Travel insurance documents for overseas claims

If something goes wrong while travelling abroad, your insurer may ask for documents before approving a claim. This can include medical evidence, receipts, police reports, travel records, booking confirmations and proof of payment.

Keeping clear records can make the claims process easier and reduce the risk of delays.

When might travel insurance documents be needed?

Travel insurance documents may be needed after:

• medical treatment abroad
• hospital admission overseas
• cancelled travel
• delayed travel
• missed connections
• lost or stolen belongings
• lost passport or travel documents
• personal accident
• emergency repatriation
• cutting a trip short
• baggage delay
• travel disruption

The exact documents depend on the policy and type of claim.

Common documents insurers may request

Insurers may ask for:

• completed claim form
• travel insurance policy
• booking confirmation
• flight or travel tickets
• boarding passes
• passport copy
• medical reports
• hospital bills
• pharmacy receipts
• payment receipts
• police report
• airline or carrier report
• cancellation evidence
• proof of ownership
• bank or card statements
• correspondence with airlines, hotels or clinics

It is useful to keep both digital and paper copies where possible.

Medical claims

For medical treatment abroad, insurers may ask for medical reports, invoices, prescriptions, discharge notes and receipts. They may also need evidence showing the diagnosis, treatment dates and amount paid.

If you pay upfront, keep itemised bills and proof of payment. A card receipt alone may not explain what treatment was provided.

Cancellation and curtailment claims

If you cancel a trip or return home early, the insurer may ask for evidence showing why travel was not possible. This could include a medical letter, death certificate, airline cancellation notice, employer letter or other supporting record.

The documents should clearly show the date and reason for the claim.

Lost or stolen belongings

For lost or stolen items, insurers often ask for a police report, proof of ownership and evidence of the item’s value. This might include receipts, warranties, photos, bank statements or replacement quotes.

Some policies have strict time limits for reporting theft or loss to local police or the carrier.

Travel delay and baggage claims

For travel delay, missed departure or baggage delay claims, insurers may ask for confirmation from the airline, train operator, ferry company or travel provider.

Keep written confirmation of the delay, baggage reference numbers, replacement item receipts and any messages from the travel provider.

Passport and document loss

If your passport or important documents are lost abroad, keep records of replacement costs, embassy or consulate appointments, police reports and travel disruption evidence.

These documents may be needed if you claim for emergency travel document costs or extra accommodation.

Certified translation

If claim documents are issued in another language, the insurer may ask for certified translation. This can apply to medical reports, police reports, hospital invoices, pharmacy receipts, death certificates and official travel documents.

Translations should accurately show names, dates, amounts, diagnoses and official details.

Certification and legalisation

Most travel insurance claims do not need legalisation. However, certified copies may be requested if original documents are unavailable or if an official record needs to be verified.

For some complex claims involving foreign authorities, legal, medical or estate matters, additional document preparation may be needed.

Common reasons for delays

Travel insurance claims may be delayed if:

• receipts are missing
• documents are not itemised
• medical evidence is incomplete
• the policy number is missing
• the incident was reported late
• proof of payment is not provided
• police or airline reports are missing
• names do not match travel documents
• translation is required but not included
• claim forms are incomplete

What to check before submitting a travel insurance claim

Before sending a claim to your insurer, check:

• which documents the policy requires
• whether original documents are needed
• whether receipts show itemised costs
• whether medical reports include diagnosis and dates
• whether police or carrier reports are required
• whether proof of payment is included
• whether certified translation is needed
• whether claim deadlines apply
• whether names match the passport and booking

Final thoughts

Travel insurance claims can depend heavily on supporting documents. Medical reports, receipts, travel confirmations and official incident records can all help prove what happened and what costs were incurred.

Orcap can help prepare travel insurance, medical and official overseas documents for UK use, including certified copies, legalisation and certified translation where required.