halifax travel insurance make a claim

Does Halifax Ultimate Reward Travel Insurance Cover?

• Coverage for you, your living spouse, and any children under the age of 18 (or 24 if they’re in full-time education).

Does Halifax travel insurance cover cancellation?

There is now coverage if you are overseas and are ordered to return home or prefer to leave early to avoid having to quarantine when you return due to an epidemic or pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) or a government body. The UK government or the government of the nation you’re visiting could issue the order to come home.

If you or someone you’re traveling with has scheduled to fly and the carrier or a government body refuses to allow you go because you or they are showing symptoms of a contagious sickness at the time of boarding, you or they are entitled for additional cancellation coverage.

If anyone traveling with the insurance holder has been advised to quarantine owing to a potential exposure to COVID-19, cancellation coverage will now be offered for those protected under the policy. Local lockdowns and a broader quarantine order are not included in this.

If you become unwell while traveling, you are still insured for emergency medical care. Anyone planned to go and protected under the policy will still have cancellation and medical coverage if they are required to quarantine on an individual basis.

On December 1, 2021, NHS Test and Trace / NHS Test and Protect (Scotland) contacts a friend you’re traveling with and informs them that they need to self-isolate and will be unable to accompany you. You will be insured for travel cancellation in this case.

You are scheduled to depart on December 1, 2021. There were no restrictions on traveling to your destination at the time you booked. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s travel advice to that place changes two days before your journey begins, and now advises against all but essential travel. As a result, you must reschedule your vacation. You would not be protected for any cancellation expenses in this case, and you would need to seek compensation from the travel provider or another source, such as your credit card issuer.

It is critical that you study the terms and conditions of travel insurance to verify that the coverage matches your requirements.

What is covered by Halifax Ultimate Reward account?

The family travel insurance policy covers you, your spouse or partner (if you live together), and any children under the age of 18, or 24 if they’re in full-time education. Personal goods, specific sports and hobbies, and golf excursions are all covered.

Existing medical issues are not covered unless they are initially agreed upon with the insurer, in which case an additional premium may be required.

• Multi-trip travel around the world, including specific winter sports and golf excursions. There’s also coverage for UK excursions that include at least two nights of pre-booked lodging.
• Your children – any of your children who are 18 years old or younger, or who are 24 years old if they are in full-time education. When traveling with the account holder or a responsible adult, you are covered.
• As long as they reside with you, your partner can be a spouse, civil partner, or partner.
• If your personal baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you may be entitled to compensation of up to £2,500. This includes assets worth up to £500 and a single article, pair, or set of articles worth up to £500.
• Personal money is covered up to £750 in the event of loss or theft. This includes up to £300 in cash coverage. For those under the age of 16, the amount is limited to £50.
• Pre-existing medical issues are not covered unless the insurer has agreed to cover them.
• The excursion with the longest duration is 31 days. A maximum of 31 days of coverage in a calendar year for winter sports.
• Children are only protected if they are accompanied by you, the account holder, or another responsible adult.
• If you go against the recommendation of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or any regulatory authority, you are not covered.
• If you are unable to travel or prefer not to go because the FCDO or another equivalent government organization in another nation advises against travel due to a pandemic, you are not covered.
• When the account holder reaches the age of 71, all coverage terminates. As long as the account holder is under the age of 71, their spouse, partner, or civil partner (with whom they live) is insured until they become 71. Eligible children can also be covered if they are traveling with the policyholder’s spouse, partner, or civil partner.

If you need support when traveling abroad, dial +44 (0)208 239 3931 for Allianz Assistance’s 24-hour assistance line. Call Allianz Assistance at +44 (0)345 124 1400 if you need to lodge a claim or want additional information. You can also submit your claim online through the Allianz Assistance Hub, which is accessible via your banking app or Online Banking.

AWP Assistance UK Ltd (business as Allianz Assistance) administers the policy, which is underwritten by AWP P&C SA.

Please note that these are only a few of the key issues; the policy document included in the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide has complete details of the limitations and exclusions (PDF 1.3MB).

As part of the account application procedure, we will also send you the Insurance Product Information Booklet (PDF 2.4MB).

If your travel has been disrupted, you may also use our helpful travel disruption tool.

Do the Halifax do travel insurance?

Overview of Halifax travel insurance. Halifax’s Ultimate Reward Current Account package account includes travel insurance. For a monthly charge of £17, the account also includes AA breakdown cover, mobile phone insurance, and home emergency cover. AXA Insurance UK plc underwrites its insurance.

What is not covered in travel insurance?

Baggage delay, damage, and loss plans do not cover all of your belongings. Glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones are all common travel insurance exclusions. These things are sometimes covered, but only up to a particular cost limit, so if you have several expensive electronic items (such as a laptop, tablet, and mobile phone), you may not have enough coverage to cover the loss of all of them.

Is Halifax Ultimate Reward account changing?

If we don’t hear from you by May 15, 2020, your account will be converted to a current account, and you won’t be eligible for monthly Reward Extras. You can upgrade to a Reward Current Account at any time after your account has been converted to a Current Account if you believe it is the ideal account for you.

We’re also adding a £3 monthly account maintenance fee on June 1, 2020, although this won’t apply if you deposit at least £1,500 into your account each month.

Between June and August, we won’t charge the £3 monthly account maintenance cost to help you get acclimated to your new account.

However, you must still pay £1,500 each month to be eligible for your reward.

