What to Gather Before You Even Travel
The single biggest factor in a smooth travel insurance claim is documentation gathered at the time something happens, not reconstructed afterward from memory.
For Medical Claims
- Get an itemised medical report and receipts from the treating doctor or hospital at the time of treatment
- Keep all prescription and medication receipts
- For anything requiring evacuation, keep all correspondence and invoices from the evacuation provider
For Cancellation Claims
- A medical certificate confirming the illness or injury that prevented travel
- Proof of the non-refundable costs — booking confirmations and cancellation policies from airlines, hotels and tour operators
- Any correspondence showing you attempted to get a refund or credit from the supplier directly first, since insurers generally expect this step
For Luggage & Theft Claims
A police report (or equivalent local authority report) is essential for theft claims and usually required within a specific timeframe of the incident — report it as soon as possible, not after you've returned home. Keep receipts or proof of value for anything significant that's lost, stolen or damaged.
Lodging the Claim
Most insurers accept claims online with document upload, and it's worth lodging as soon as practical after the incident (or on return) rather than waiting — most policies have a claim lodgement deadline, often within a set number of months of the incident or trip end.
This page is for educational purposes and isn't personalised financial advice. Premiums, terms and eligibility vary by insurer, destination and individual circumstances — always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Smartraveller advice before travelling.