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Common Mistakes That Can Be Avoided When Filing Your Travel Insurance Claim

Team AckoSept 17, 2025

Imagine you have just returned from a trip that did not go as planned. Your luggage was lost, or your flight got cancelled. But you feel relieved as you had purchased online travel insurance before leaving. So, you think you can file a claim expecting smooth reimbursement. But then, the claim gets delayed or even rejected. Why?

Often, it is because travellers overlook the policy terms, miss important deadlines, or misunderstand what is actually covered. These small but costly mistakes can turn a safety net into added frustration.

But the good news? With the right awareness, you can avoid them. This guide highlights common mistakes related to filing travel insurance claims and how to avoid them.

Mistakes to avoid

Contents

7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Filing a Travel Insurance Claim
Checklist Before Submitting Your Travel Insurance Claim
How ACKO Helps During Filing Your Travel Insurance Claim?
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Filing a Travel Insurance Claim

The claim procedure varies from one insurer to another. Therefore, it is essential to contact your insurer at the time of claiming to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

Here are 7 common claiming mistakes in travel insurance:

1. Ignoring Policy Information

Reading policy documents carefully is necessary since they contain policy inclusions and exclusions. Missing out on such information could lead to confusion regarding policy coverage and claim processes.

How to Avoid: As soon as you purchase travel insurance, go through the policy papers thoroughly. If you have any questions, contact your insurer, and they will help resolve them. This becomes easier if your policy provider has 24/7 accessibility, such as ACKO, which is always up for resolving customer queries.

2. Delaying to Make a Claim

Delaying a travel insurance claim is a common problem that can lead to claim rejection. Many travellers postpone notifying their insurer, which often results in delayed processing or outright denial of their claim.

How to avoid: Notify your insurer within 24–48 hours of an incident to ensure smooth claim processing. The sooner you notify, the sooner you will get assistance. Most digital insurers offer 24/7 helplines, and you can directly contact them at any time from anywhere.

3. Not Including Supporting Documentation

Travel insurance claims require proof, and failing to provide proper documentation can lead to delays or even claim denial.

How to avoid: Keep all relevant documents organised and accessible. This includes receipts for expenses, medical reports, police reports for theft or lost property, proof of trip cancellations or delays, itemised bills, airline reports for lost or delayed luggage, and evidence of any refunds received. Saving every receipt, report, and email ensures you have the necessary support when filing a claim.

4. Omitting Medical History

Many policyholders fail to mention pre-existing conditions to their insurer to avoid paying extra premiums. As a consequence, if an unexpected event occurs triggered by that pre-existing disease, the insurer does not agree to settle the claim. Pre-existing diseases include diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, kidney issues, etc.

How to Avoid: Informing the insurer about pre-existing diseases is crucial. That way, your insurer is aware of your health condition. When you claim after facing an emergency triggered by that pre-existing condition, they will extend help.

5. Choosing Wrong Coverage

Travel insurance needs to be personalised. There is no 'one size fits all' formula in travel insurance. Before purchasing a plan, you need to consider all kinds of factors, such as your age, travel duration, destination, itinerary, pre-existing health condition, activities you want to participate in, and so on.

How to Avoid: Research thoroughly and compare various plans offered by different insurers. It will give you plenty of opportunity to choose the best and most relevant travel insurance for your trip.

6. Overlooking Policy Updates

Suppose your travel dates have changed. Even though you know about it, you miss out on updating the dates on your policy. As a result, your coverage may be invalid when you need it most.

How to Avoid: As soon as you make any changes to your travel plans, be sure to update that on your policy. Before starting your trip, check out the policy documents one more time to confirm that your travel dates align with the policy.

Checklist Before Submitting Your Travel Insurance Claim

To make sure your travel insurance claim is processed smoothly, keep the following points in mind:

Keep proof of all covered expenses (itemised receipts, invoices).
Attach copies of relevant reports (police, airline, doctor, etc.).
Provide a written explanation of the situation.
Share correct bank details (routing and account numbers) for reimbursement.
Include signed claims and medical forms (if required).
Submit files in standard formats (.pdf, .jpg, .doc).
Ensure scans or photos are clear and legible.
Select the correct benefit(s) when filing.
Avoid submitting duplicate expenses.
Submit the claim within 60 days of returning

How ACKO Helps During Filing Your Travel Insurance Claim?

Here is how ACKO can help you at the time of claim settlement:

1. 24/7 Assistance

ACKO offers 24/7 assistance, meaning that the team will help you immediately, regardless of time or place.

2. High Claim Settlement Ratio

With a 98% claim settlement ratio, ACKO is considered one of the most reliable travel insurers in India. Customers are impressed with its prompt claim settlement actions.

3. Transparent Claim Process

ACKO's transparency throughout the claim settlement process is remarkable. Simply by logging into your account, you can monitor every step of the claim settlement and payout status.

Bottom Line

A travel insurance claim allows a policyholder to request reimbursement in case an unforeseen situation occurs. It is basically the whole point of getting travel insurance. Therefore, being aware of the right way to make a claim and avoiding these types of common mistakes will ensure that your travel insurance is serving its purpose.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose ACKO and make the most of your journey with full preparation and confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Travel Insurance claims get rejected?

One of the primary reasons for travel insurance claim rejection is failing to inform the insurer. According to the IRDAI guidelines, a policyholder has to notify their insurer within 24 to 48 hours of the concerned event. Inability to do so might lead to claim rejection.

When do I Have to Ask my Insurer About Pre-existing Disease Cover?

You must inform your insurer about pre-existing conditions at the time of policy purchase. That way, you can incorporate the pre-existing disease cover into your travel insurance policy.

What is the Most Common Travel Insurance Claim?

Most of the time, travel insurance claims are related to medical emergencies. This may be due to changes in weather or environment, and falling ill while travelling is quite common. Out-of-pocket expenses while experiencing a sudden injury or an illness can interfere with the overall travel experience. Travel insurance assists in managing that.

How does Travel Insurance Work During a Medical Emergency?

During a medical emergency, if you have a cashless hospitalisation benefit, you can notify your insurer, and they will assist you in locating nearby network hospitals. Once you reach the hospital, you have to submit the policy claim form and documents. While you will be getting treated, your insurer will take care of the rest of the formalities.

What is not Covered Under Travel Insurance to a Schengen Country?

Accidents or injuries triggered by the influence of alcohol or drugs, attempts at suicide or self-harm, are not covered by travel insurance for Schengen countries.

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 change. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons and the terms and conditions of the policy.