To help you decide if this account is perfect for you, we’ve highlighted everything you’ll need to do to obtain Reward Extras.

Can I downgrade my Halifax Ultimate Reward account?

It’s good news for existing Halifax customers since if you haven’t received a switching bonus from Halifax since April 2020, you can still claim the bonus.

However, unlike Natwest, Halifax would not allow you to switch into an existing account and receive a bonus. You will need to create a new account.

If you have a Halifax “Current Account”

The Current Account from Halifax is a no-frills ordinary account. If you have this, all you need to do now is create a Reward or UItimate Reward account.

If you have a Halifax Reward account

Many of you, I’m sure, already have this account thanks to the generous £5 per month offer. As a result, you’ll need to create an Ultimate Reward account. You can downgrade the account once you’ve switched and received the money if you don’t want to maintain it (details below).

If you have both the Reward and Ultimate Reward accounts

If you already have both of these accounts, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Simply downgrade one of your existing Halifax accounts to a different type of Halifax account. After that, reapply for the same account. Then switch back to normal mode! Halifax has confirmed that this is acceptable.

Of course, there may be some differences in your insurance policies if you do this with the Ultimate Rewards account, so compare them before deciding to downgrade the old account.

How do I claim on my Halifax phone insurance?

If you haven’t already done so, you can register your mobile phone number with the insurer via online banking or by dialing 0345 124 1400.

Raising a claim

You must notify the authorities and your airtime supplier as quickly as possible if your phone is lost or stolen. If you do not do these steps, your claim may be denied.

• Your phone’s make and model. Check your instruction manual for this information, or remove the back cover and battery to find a label with this information.
• Your network/service provider. Tip: Your service provider’s information is frequently displayed on your phone’s screen or on your contract or monthly statement.
• The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for mobile devices. Tip: Dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad to get this information shown on your phone’s screen.
• Click on your Ultimate Reward Current Account once you’ve enrolled into Online Banking.
• Then, under the ‘Account information and benefits menu,’ select ‘View account benefits.’
• Your policy information will be automatically loaded if you’ve already entered your mobile phone insurance data.
• If you want to file a claim, go to ‘View and update details’, then ‘Make a claim,’ and follow the onscreen instructions.

What is Halifax Reward net?

The Halifax Incentive account is now fee-free and offers a £2 monthly reward provided you deposit at least £750, pay out two or more direct debits, and keep your account in good standing. You have until June 12 to determine whether or not to opt-in if you opened your Rewards account after March 13th.

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How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work?

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Table of Contents

How travel insurance claims work

How to submit your travel insurance claim and get reimbursed, time limits for filing a claim, how long do claim submissions take, how to choose a travel insurance plan, if you need to file a claim from your travel insurer ....

Whether your flight has been canceled, your luggage is lost or you get sick or injured during your trip, travel insurance can protect you. But to get your benefits, you need to submit one or more travelers insurance claims, depending on your situation.

Here's how travel insurance claims work and what to watch out for when submitting your claim.

Travel insurance claims are the system through which a traveler submits documentation to their insurance provider for reimbursement of a covered expense. This reimbursement is not guaranteed; instead, it hinges on the approval of the claim from the insurance underwriter.

In general, the provider will need to verify the situation before remitting any reimbursements to travelers, and the level of coverage varies significantly. Insurance providers typically have very explicit, extensive requirements in order for claims to be confirmed and refunded.

Travel insurance 101 means knowing how travel insurance claims work. Hopefully, you’ll never need to file a claim, but it pays to know the following facts if the worst should happen.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

You must qualify for a covered reason

Insurance companies are very explicit about the situations they will cover, and coverage details vary by company and the type of policy that you've purchased.

In general, the more expensive your policy, the more benefits the policy will offer. While some policies cover only medical emergencies, others cover trip cancellation and interruption , lost or stolen bags, and other losses.

Even though policies can be dense or boring to read, be sure you look at the details of yours so you know what types of situations you're covered for .

The details of your claim matter

The details about your reason for canceling are important, and the specifics will determine your eligibility. For example, you may not be feeling well, but are you sick enough that a doctor would suggest that you cancel your trip? There's a big difference between having a small cough and having pneumonia.

You may have to go through extra steps, like seeing a doctor, to prove your eligibility.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Reservations must be nonrefundable to qualify for cancellation benefits

When you’re traveling on miles and points, you can receive medical, trip delay and lost luggage benefits from a travel insurance policy you purchase. But if you want reimbursement for a canceled flight, travel insurance only covers nonrefundable expenses.

This prevents travelers from trying to "double-dip" and get a refund from both the airline and the travel insurance company.

Keep cancellation policies in mind before purchasing travel insurance. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines, which offers easy changes and refunds, and if your hotel has a 24-hour cancellation policy and you don’t have many activities booked in advance, you may not need travel insurance. The more flexible your plans, the less need you will have for travel insurance.

Claims should be submitted as soon as possible

Being proactive and timely with your claim ensures you won’t miss any deadlines that the travel insurance company may have. You don't want to go through the entire claims process only to find out that you missed the deadline by a few days. Instead, start your claim as soon as you can.

Organization is your friend

The travel insurance company will require documentation to support your claim, so you'll want to be organized as you collect the necessary records.

To stay organized with your documents, set up a folder in your email account for relevant messages, keep all paper receipts in an envelope and write down details of every conversation.

