When you book a trip, you’re focused on exciting destinations, bucket list experiences, and long-awaited getaways. But sometimes, life throws unexpected surprises into the mix — like flight delays, illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. That’s where travel insurance can come in. It can be your safety net when plans change.
But even with coverage, many travelers run into delays or denials when they file a claim. Why? Not because their situation wasn’t eligible, but because of easily avoidable mistakes in the claim submission process.
Whether you’ve already purchased a plan or are preparing for your next trip, understanding how to file a successful claim can save you time, money, and stress. Below are 10 of the most common travel insurance claim submission mistakes (and how to avoid them), so you can make the most of your coverage and get reimbursed faster.
Dream big. Plan smart.
Vacations, family reunions, destination weddings, study-abroad trips, and business travel all have one thing in common: They’re carefully planned and often eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately, even the best-laid travel plans can get derailed.
Maybe a hurricane forces your resort to shut down. Maybe you catch the flu and can’t fly. Or maybe your luggage ends up in another country while you’re left with just your carry-on.
Travel insurance can help protect your trip, your belongings, and your safety while you travel. But filing a claim requires more than just having a policy. It requires being prepared and understanding the documentation and process involved. Here are 10 common travel insurance claim mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not including supporting documentation.
Travel insurance claims require proof. Without proof, your claim could be delayed or denied.
What’s considered supporting documentation?
- Receipts for covered expenses (like meals, hotel stays, taxis)
- Medical reports, if you were sick or injured
- Police reports for theft or lost property
- Proof of trip cancellation or delay (airline notices, emails, etc.)
- Itemized bills for medical treatment or transportation
- A formal report of lost or delayed luggage from the airline.
- Evidence of refunds or partial reimbursements received
Tip: Save every receipt, report, and email related to your loss. You never know what you may need to support your claim.
Mistake #2: Claiming under the wrong benefit, or missing one.
Travel insurance plans usually have multiple benefit categories, like trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical expense, to name a few.
Submitting a claim under the wrong benefit can delay your reimbursement or result in denial of the claim. For example, claiming under “trip cancellation” when the situation qualifies as a “trip interruption” can create confusion.
Tip: Review your plan document to understand what each benefit covers. If you’re unsure, call the claims team for help identifying the correct category, or you might miss out on a reimbursement you’re entitled to.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to provide your bank information.
Reimbursement can’t happen if the claims team doesn’t have your correct banking info. This is especially important for direct deposit payments.
Tip: Always include your routing number, account number, and the exact name on the account. Double-check for typos or outdated information to avoid delays.
Mistake #4: Submitting an incomplete claim.
Submitting your claim before you have all your documentation in place may seem proactive — but it often backfires. Incomplete claims typically are flagged, paused, and moved to the bottom of the queue until everything is received.
Tip: Wait until you’ve collected all required paperwork before submitting your claim. If you do need to send something early, make it clear what’s missing and when you expect to submit it.
Mistake #5: Uploading blurry or unreadable files.
Claims administrators can’t process what they can’t read. Submitting blurry photos of receipts, crumpled forms, or low-resolution scans could result in requests for resubmission and delays.
Tip: Use a scanner or a high-quality phone scanning app (like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens) to ensure your documents are sharp and legible. Always review your scans before uploading.
Mistake #6: Missing required signatures.
Many travelers overlook the need to sign their claim forms, especially if they’re submitting online or via email. A missing signature makes it impossible for the administrator to legally process the claim.
Tip: Review every form carefully and sign where indicated. If you’re filing on behalf of a child or another traveler, make sure the appropriate party signs it.
Mistake #7: Not providing a clear explanation.
Documents tell part of the story, but a written explanation helps fill in the gaps. Many travelers assume the paperwork speaks for itself, but a short summary can help reviewers understand what happened and why you’re filing the claim.
Tip: Write one to two paragraphs describing what occurred, the impact on your travel plans, and the expenses you’re claiming. If something unusual happened, like being unable to obtain a receipt or a police report, explain why.
Mistake #8: Duplicating expenses in multiple benefit categories.
Sometimes, one expense can appear to qualify under multiple benefits, but listing it more than once can confuse the claims process and lead to delays.
Tip: List each expense once under the most relevant benefit. If it applies to multiple areas, mention it in your written explanation rather than listing it twice.
Mistake #9: Skipping the medical authorization form (when needed).
If your claim involves a medical event, you may be required to sign a medical release to allow the insurance provider to contact your health care provider. Forgetting or skipping this step can pause your claim.
Tip: Always complete and return any required authorization forms promptly. If you receive medical care abroad, include contact info for the provider and a translated version of the documentation if possible.
Mistake #10: Using Unsupported File Formats or Submission Methods.
If you upload or email files in uncommon formats (like .HEIC, .pages, or links to Google Drive or Dropbox), the claims team might not be able to access them.
Tip: Save all your documents as .PDF, .JPG, or .DOC files before submitting. Attach them directly, and don’t use links or compress/zip files unless instructed to do so.
Bonus mistake: Missing the 60-day deadline
Some travelers forget they have a limited amount of time to submit claims after their trip ends. Most travel protection plans require claims to be filed within 60 days of the traveler’s return home.
Tip: Don’t wait to file travel insurance claims. File as soon as you can once you’ve gathered your documents. The longer you delay, the harder it can be to track down necessary paperwork or recall key details later.
Bonus checklist: Before you submit your claim
The following checklist can help travelers ensure they have everything in order for their claim:
Proof of covered expenses (itemized receipts, invoices)
Copies of relevant reports (police, airline, doctor, etc.)
Written explanation of the situation
Correct bank information (routing and account numbers) for reimbursement
Signed claim and medical forms (if required)
Files in standard formats (.pdf, .jpg, .doc)
Clear, legible scans or photos
Correct benefit(s) selected
No duplicate expenses
Submit within 60 days of returning
Still have questions? Call our claims team
The claim process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re confused about which documents to include, how to categorize your claim, or whether your situation is covered, help is only a phone call away. Call the Cover-More claims team at +1.844.799.0331.
They can walk you through your specific situation and provide guidance to help ensure a smooth claim experience.
By taking the time to understand your plan, gather documentation, and double-check your submission, you’ll put yourself in the best position to receive the support and reimbursement you’re entitled to.
So go ahead — dream big. Book that adventure, explore the world, and travel with confidence, knowing you’ve got a protection plan (and a plan for how to use it) when you need it most.