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Important Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claims

Team AckoSept 8, 2025

Travelling is one of the most exciting experiences, but it can also be unpredictable. Flight cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or trip delays can disrupt even the best-planned journeys. That’s where travel insurance steps in; it provides financial security and support when things don’t go as expected.

One of the biggest concerns for travellers is understanding what is needed for a travel insurance claim. The answer lies in being aware of the key paperwork that must be submitted for a successful claim. Buying a travel insurance policy is just the first step, but knowing the required documents ensures you can actually benefit from your policy when the need arises.

This blog explains the Important Documents Required for Travel Insurance claims, the types of claims, and best practices to make the process hassle-free.

Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claims

Contents

Common Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claims Online
Documents Based on Claim Type
Why Are Documents Important For Travel Insurance Claims
Steps to Claim Travel Insurance Smoothly
ACKO Claim Assistance Number
Smart Traveller Tips
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claims Online

While requirements may vary depending on the type of claim, some documents are common across most scenarios. Here’s a checklist of the general Documents Required for Travel Insurance claim in India:

Claim form: A filled and signed form is the starting point for any claim.
Copy of the insurance policy: Proof that you are covered under the plan.
Passport copy and visa: These verify your identity and travel details.
Travel tickets or boarding passes: Evidence of your journey.
Government ID proof: An additional verification step, especially for domestic claims.
Bank account details: For claim settlement and reimbursements.

Documents Based on Claim Type

1. Medical Emergencies

If you fall sick or face an accident while travelling, medical coverage is one of the most crucial benefits of travel insurance. To raise a claim, you’ll generally need:

Medical reports and doctors’ prescriptions
Original hospital bills and discharge summary
Pharmacy bills and receipts
Police report (if the illness or injury is due to an accident)

2. Trip Cancellation or Delay

Flight cancellations or long delays can derail travel plans. To file a claim in such cases, you may need:

Proof of cancellation or delay from the airline
Original travel tickets and boarding passes
Invoice of hotel bookings or prepaid activities (if non-refundable)
Reason for cancellation (medical certificate, natural calamity reports, etc.)

3. Loss of Baggage or Personal Belongings

Losing your baggage or valuables abroad can be stressful. The documents required include:

Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline
List of lost items with approximate value
Original receipts, if available, for high-value items
Police report in case of theft
Proof of delay or non-delivery of baggage (for delayed baggage claims)

4. Loss of Passport

A lost passport is not just inconvenient but also a serious issue during international travel. The necessary documents include:

Police report for the lost passport
Copy of the old passport (if available)
Invoice/receipts for the reissue of a new passport
Copy of the new passport after reissue

5. Personal Liability Claims

If you unintentionally cause damage to property or injury to another person during your travels, a liability claim may be required. In such cases, you’ll need:

Detailed incident report
Police report, if applicable
Legal documents or notices (if any)
Bills or estimates of the damage caused

Also Read: Cancellation and Refund Policy - ACKO Insurance

Why Are Documents Important For Travel Insurance Claims

Documents act as proof of your situation. Whether it’s a medical emergency, baggage loss, or flight delay, insurers rely on official records to verify your claim. Without proper documentation, your claim might get delayed or even rejected. Having all necessary papers in order ensures that the claim process is smooth and stress-free.

Steps to Claim Travel Insurance Smoothly

Aside from paperwork, here’s your survival kit for a smooth claim experience:

Act fast - Report the incident as soon as it happens.
Save originals - Keep receipts and reports intact.
Stay organised - Dedicate a folder, both physical and digital, to travel docs.
Cross-check - Make sure that your name, dates, and policy number match across documents.
Follow deadlines - Claims are time-sensitive, which is why you need to make sure that you don’t miss the window.

ACKO Claim Assistance Number

For Cashless Medical Cover and for other claims (e.g., baggage loss, flight delay, etc.), email us at [email protected] or call us at 18338138772 (for the US) and 022-69635374 (for other regions).

Smart Traveller Tips

Keep emergency contact numbers for your insurer on your phone and wallet.
Store copies of documents in the cloud or email them to yourself.
Carry a small pouch with essentials like passport copies, insurance details, and local emergency numbers.

Conclusion

Understanding the documents required for a Travel Insurance claim is as important as purchasing the policy itself. Whether it’s a medical emergency, lost baggage, or trip cancellation, having the right paperwork ensures that your claim is processed quickly and without unnecessary stress.

So, before your next trip, prepare not just your playlists and outfits but also a plan for your paperwork. Because when someone asks you, “What do you need to claim travel insurance?” you’ll have the answer ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I need to claim my travel insurance?

Depending on the type of claim, you’ll typically need your policy copy, claim form, passport, travel tickets, and supporting documents like medical bills, police reports, or airline confirmations.

Do I need to submit original documents?

Yes. Insurers usually ask for original bills and receipts, especially for medical or baggage-related claims. Keeping digital copies is also a smart backup.

Can I file a claim if I lose my passport abroad?

Yes. Travel insurance usually covers the expenses of reissuing a passport. You’ll need a police report, receipts for the reissue, and copies of the old and new passports.

If I get injured during adventure sports on my vacation, will my insurance cover it?

Standard travel insurance usually doesn’t cover injuries from adventure or extreme sports unless you’ve chosen an add-on or special coverage. Always check your policy before participating.

What if I don't have receipts for my lost bags?

Your insurer can still process the claim even if you don’t have receipts, but having them makes things quicker and smoother. Without proof of purchase, the payout might be based on general estimates instead of the actual value.

How soon do I need to report an incident to raise a claim?

It’s best to notify your insurer immediately or within the time frame mentioned in your policy (often 24-48 hours).

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.