Many travelers digitize everything to make it easier to submit documents via email or an online portal. Your documentation should show that you have a valid claim that meets the insurance company requirements.

Time limits for filing a travelers insurance claim vary from company to company, so it is wise to refer to your specific policy to ensure you have a clear idea of the timeframe. Overall, most companies require claim submissions within 3 months of the incident.

For instance, according to insurance provider Seven Corners , "You must file your claim within 90 days of the incident, also known as the timely filing limit."

After you've submitted your claim — and assuming you have provided all of the required documentation and other elements — it can take up to two weeks for your reimbursement to be remitted.

Generally speaking, you should expect communication regarding your claim within that same timeframe. This could be to alert you of your claim's approval or to ask for additional evidence.

The more complex your travel insurance claim, the longer your approval and reimbursement process may take.

If your claim is approved, expect to receive a check or direct deposit of the amount owed.

Shop around if you’re looking to purchase a travel insurance plan. There are many online providers of travel insurance and the coverage amounts, limits, exclusions and other offerings can vary widely from provider to provider, not to mention policy to policy — even within the same company.

A comparison tool, like SquareMouth , can help you filter results based on what is important to you. You can filter your search to find policies that cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, medical treatment or other needs. You can then compare the cost of one policy against others based on your preferences and budget.

Travel insurance offers valuable protection in case something goes wrong with your travel plans. Your policy benefits will vary based on the level of coverage purchased and which company is offering the protection. When evaluating travel insurance providers, learn about their claims process should the worst-case scenario come true.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Welcome to your Claims Centre

Which claim department do you need?  

Travel insurance, file a claim via phone, use our online service, breakdown cover, extended warranty - volkswagen, extended warranty - all other makes.

In the event of a claim please contact us on the details provided below

Phone:  020 8603 9958

Email: [email protected]

8am - 6pm Monday to Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

Make a claim, policy documents.

Halifax Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Halifax!

The experts say:

Are you planning a trip and looking for the best travel insurance? Look no further than Halifax's URCA policy! Rated highly by Which?, it scored an impressive 72%, and placed 33rd out of all 71 providers. It offers superior Covid cover, a whopping £10,000,000 in medical expenses cover, and includes airline failure protection as standard. You'll also get £2,500 of baggage cover and £5,000 cancellation cover. Excess payable on medical claims is not known, but Fairer Finance has not rated this policy - so you can rest assured that your finances are in safe hands.

What Halifax customers are saying right now:

• :thumbsup: Good fraud service and quick response times when calling.
• :ok_hand: Online banking systems that work well.
• :moneybag: Competitive rates and deals available.
• :rocket: Quick and easy account setup process.
• :iphone: An app with good features but minor technical issues.
• 😡 Poor customer service and I.T systems, leading to long call wait times and difficulty in using online banking
• 😠 Broken systems, resulting in frustration and difficulty in accessing accounts
• 😡 Unethical staff practices, such as blocking access to accounts without valid reason and accessing customers' accounts from home

Halifax customer reviews summary

Halifax travel insurance has been receiving mixed reviews from customers lately. From blocked accounts to poor I.T systems, it seems that a lot of people are having trouble with the service. On the plus side, the fraud service is strong and phone calls are answered quickly. Overall, the experience is a bit of a rollercoaster but could be improved with better customer service and more reliable systems. Score: 6/10

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Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from AllClear!

Co-op Insurance Services Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Co-op Insurance Services!

Covered2Go Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Covered2Go!

Reviewed: 100+ UK travel insurance providers

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Problems with your travel insurance claim

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your holiday doesn't go as planned. This is very important if you are travelling independently because you may find yourself stranded with no way to get home and no rep to rely on to help sort out your holiday problem.

Read this page to find out what you need to do if you have problems making a claim on your travel insurance policy.

before complaining to your insurer, check your policy to make sure you have a right to complain

you must first complain to your insurer using their internal complaints process

keep copies of all correspondence in case you need to take your complaint further

keep all receipts and send copies unless you're asked to provide the originals.

Can you make a claim?

If you have a problem with your travel insurance claim, it's important to check the small print in your policy to make sure that you are covered. An insurer may refuse to pay out some or all of your claim because:

you have an excess on your policy. The excess is the amount of the claim that the insurer won't pay at all.  It is typically between £50 and £100

you have an exclusion on your policy. Exclusions are things for which you're not covered and usually found in the small print

you've been overcharged for what you're claiming for. An insurer will only refund reasonable costs. If these are too high, you may have to pay for part of them yourself

you didn't take reasonable care. For example, if you left bags unattended or gave them to someone you didn't know and they go missing, the insurer may refuse to pay out

your cover does not replace new for old. Insurers may pay out less than you're claiming for, to allow for wear and tear of your belongings

you left valuables in checked-in luggage

you didn't tell the insurers about a pre-existing medical condition when you bought the insurance.

How to complain about your travel insurer

If you think that you're covered and your insurer is simply acting unfairly,  you can make a complaint.

Put your complaint in writing and tell the insurer how you want it resolved. If you're not happy with their response, you can make a formal complaint using the company's internal complaints procedure.

All insurers are covered by the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and have to deal with complaints in a certain way.

You should give the insurer up to 8 weeks to reply to your complaint. If they don't come back to you or you don't agree with their response, you can ask for a letter of deadlock. A letter of deadlock confirms that you and your insurer have been unable to reach an agreement.  You can then take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The service is free to use.

