Can I Get Travel Insurance After a Rejected Claim?

In this article, we'll explain whether you can still get travel insurance after having a claim rejected, and what a refused claim could mean for future cover. Many travellers assume that a rejected claim will prevent them from taking out another policy, but that's not always the case.

We'll explore the most common reasons travel insurance claims are declined, how insurers assess new applications, and the steps you can take to improve your chances of finding suitable cover. We'll also explain what to do if you believe your claim was unfairly rejected and when it may be appropriate to escalate a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can make informed decisions and travel with greater confidence.

Does A Rejected Travel Insurance Claim Affect Future Cover?

In short, no. There are a plethora of factors that can affect whether future claims will be rejected if you have had a claim denied in the past. A rejected claim and being denied insurance are not the same thing but can often be confused when reapplying in the future. Whilst insurers will take the previous rejected claim into consideration, this doesn’t mean you can’t get future cover.

The impact of a rejected claim often depends on the reasoning for the rejection in the first place. For example, if the claim was rejected due to missing or incomplete paperwork, it is unlikely to affect future claims. However, if a claim was refused due to non-disclosure of a pre-existing medical condition or inaccurate information, insurers may take a closer look at future applications.

The key takeaway here is that a rejected claim alone rarely means you cannot obtain future travel insurance.

Common Reasons A Travel Insurance Claim Is Rejected

Having a medical travel insurance claim rejected can feel frustrating and sometimes unfair, especially if you feel you followed the correct process. It can be helpful to understand the reasons why claims can be rejected; some of the main reasons are listed below:

• Non-disclosure of medical conditions – claims will almost certainly be rejected if you fail to disclose a medical condition at the time of taking out the policy. Insurers use this information to determine the cover you need, so they can’t offer compensation if this isn’t adhered to.
• Policy exclusions - Every travel insurance policy contains exclusions that set out situations or events that are not covered. Claims may be refused if they fall within these exclusions. The exclusions will be listed when you take out your policy.
• Insufficient supporting evidence - Insurers typically require evidence to assess a travel insurance claim. Without the necessary documentation, they may be unable to verify what happened or determine the value of a loss.
• Failure to follow the claim procedure - Travel insurers often have specific procedures that policyholders must follow when making a claim. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to delays or even a refused travel insurance claim.

Fraudulent claims - Insurers carefully investigate claims and may refuse payment if they believe information has been deliberately misrepresented. This can include providing false details, exaggerating losses, or submitting inaccurate documentation.

Non-Disclosure Of Medical Conditions

One of the main, and often the most common, reasons a claim is rejected is the non-disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions when initially taking out the policy. When you apply for travel insurance, insurers rely on the information you provide to assess your level of risk and determine what cover they can offer. If you omit relevant medical information, whether intentionally or accidentally, it could affect your policy's validity.

A pre-existing condition is typically any illness, injury or condition that you have received treatment, medication or advice for before taking out your policy. Depending on the insurer, this can include illnesses like diabetes, stroke, cancer and disability, to name just a few.

To help avoid a refused travel insurance claim, always provide accurate and up-to-date information when purchasing a policy. If you're unsure whether a medical condition should be declared, it's usually best to disclose it and seek clarification from the insurer.

Policy Exclusions

Policy exclusions are specific situations, events or incidents that aren’t included in a typical travel insurance policy. If you make a claim for something that falls outside of the parameters of your policy, the claim may well be rejected.

Exclusions vary between providers and policies, so read the policy wording carefully before travelling. Many travellers assume they are covered for every eventuality, only to discover after submitting a claim that certain incidents fall outside the scope of their cover. Some common policy exclusions can include:

• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
• Travelling against medical advice
• Participating in activities or sports not covered by the policy
• Claims relating to alcohol or drug misuse
• Incidents occurring in destinations against government travel advice
• Losses resulting from reckless or negligent behaviour

Insufficient Supporting Evidence

When you submit a travel insurance claim, you might be asked to supply supporting documentation as evidence to support what happened and confirm the value of the costs or losses being claimed.

Insurers use supporting evidence to assess whether a claim meets the policy terms and to help prevent fraudulent or inaccurate claims. Even if the incident is genuine, a lack of evidence can make it difficult for the insurer to verify the circumstances and approve a payout. Depending on the nature of the claim, you may be asked to provide:

• Medical reports or treatment records
• Receipts for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
• Proof of purchase for valuable items
• Police reports relating to theft or criminal activity
• Written confirmation of flight delays or cancellations
• Booking confirmations and travel documents

Failure to follow the claim procedure

Insurers typically have a standard procedure that you will need to follow in order to process your claim. If you don't follow these procedures correctly, your case may be delayed or rejected.

Each insurer has its own process, so it is important to identify it and follow it carefully. Common examples of procedural issues include:

• Not reporting an incident to the insurer promptly
• Failing to obtain authorisation for medical treatment when required
• Missing claim submission deadlines
• Not reporting thefts or losses to the police or local authorities
• Failing to provide requested documentation or evidence

Fraudulent claims

Travel insurers investigate claims carefully to ensure they are genuine and supported by accurate information. If an insurer believes a claim is fraudulent or deliberately exaggerated, they may reject it and take further action under their fraud prevention procedures.

When making a travel insurance claim, honesty and accuracy are essential. Providing complete information, keeping supporting documents, and responding promptly to insurer requests can help ensure your claim is assessed fairly and efficiently.

Can Insurers See Previous Rejected Claims?

Insurers may have access to certain information about your insurance history, but a rejected travel insurance claim does not automatically prevent you from obtaining cover in the future.

When applying for travel insurance, insurers may ask about your previous claims history, including claims that were paid, declined, or are currently under investigation. Answer these questions accurately and honestly, as failing to disclose relevant information could lead to complications later on.

What To Do If You Think Your Travel Insurance Claim Was Unfairly Rejected

If you have had a claim rejected and you feel this may have been done under unfair circumstances, then you have a few options:

• Review the policy documents - Read your policy wording carefully and check the conditions and exclusions.
• Contact the insurer – Contact the insurer and request clarification and obtain written explanations.
• Follow the complaints procedure – Submit a formal complaint and keep a record of all correspondence for future use if necessary.
• Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service – When escalation may be appropriate, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for their advice.

READ MORE: Can I Fly With My Medical Condition?

How To Improve Your Chances Of A Successful Claim In Future

While no travel insurance claim is guaranteed to be successful, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications and help ensure your insurer has the information they need to assess your claim fairly.

• Declare all relevant information
• Read your policy carefully
• Keep supporting documents
• Report incidents promptly
• Follow up on the claims
• Choose a policy that suits your needs

A rejected travel insurance claim doesn't automatically mean you'll struggle to get cover in the future. By understanding why a claim was refused, providing accurate information, and choosing the right travel insurance policy for your needs, you can improve your chances of finding suitable cover and making successful claims in the future.

Compare travel insurance quotes today to find cover that suits your individual circumstances.