What documents do I need for a travel insurance claim?

You need proof of purchase, carrier documentation, medical records if applicable, and a completed claim form. The exact documents depend on your claim type. Cancellation claims require booking confirmations and a medical certificate. Baggage claims require a Property Irregularity Report and receipts for replacement items.

United States: File claims with proof of purchase, carrier reports, and medical records. Claim forms are available through your insurer's portal. Keep original receipts and documentation.
Canada: Submit booking confirmations, cancellation invoices, and a medical report form completed by your GP for cancellation claims. Police or airline reports are required for baggage claims.
Europe and United Kingdom: Provide policy details, receipts, and correspondence from airlines or travel providers. Medical certificates must be fully completed by a medical professional.
Gulf Region: Submit claim forms, policy copies, photos of damaged property, and detailed incident reports. Bank account details are needed for payment transfer.
Turkey: Provide original receipts, medical reports, and airline confirmation letters. Documents must be legible and complete.
Asia-Pacific: Submit claim forms, policy documents, photos, and receipts. Bank passbook copies are required for payment transfers in some countries.

Traveling soon? See our Travel Essentials page.

Want a deeper dive? ↓

Detailed Answer

Core Documents for Most Claims

Every claim requires a basic set of documents. You need your policy number and personal details. You need proof of purchase for the trip, such as booking confirmations and invoices. You need a completed claim form. Your insurer's claims portal will guide you through the specific forms required.

Keep all original receipts and documents. Photocopies are not accepted for some claims. Take photos or scan documents before submitting them. Black out credit card information for privacy.

Documents by Claim Type

Trip Cancellation

You need evidence of your trip dates, such as a booking confirmation showing the original booking date and travel dates. You need cancellation invoices for each cancelled element of the trip. These show whether you received any refunds. For medical cancellations, you need a medical report form completed by your doctor. Additional medical information such as letters and hospital papers may be helpful, but the completed medical report form is essential.

Medical Treatment Abroad

You need itemized receipts that detail the services or treatment you received. You need a medical report including diagnosis. Ask for receipts on official letterhead with contact information. If you were hospitalized, request a letter as proof of admission with a clear date. You may be asked to provide proof of your travel dates, such as a flight ticket or booking confirmation. Your insurer may request proof of your medical history depending on the treatment. Always call your insurer's emergency assistance line before authorizing expensive treatment.

Baggage Delay

You must obtain a written report from the carrier or tour representative confirming the delay. You need receipts for the replacement necessities you purchased. Any amount paid for delayed baggage is deducted from your total baggage claim if the bag is later declared permanently lost. Keep your baggage tag and boarding pass.

Baggage Loss or Damage

You need a Property Irregularity Report from the airline. You need your baggage tag and boarding pass. You need photos of any damage. You need proof of ownership for high-value items, such as receipts or credit card statements. You need a copy of your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, as travel insurance is secondary to that coverage.

Trip Interruption

You need written confirmation of the interruption from the airline or travel provider. You need documentation for the unused portion of your trip. You need receipts for additional transportation or accommodation costs incurred to return home. Medical documentation is required if the interruption is health-related.

Special Documentation: Medical Certificates

For cancellation or medical claims, your insurer may require a medical certificate. This form must be completed by a medical professional who has access to your records. Incomplete forms, blank fields, or missing stamps will delay your claim. GPs may take up to 28 days to complete these forms. Plan ahead. If you have difficulty obtaining a completed certificate, you can make a Subject Access Request to access your full medical records. This is a legal right under data protection laws.

By Region

United States

File claims with proof of purchase, carrier documentation, and medical records. Use your insurer's online portal to submit documents. Keep originals and provide legible copies. The claims process varies by provider, so check your policy documents for specific requirements.

Canada

Submit booking confirmations, cancellation invoices, and a medical report form completed by your GP for cancellation claims. Police or airline reports are required for baggage claims. Bank account details are needed for payment transfer.

Europe and United Kingdom

Provide policy details, receipts, and correspondence from airlines or travel providers. Medical certificates must be fully completed by a medical professional. Incomplete forms are the most common reason for claim delays. Send original documents when requested. Photocopies are not accepted.

Gulf Region

Submit claim forms, policy copies, photos of damaged property, and detailed incident reports. Bank account details are needed for payment transfer. Check your policy for specific documentation requirements.

Turkey

Provide original receipts, medical reports, and airline confirmation letters. Documents must be legible and complete. Bank passbook copies are required for indemnity payment transfer.

Asia-Pacific

Submit claim forms, policy documents, photos, and receipts. Bank passbook copies are required for payment transfers. For baggage delay claims, provide airline confirmation of the delay and receipts for replacement items.

Real Traveler Experiences

"My trip cancellation claim was delayed because my GP left a field blank on the medical certificate. I had to go back and get it corrected. Now I check every form before submitting it." UK traveler, forum post

"I kept every receipt from my hospital visit in Thailand. The claim was approved in two weeks. The itemized receipts made all the difference." US traveler, travel review

"The airline gave me a Property Irregularity Report at the airport. I submitted it with photos of my damaged bag and the receipts for the replacement items. The claim was straightforward." Canada traveler, forum post

Pro Tips

Keep all original receipts and documents. Photocopies are not accepted for some claims
Complete all forms accurately. Incomplete forms cause delays
Get itemized receipts for medical treatment. They must show the services provided
Request a Property Irregularity Report from the airline immediately if your baggage is delayed or damaged
Photograph any damage to baggage or personal property
Black out credit card information on any documents you submit
Submit your claim as soon as possible after the incident
Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records
Call your insurer's emergency assistance line before authorizing expensive medical treatment

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

Search AskTravel.Org

ASKTRAVEL.ORG