The Financial Ombudsman Service will look into your complaint and make a decision. The insurer will have to follow their decision, but you don't have to. If you don't agree and want to take your complaint further, you can take your insurer to court.

If you bought your travel insurance through a travel agent or tour operator

You can go to the Financial Ombudsman if your complaint is about your insurance policy. If your complaint is about the way the way you were sold the policy, this may be against the law.

You should get help from the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline .

If you’re in Northern Ireland, contact  Consumerline .

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Page last reviewed on 20 February 2020

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

W hen it comes to travel, there are generally two types of people: people who cannot travel as it is too expensive and those who budget $4,000 per year for vacations, according to Forbes. Travel is costly, so people often purchase travel insurance to safeguard their financial investment from unforeseen events like illnesses, luggage delays, personal emergencies, and more.

When policyholders pay honest money for an insurance policy to offer protection, they want to be able to reap the benefits of the travel insurance claim. If your travel insurance company has denied payment, our tips on how to properly file a travel insurance claim may be helpful.

Why Buy Travelers Insurance?

Travel is generally less stressful with vacation insurance — it is packaged as a wise investment that can protect you against financial losses due to unexpected events. For instance, the U.S. State Department highly recommends international travel trip insurance as Medicare and Medicaid often do not cover overseas medical costs.

The travel insurance premium is relatively small compared to the non-refundable trip costs you could lose in a bad situation. It is particularly worth it if your trip involves non-refundable costs, international travel, or travel to a remote area with limited healthcare facilities or regions prone to natural disasters.

Some of the primary reasons people buy trip insurance are to help offset:

• Emergency medical services and treatment
• Cancellations due to a sudden illness or serious health condition
• Emergency evacuation
• Loss of a friend or family member
• Compromised destinations
• Delayed or lost luggage
• Trip interruption or cancellation

What Is Not Covered By Travel Insurance?

The best insurance policies cover basic and common travel risks and bundle different coverage types related to trip cancellation, medical issues, luggage or trip delays, and more. Travel insurance is not meant to cover all foreseeable events, and every policy will address exclusions differently. Examples of potential limitations are:

• Tropical storms, hurricanes, and other dangerous weather conditions
• Certain medical issues
• Acts of war
• High-risk behavior involving drugs, unlawful acts, or riots
• Government-imposed restrictions

Travel insurance claims submitted without proper documentation or cancellation for reasons not covered by your travel policy are surefire ways to prevent coverage and reimbursement. This is why it is helpful to understand travel insurance coverage properly and take appropriate actions before assuming foul play.

Can You Cancel Travel Insurance and Get a Refund?

Most travel insurance carriers allow refunds, depending on when a policy is canceled and if there is a money-back guarantee. Most insurers ask that the policy be revoked during the review period outlined in the contract terms to qualify for a complete travel insurance refund. If the review period has passed, then policyholders might be eligible for a partial refund or not qualify for one at all.

What To Do if a Travel Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your travel insurance claim submitted for medical reasons, delays, cancellations, or any other reason was denied by your insurer, then remember that you have options. Both denials and rejections may happen for valid as well as unethical reasons. An insurance claim denial is not the end of the road; you can dig deeper to figure out whether you can still be reimbursed under your insurance.

Travel insurance claims are routinely denied when policyholders make common mistakes in their claim forms, or they mistakenly assume their policy covers their specific situation. Good faith denials happen when policyholders do not fill out their travel insurance claim form correctly, do not submit the right documents, or do not include info like contact details for follow-up questions.

In some cases, travel insurance companies may wrongly deny claims and stall the claims process. For instance, they might fail to investigate the claim or conduct proper due diligence. In such scenarios, it is advisable that policyholders adjust and resubmit their insurance claim, appeal the denial, or pursue legal action if insurers continue to illegally hold their payout.

How To Appeal a Travel Insurance Claim: 4 Steps

The travel insurance claim appeal process allows policyholders to ask the insurer to reconsider its decision. When appealing their travel insurance claim, policyholders must:

• Carefully Review the Denial Letter: Review the specific reasons for the denial to determine your next steps. Cross-check the reasons stated with your policy documents, additional emails, and other papers.
• Review Your Policy: Review the terms of your travel insurance policy and pay attention to disclaimers, damage limits, filing time limits, and submission requirements.
• Reach Out for Assistance: After carefully reviewing your policy, if you find the denial letter and policy terms do not line up, contact an insurance legal expert with experience in handling travel insurance claims for help.
• Gather Documentation and Keep Careful Records: Maintain communication records with your insurer, copies of denial letters, and other documentation regarding your claim.

How To Write a Travel Insurance Claim Letter

Sometimes, travelers have to file a trip insurance claim when their vacation does not go according to the plan. A travel insurance claim letter is a formal piece of communication between you and your insurance agency. Its purpose is to ask for reimbursement for covered damages or losses under the travel insurance policy. Therefore, it is important to craft a professional and detailed claim letter to increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

A claim letter should include the following information:

• Introduce Yourself. Include all relevant information of the person appealing (such as the policy number and contact information).
• Address the Denial. Summarize the date you received the letter and why the denial was made. Do not leave out any important details.
• Point Out the Error. Explain why you do not agree with the claims denial, based on your policy and pertinent information.
• Attach Extra Documents. Include all other documents supporting your trip insurance claim, such as photos, additional correspondence, transcripts of phone calls, etc.

