Holiday insurance claims

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Making an insurance claim is probably the last thing on your mind as you head off on holiday. But if you've gone to the trouble of taking out cover then it pays to make sure you get the best from your policy if the unthinkable happens. Follow our advice and making a claim will be as painless as possible.

How to claim on your travel insurance

The most obvious advice, and one which many people ignore, is to remember to take your policy document with you. Making a claim is far harder if your insurance papers are languishing on your bedside table at home while you're sitting in the waiting room of a foreign hospital.

Medical claims

Nick O'Donnell of Thomas Cook advises people to read the small print of their policy to make sure that they are covered. Remember, too, that you will normally have to pay an excess. Being honest with the insurance company when you first apply for a policy is vital if you want to receive a cheque as quickly as possible. Failing to let the company know that you are suffering from an illness may invalidate your claim.

Being open about your condition need not necessarily disqualify you from taking out a policy. Thomas Cook has a confidential phone line that customers can ring to discuss their illness in private to help the company decide whether or not they are prepared to offer cover.

Coping with an emergency in a strange place where you may not speak the language can be daunting and many large insurance companies provide a helpline - make sure you have the number with you. The person on the other end of the phone will be able to tell you exactly what proof you need and your call will be logged as further evidence that your claim is genuine.

Remember to have a pen or pencil ready when you make the call to take notes if necessary. If your policy doesn't offer this service but you're travelling in an organised party your rep should be able to help and act as an interpreter.

If you're unlucky enough to need medical treatment it's important to contact your insurer as soon as possible as they may need to authorize treatment. Get a written record from the doctor and receipts for any medicines.

Theft

Whatever the claim, written proof from an official source is always best and photographic evidence and receipts also help. Ask the police for a signed report if you have something stolen or are involved in a traffic accident.

You may have to spend hours waiting in a less than salubrious police station but many insurers won't even consider a claim without such proof and it will be impossible to obtain once you're home. Some insurers require you to report the loss or theft within a specific time frame - you will not be covered if you don't so ask when taking out the insurance and check your policy carefully.

Lost luggage

Making a claim for lost luggage or a long delay at the airport should be straightforward as both happen so often that the airline or tour operator will have standard forms to fill in. But remember that it's up to you to ask for the form and, again, keep any other written proof - such as an airline ticket or boarding pass.

Travel delays

You may only be eligible for compensation for a delayed flight after a certain number of hours, but your policy should make this clear. If you're travelling with a tour operator a long queue forming in front of the rep usually means something is being handed out - either a claim form or free vouchers to spend in the airport.