Travel&Vacation

If you’ve been thwarted by a travel insurance provider in the past, you’re not alone. Sometimes, collecting on a claim can be as much of a hassle as the actual incident (illness, accident, etc.) itself.

To make sure you won’t have an unpleasant surprise, follow these steps:

• Be a smart consumer. If you’re considering travel insurance, read the policy thoroughly (including all the fine print) before you buy.
• Compare offers between providers. If you have questions about what’s covered, call a company representative and find out.
• Ensure your chosen provider is reputable. Check its rating with the Better Business Bureau. Look at the company’s professional memberships (e.g. Travel Industry Association, US Travel Insurance Association, etc.).
• If you think you’ll need to make a claim, be sure to document each step of the way, including receipts, names of clerks you worked with, doctor’s records, etc. Be meticulous with your record keeping.
• Don’t try to request compensation for items you know aren’t covered under your policy. This will only lead to increased frustration and potentially weaken your claim.
• See if your credit card or tour company offers any ancillary coverage. Sometimes you’ll get an extra layer of protection from these providers.
• As a last resort, consider small claims court. While not an ideal situation by any means, sometimes the threat of a lawsuit may help your case.

Have a great travel tip you’d like to share? Send your insider travel strategies to editor@smartertravel.com.