How Long Does It Take To Get Reimbursed From Insurance?

Travel insurance companies generally process most claims within a few weeks. Sometimes, the insurance claims process office might have follow-up questions, thereby increasing the time you can expect to hear back. However, if you feel that your insurance claim is taking months to resolve without a proper reason, you should speak to an experienced insurance dispute lawyer. While every situation is different, policyholders should always keep careful and consistent notes as it will help them take informed legal action if necessary.

Travel Insurance Claims Advice on Documentation

You must be thorough with your documentation to enhance your chance of successful recovery. When you file a trip claim, your insurer will more likely refund travel insurance when you include the following information in your claim submission:

• Lost Luggage: Make a list of what was lost, along with the details and cost of each lost item.
• Job Loss: Request that your previous employer send you a notarized letter on company letterhead in the case of a trip cancellation due to job loss.
• Medical Emergency: Include detailed medical records in your claim if a health emergency kept you from traveling.
• Canceled/Delayed Flight: If you could not attend your trip because the flight was canceled or delayed, provide proof such as an email that relays the reasons (mechanical issues, weather, etc.).
• Receipts for Delayed Flights: You might want to keep receipts for necessary expenses incurred due to delays, like hotel stays, transportation costs, meals, and personal necessities.
• Police Reports: These reports can help substantiate claims made for stolen items or car troubles.
• Other Reports: You may include tickets for unused flights or excursions in your insurance claim.

Has a Formal Complaint Been Filed Against the Travel Supplier?

Formal complaints against travel suppliers are helpful in legal cases dealing with similar situations. The Van Rossem v. Penney Travel Service (April 15, 1985) case exemplifies travel insurance gone wrong.

In this case, a newlywed couple arranged a honeymoon trip with travel agent Penney Travel. The agent used a wholesaler, Lotus Tours, to book the reservation without the couple's knowledge. Lotus Tours abruptly went bankrupt before booking the client's reservation with SANDLES, which remained unpaid. When the case came before the court, the judge noted that "an agent who makes the contract in his own name for an undisclosed principal is liable as a principal." Here, the defendant had failed to disclose the identity of Lotus Tours, and so, it was responsible as the principal. The couple had paid $2,059 in advance. The judge awarded them reimbursement of $1,312, plus costs and disbursements.

In another lawsuit, Touhey v. Trans National Travel , a travel agent did not check to see if the hotel a client had booked was duly constructed. The plaintiff-client was awarded $25,000 in special damages because of the mistake.

What Are Bad Faith Insurance Practices?

Bad faith insurance refers to unethical insurance practices used by an insurer to delay, deny, or lowball policyholders. Examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• Misrepresenting contract language to prevent a payout
• Failing to disclose policy limitations and exclusions to policyholders
• Making unreasonable demands, like excessive paperwork requests to prove a covered loss

Sometimes, only a seasoned insurance dispute lawyer who regularly deals with contract breaches and bad faith claims can identify honest errors from serious red flags and help a policyholder get paid their due.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim: A Summary

Travelers usually plan their vacations down to the last detail. Travel insurance is a buffer for unplanned curveballs that can derail even the most meticulous plans, such as medical emergencies or misplaced luggage.

Insurance companies are explicit about what travel mishaps or unexpected events they will or will not cover, which is why it is crucial to understand policy limitations and how to properly file a travel insurance claim.

As a final snapshot, the key steps to filing a travel insurance claim include:

• Reviewing policy terms and exclusions.
• Gathering necessary documentation based on submission requirements.
• Submitting your claim according to the insurer's timing and filing guidelines.
• Filing an appeal if an insurance claim is wrongly denied.
• Consulting an experienced insurance dispute lawyer to assist with an intentionally stalled, denied, or undervalued claim.

Travel insurance claims can become challenging, depending on the situation and response from your insurer. When small bumps in the road become permanent roadblocks, it is helpful to know that qualified travel insurance claims attorneys are available to help frustrated policyholders recover their losses. 

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How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim

‖ the ultimate guide ‖.

If something goes wrong on holiday, or in fact before you are due to leave, and you have taken out travel insurance it is understandable that you will be looking to make a claim on the policy. But, with so much already on your plate you may not know where to start or more importantly – if the reason for the claim is even covered.

With this in mind, the first thing you should do is check that the reason for your claim is covered by your travel insurance – this can be found in the policy wording.

When making a claim with your travel insurance provider it is important to remember your travel insurance policy is there to protect you from loss of finances that cannot be claimed back from another source i.e. airlines, travel agent or accommodation provider.

Every travel insurer will have their own claims system so it is important to understand this. Having said that, there are some similarities across the industry that you can bear in mind; such as, when heading abroad ensure you take your travel insurance documents with you and make a note of the claims number and emergency assistance number.

Obtaining a claim’s form

To obtain a claim form, there are several avenues you can take; either call the travel insurer and ask them to post or email you the appropriate form/s or go to their website and download a form.  When filling out a claim form you will be required to send in additional paperwork or evidence to support your claim. Some travel insurers will also offer an ‘e-claim’ or smart phone app option allowing you to complete your claims form online and attached any supporting documents electronically.

This evidence will assist the claims team in assessing your claim. All documents should be scanned copies of the originals and must be good quality i.e. not blurred. Not sending in all the appropriate evidence will delay the claims process. It is advised you keep a scanned copy of everything you send to the claims team – just in case!

