Locate Network Hospitals for Travel Insurance Claims

Cashless treatment is available only at network hospitals affiliated with your insurer. These hospitals have a direct billing arrangement, ensuring smooth claim processing. You can:

Use your insurer’s online portal or mobile app.
Contact your insurer’s 24×7 international helpline for guidance.
Check the hospital’s website for any mention of insurance tie-ups.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away

If you need hospitalisation abroad, notify your insurer before receiving treatment (except in life-threatening emergencies). Most insurers provide a 24/7 helpline for international assistance. When you call:

Give your policy number and personal details.
Describe your medical condition accurately.
Provide details of the hospital where you are admitted.
Follow the instructions provided by the insurer’s emergency team.

Step 4: Get Pre-Authorisation for Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad

Once informed, your insurer typically issues a pre-authorisation letter to the hospital. This letter confirms that the insurer will cover the eligible medical expenses directly. For smooth pre-authorisation:

Share all required documents, such as a passport, visa, and insurance card.
Provide medical reports, prescriptions, and initial diagnosis if available.
Ensure the hospital completes the pre-authorisation forms accurately.

Step 5: Understand What Expenses Are Covered

While cashless hospitalisation reduces upfront payment, knowing what costs your insurer will cover is essential. Typically, cashless policies cover:

Room and boarding charges within policy limits.
Doctor consultation fees and nursing charges.
Cost of prescribed medicines and diagnostic tests during hospitalisation.
Emergency surgeries or procedures.

However, there are some non-covered charges that may not be covered, such as:

Non-medical expenses like telephone bills, personal comfort items, or food for attendants.
Treatment not approved by the insurer.
Pre-existing conditions, unless specifically included in your policy.

Step 6: Coordinate with Your Insurer During Cashless Treatment Abroad

During hospitalisation, it’s essential to maintain clear communication between the hospital and your insurer:

Make sure all medical reports and bills are shared with the insurer promptly.
Keep a copy of all treatment records, prescriptions, and diagnostic reports.
Inform the insurer if any additional procedures are required during your stay.

Step 7: Settlement And Discharge

Once your treatment is completed, the hospital will prepare a final bill. The insurer reviews this against your policy coverage and directly settles the eligible expenses with the hospital. Key points to keep in mind:

If certain non-covered charges are incurred, you may need to pay them directly.
Ask for a detailed bill and discharge summary from the hospital.
Ensure all payments are settled and receipts are collected before leaving the hospital.

Step 8: Claim Reimbursement For Non-Cashless Expenses

Sometimes, certain services may not be eligible for cashless settlement. For such expenses, you can file a reimbursement claim with your insurer:

Submit original bills, prescriptions, and discharge summaries.
Fill out the insurer’s claim form accurately.
Attach proof of payment and any additional documents requested.

Read More: What Are the Exclusions in Travel Insurance?

Tips For a Smooth Cashless Experience Abroad

By being prepared, you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about payments.

Keep digital copies of your insurance documents on your phone.
Save your insurer's emergency helpline numbers for quick access.
Check the hospital's acceptance of your insurance before seeking treatment.
Inform your insurer immediately about any medical emergencies.
Keep all medical documentation ready for verification and claims.

Benefits of Cashless Hospitalisation Abroad with Travel Insurance

Cashless hospitalisation provides peace of mind while travelling. Some of its key benefits include:

Financial security: No need to carry large amounts of cash or worry about upfront hospital bills.
Timely medical care: You’ll get quick treatment at trusted network hospitals without unnecessary waiting.
Stress-free process: The insurer handles the paperwork and payments directly with the hospital, so you don’t have to worry about the formalities.
Reduced stress: Focus entirely on your health and recovery, without worrying about expenses.

Conclusion

Travelling abroad should be enjoyable, not stressful. Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but with travel insurance that includes cashless hospitalisation, you can ensure timely treatment without worrying about payments. From verifying coverage to coordinating with hospitals and the insurer, following the steps outlined above can make the process smooth and stress-free. Before your next trip, compare travel insurance plans that offer global cashless hospitalisation — and travel confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have travel insurance, can I get treated at any hospital abroad?

Cashless treatment is usually available only at network hospitals. If you go to a non-network hospital, you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. Always check your insurer’s network before travelling.

What documents are required for cashless hospitalisation abroad?

You’ll need your insurance card or policy number, passport, visa, and medical documents such as prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and the hospital admission form.

How long does a cashless travel insurance claim take?

Settlement times can differ, but in most cases, insurers work directly with the hospital and clear eligible bills soon after your treatment ends and the paperwork is checked.

What if my medical emergency happens in a remote place?

In emergencies, you should seek immediate care. Inform your insurer immediately; they may approve reimbursement after treatment, even if cashless service isn’t available.

Will cashless hospitalisation cover all my medical expenses?

Most essential medical expenses are covered, such as room charges, doctor fees, medicines, and diagnostic tests during hospitalisation. However, non-medical expenses, elective treatments, or excluded procedures may not be covered.

What if I move between countries during my trip? Will cashless coverage still work?

Yes, as long as your policy covers those countries and you go to a network hospital, you can access cashless treatment in multiple destinations.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.