Claims Documentation Checklist
Know exactly what documents you need to file a successful insurance claim. Collect these items immediately after an incident to avoid claim denial.
Act Immediately After an Incident
67% of claim denials are due to insufficient documentation or missing deadlines. Most insurers require claims to be filed within 30-90 days of returning home. Start collecting documentation AS SOON AS the incident occurs.
Documentation Progress
0 of 24 items collected
Claim ready to file
Universal (All Claims)
0/5Your insurance company's official claim form - filled out completely
Your policy number and policy document
Documentation showing you were insured during the incident
Government-issued identification
Date, time, location, and circumstances of incident
Medical Claims
0/5All bills from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies (itemized, not just totals)
Doctor's notes, test results, diagnosis, treatment plan
Prescription details and pharmacy receipts
Medical history showing condition was stable before trip
Receipt from ambulance or medical transport service
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
0/5Documentation of when and why you canceled (doctor's note, death certificate, etc.)
Flights, hotels, tours - anything pre-paid and non-refundable
Proof of reservation dates and amounts paid
Documentation of any partial refunds received from airlines/hotels
Death certificate, court summons, doctor's note, employer letter, etc.
Baggage & Personal Items
0/6Official theft or loss report filed with local authorities
Airline's official lost/delayed baggage report
Original purchase receipts or credit card statements
Pictures of items before they were lost/stolen
Items you had to buy because baggage was delayed (clothing, toiletries)
Tags from checked luggage
Travel Delay
0/3Airline/cruise line statement of delay duration and reason
Hotel, meals, transportation due to delay
Scheduled departure and arrival times
Claims Filing Best Practices
File Promptly: Most insurers require claims within 30-90 days of returning home. Don't wait - start the process as soon as possible.
Keep Originals: Submit copies of receipts and documents, not originals. Keep originals in a safe place in case the insurer requests them later.
Be Thorough: Incomplete claims are the #1 reason for denial. Double-check that you've included every requested document before submitting.
Take Photos: Photograph damaged luggage, medical injuries (if appropriate), receipts, and any relevant scenes immediately.
Follow Up: After submitting, get a claim number and follow up weekly. Most insurers process claims in 10-30 days, but complex claims can take longer.
Call First: Before filing, call your insurer's claims hotline. They can guide you through exactly what they need for your specific situation.
Top 5 Reasons Claims Get Denied
- Missing Documentation - Incomplete receipts, no police report for theft, missing medical records
- Missed Deadlines - Filed claim too late or didn't report incident promptly
- Pre-existing Conditions - Medical issue existed before trip and wasn't disclosed/covered
- Excluded Events - Incident falls under policy exclusion (war, riots, reckless behavior)
- Insufficient Proof - Can't prove items were owned or that incident occurred as described