Is there a time limit to claim?

If you are looking to make a claim it is advised you submit your claim and all the supporting evidence as soon as possible, ideally when you return home from your holiday.

When thinking about time frames, it is important to set your expectations. Most travel insurers will state their claims ‘turnaround’ time. Bear in mind, this time frame is from the time the claims department receive all of the necessary information to make a decision about your claim and not from when you receive your claims form. Travel insurance claims departments will be busier during the summer months and ski season, so there may be a slight delay.

STAY UP TO DATE

For more information on the evidence that may be needed, find the relevant claims section below..., medical expenses claims.

Sometimes whilst abroad, you or your travelling companion may need to seek emergency medical attention. If this happens, you should contact your travel insurer’s emergency team as soon as feasibly possible. They will be able to liaise with the hospital and ensure the right treatment is given. Regarding payment, most claims will work on a ‘pay and claim’ basis for outpatient treatment and some insurers will suggest you contact their emergency medical assistance team if costs go over a certain amount (this will be stated in your policy wording) or if you are admitted to hospital.

When claiming you should submit any itemised bills given to you by the hospital.

Luggage Delay and Personal Possession Claims

Arriving at your destination with no sign of your luggage is not how you want your holiday to start and you may need to purchase essential items to get you by until you are reunited with your case. Most travel insurance policies offer a small daily amount of compensation to cover the cost of essential items such as underwear and toiletries but you must keep hold of any receipts. It is important to note, this compensation for essential items is only available on your outbound journey.

If your bag is lost, damaged or delayed on your outbound journey or if it is lost or damaged on your return journey, before leaving the airport, you should ensure you file a Property Irregularity Report with your airline or baggage handler and submit a copy of this with your claim form.

If you are submitting a claim for lost or stolen personal possessions you will be asked to submit proof of purchase for these items. This evidence could be a bank/credit card statement, receipt or gift receipt or online purchase receipts. It is also worth checking your travel insurance policy wording to ensure the personal possession single item limit is high enough to cover the claim.   

It is important to note that most travel insurers will not cover personal possessions if they were left unattended or valuables that were not on your person or locked in a safety deposit box/hidden out of sight.

You will also need to ensure you file a police report and submit a copy along with your claim. Depending on your destination, some police stations are not open daily and if you are unable to file a report due to the station being closed you will need to supply evidence of this – we suggest taking photographs of the building and closed signs and ensure the date is visible on the photograph. A report from your tour operator or hotel manager confirming the stolen items can also be submitted as evidence.

You may also find some travel insurers will deduct wear and tear from personal possessions during the claims process. The percentage of the deduction will usually be broken down on the website so be sure to check this so you can set your expectation for the claims pay out.

If you are claiming for a lost, stolen or damaged gadget i.e. mobile phone or tablet, make sure you check the cover in your policy wording. Most travel insurance policies do not cover gadgets as standard and will require you to buy an additional extension to add gadgets on to your policy.

It is worth noting that items of higher value may not be covered by the limits on your travel insurance policy so ensure they are covered by your household insurance if you are planning to take them on holiday with you.

Having to cancel or come home early

If you are looking to claim because you have had to cancel your holiday or come home early it is important that you check that the reason for the claim is covered under the travel insurance policy before submitting your claim form.

Most travel insurance policies will cover cancellation for the following unexpected reasons:

• Death, Injury or Illness of you or your travelling companion
• Death, Injury or Illness of a close relative (providing it is not related to an existing medical condition)
• You or a travelling companion being called for jury service
• You or a travelling companion being made redundant

Most travel insurance policies will cover curtailment (coming home early) for the following unexpected reasons:

• You or a travelling companion become ill or sustain an injury on holiday
• The death, injury or illness of a close relative back home (providing it is not related to an existing medical condition)
• News of your home being left uninhabitable (following a burglary, fire or flooding)

If your reason for making a claim is not mentioned in the policy wording it may be worth calling your travel insurer as they may assess claims on an individual basis, but bear in mind that if you have brought a policy with limited cover and not checked the policy wording prior to making your claim, it may be denied.

When submitting a claim for cancellation you will be asked to provide a letter from your tour operator, transport provider and/or accommodation provider confirming you did not travel with them or use the accommodation. You will also be asked to provide a ‘cancellation invoice’ which will state whether or not a refund has been processed and if so, how much you have received. This amount should be deducted from your claim.

If you are looking to claim for cancellation due to a newly diagnosed or existing medical condition you may be tempted to speak with your GP and ask for a doctors note explaining why you have had to cancel your holiday. However, all travel insurers will provide a medical claim form for your GP to fill out so it’s best to download or request this first. Travel insurers will have specific questions they want answered in order to process your claim. Once the medical form has been fully completed ensure it is submitted with your claim form. Please note if you are claiming due to an existing medical condition that you didn’t tell your travel insurance provider about when you bought your policy, it is likely your claim will be declined.

Should you have to come home early from your holiday (this may be called curtailment on your policy) you should either submit a letter from the treating doctor or the travel insurer’s emergency medical assistance team confirming that it was medically necessary for you to come home early.

Most travel insurance policies will NOT cover you for cancellation or curtailment (coming home early) if the claim is due to the death, injury or illness of a close relative, with a pre-existing medical condition, who is not travelling with you. There are a few providers that will offer this cover, if the medical condition was stable at the time you bought your policy, so if this is your reason for cancellation or curtailment check your policy wording, and the exclusions carefully before you submit your claim.

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Excesses/Deductibles

Depending on the policy you could be asked to pay an excess or deductible when making a claim, but how does this work?

It’s applied to travel insurance policies to share the risk between you and the insurer and will be payable if you need to make a claim. The rule of thumb generally is, the higher the excess, the cheaper the travel insurance policy and if you have a low or no excess your policy may be slightly more expensive.

From most travel insurance policies the excess or deductible is paid per person, per claim, per section. Here’s an example:

→ You are claiming under two sections of the policy; £500 for medical expenses and £500 for curtailment. The total claim amount is £1000.

→ Each section has a £100 excess.

→ So the medical claim will have a £100 excess and if it’s just you claiming for curtailment, this will be £100 excess. The total claim amount you will receive is £800.

→ If someone else is also claiming for curtailment, they will have to pay a £100 excess. The total claim amount you will receive, after excess, is now £700.

Limits and Exclusions

All travel insurers have exclusions on their policies and here are some of the most common:

Alcohol Limits: If you need to make a claim following an alcohol-fuelled incident you may not be covered under your travel insurance policy. Some policies will have limits on the amount of alcohol that is found in your system (check this on the policy wording as it will differ across companies) and no policies will cover claims if you deliberately put yourself at risk.

Narcotics: Travel insurance policies will not cover any claims where you were under the influence of narcotics.

Refused Boarding: If you are refused boarding and are unable to reach your destination, you will not be covered by your travel insurance.

Incorrect Travel Documents: Expired passports, passports not having the correct amount of validity left, incorrect visas, spelling mistakes/typos, etc. preventing you from reaching your destination will not be covered.

Small print: Don’t get caught out! We strongly advise you to take time to read your  make sure you do take time to read your policy wording carefully and that the cover is suitable for your individual needs and that it meets your expectations. It’s better to spend a few minutes doing this and possibly pay a bit more than not be covered if you need to make a claim.

We know that understanding insurance terms can be tricky, so our glossary is here to help:

• Doctors Note
• Medical Reference Number
• Single Article Limit
• Property Irregularity Report
• Essential Items
• Wear and Tear
• No Show Document
• Curtailment
• Excess/Deductible
• Proof of Purchase
• Valuables Limit
• Itemised Bill

A Doctor’s note, medical certificate or Doctor’s certificate is a statement from a medically qualified practitioner which outlines the result of a patient’s medical examination and can be used as evidence of a medical condition. Once again, if you are claiming for cancellation ask your doctor to fill in the medical form attached to your claim form.

Some travel insurers will provide a medical reference number and others will provide you with an endorsement. This is to confirm that you have declared a medical condition with your travel insurer.

The amount you can claim for a single item. Most travel insurers will have a set amount that you can claim up to for any one item or a pair/set, so be sure to check this in the policy wording.

If your luggage goes missing or is damaged whilst in the custody of the airline you will need to speak to a member of staff at the airport. They will take your address, telephone number and a description of your luggage and give you a receipt which must be kept safe and submitted with a claim.

Underwear, socks, a change of clothes and toiletries

The amount deducted from the value of an item taking into account wear and tear and the age or the product.

A form of confirmation from your tour operator, transport provider and/or accommodation provider confirming you did not use any pre-booked transport or accommodation.

Returning home from your holiday before your original return date.

The amount that will be deducted from your claim. This will usually be per person, per section and per claim unless stated otherwise on the policy wording.

When claiming for lost or stolen possessions you may need to submit evidence that you own the item/s, this can be a bank/credit card statement, receipt or gift receipt, online purchase receipts.

The total amount the travel insurer will pay for valuables irrespective of the single article limit. Travel insurers will define what they class as a valuable and this will differ between policies so check the policy carefully.

Anything that is not covered by the travel insurance policy.

A list of expenses, similar to a receipt, to be submitted when making a medical claim. An itemised bill will outline any treatment or diagnostic examinations that have been carried out by the treating doctor.

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To help you during your switch, we may be able to arrange an interest-free arranged overdraft for 6 months, subject to application and approval. An arranged overdraft can act as a useful safety net. You can use it to borrow money up to an agreed limit through your bank account.

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Once your six month interest-free period ends we will charge interest daily. The daily arranged overdraft interest rate will be based on how you manage any accounts with us and on the credit information we hold about you. We will let you know this rate in the pre contract credit information we give you if you apply for an arranged overdraft.

Representative example (based on using an Ultimate Reward Current Account)

An arranged overdraft on an Ultimate Reward Current Account has a variable interest rate of  39.9% EAR , and a variable representative rate of  61.7% APR , based on borrowing  £1,200 .

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You can use the representative APR to compare with other products or credit providers, this can help you make sure that you choose the right type of borrowing for you.

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Arranged Overdraft expandable section

An arranged overdraft can act as a short term safety net. You can use it to borrow money up to an agreed limit through your bank account.

• You can apply to add an arranged overdraft to your account and you’ll only pay daily arranged overdraft interest if you use it.
• If you use your arranged overdraft but pay it back before the end of the day, then you won’t pay any arranged overdraft interest for that day.

Helpful tools - You can use our eligibility checker and cost calculator to check your eligibility and calculate the cost of an arranged overdraft.

Applying for an arranged overdraft  - When you have applied for this account, at the end of the application you can apply for an arranged overdraft which you can add right away. You can also apply for one later.

Amending an arranged overdraft  - You can reduce or remove your arranged overdraft at any time through Mobile Banking, Online Banking or Telephone Banking or by visiting your branch. But you must repay anything you owe if you want to remove an arranged overdraft or anything over the new reduced limit you want. You can also apply to increase it. Using an arranged overdraft increases your overall borrowing and may affect your credit score.

If you don't have enough money in your account or available arranged overdraft to make a payment, we may either let you borrow through an unarranged overdraft or refuse to make the payment. Missing payments and using an unarranged overdraft can damage your credit score, please get in touch with us as we may be able to help you.

Applying for this product does not improve your eligibility for an arranged overdraft. 

All overdrafts are subject to application and repayable on demand. You must be 18 or over to apply.  

Please read our important information on overdraft rates and charges  

Arranged overdraft details.

• £50 interest free amount
• 39.9% EAR (variable) representative
• Your interest rate will be based on how you manage any accounts you have with us and on the credit information we hold about you
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Representative example

As an example, the interest cost of borrowing £500 is:

Useful tools

You can use our calculator to work out how much your anticipated arranged overdraft borrowing would cost over different periods of time. Check your eligibility and calculate the cost of an arranged overdraft:

Cost Calculator            Eligibility Tool

*EAR is the Equivalent Annual Rate. This is the annual interest rate of an overdraft. This means you are charged over the year based on how often and how much you are overdrawn by, and the effect of compounding it – charging interest on interest already charged. This interest rate does not include any other fees and charges.

Find out more about arranged overdrafts

If you already have a current account with us and would like an arranged overdraft, you can apply for one through Online Banking or Mobile Banking. You can also apply to increase your existing arranged overdraft too.

Apply for an arranged overdraft

Family Boost Mortgages expandable section

Access to our Family Boost mortgages  –  this means your family could help with your deposit by putting 10% of the agreed property purchase price into a 3 year fixed term savings account.

Terms and Conditions expandable section

For more information and terms and conditions for this account, read the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide (PDF 1.3MB) .

For more information read the  Reward Extras Terms and Conditions (PDF, 54KB)

For more information on lifestyle benefits, read the  Lifestyle Benefits Terms and Conditions (PDF, 312KB)

For more information, read the Guide to Changes (PDF, 51KB)

More information about packaged bank account benefits

Aa breakdown family cover expandable section.

What you're covered for

The policy cover offers assistance at the roadside or at home if you or your eligible family member’s vehicle has broken down, whether as the driver or passenger.

There’s cover under the policy if your Ultimate Reward Current Account is open and you’re paying the monthly fee, This includes:

Mechanical breakdown - Assistance to deal with a breakdown on the road within the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

• Roadside Assistance - An AA Patrol will try to repair the vehicle at the roadside or, if this is not possible, arrange a tow to a local garage for you or eligible family members, the vehicle and up to 7 passengers.
• At Home  - Brings all the benefits of AA Roadside to your and your eligible family member’s doorstep and within ¼ mile from home.

With AA Breakdown Family Cover, there’s cover for account holders and certain family members in vehicles, whether you or they are the driver or the passenger. Family members must live at the account holder’s home address or, be temporarily living away from that address, but still within the UK (e.g. students). 

Eligible family members will include your:

• Siblings***
• Grandparents
• Children****
• Other family members*****

* including spouse, civil partner, fiancé/fiancée

** including stepparents, foster parents, father in-law, mother in-law

*** including brothers, sisters, brother in-law, sister in-law step-brothers, step sisters

**** including stepchildren, foster children, grandchildren, son in-law, daughter in-law

***** including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and first cousins

AA Breakdown Family Cover FAQ's

Please note:

• The service is only available in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
• You or your eligible family member must be with the vehicle when it breaks down and when help arrives.
• There’s no cover when travelling in a car, van, minibus or motorcycle exceeding the weight restriction of 3.5 tonnes and max width restriction of 8ft 3in (2.55m).
• There may not be cover for same or similar causes of breakdown to that which the AA attended within the previous 28 days.
• The AA have the right to refuse to provide service if the vehicle is unsafe, unroadworthy, unlawful or you've failed to maintain it (for example no valid MOT or continued failure to refuel or charge your vehicle.)
• If you have an accident, the AA Breakdown Family cover does not provide vehicle recovery. The AA Accident Assist service may be available. See below for more information.

If you need breakdown assistance , please call:  0345 124 1400 .

You will need your Ultimate Reward Current Account sort code and account number to hand when you call.

The AA Breakdown cover is provided by Automobile Association Developments Limited, trading as AA Breakdown Services.

We will also provide you with the Insurance Product Information Booklet (PDF 2.4MB) as part of the account application process.

AA Accident Assist

AA Accident Assist is available to account holders only. This service could help if you or a person insured on your vehicle are in a motor accident where all parties are insured. The service could recover and fix your vehicle, provide a replacement vehicle or courtesy car and manage insurance claims.

The service is only available in England, Wales and mainland Scotland and is not available for motorbikes or mopeds.

We have included the AA Accident Assist terms and conditions in the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide. The link is provided below. You will only be asked to agree to the terms if you choose to use the service. The AA will check to see if you are eligible, talk through your situation, describe the help the service can offer, as well as any costs that may be involved, so that you can decide if you want to go ahead.

Please note that these are just some of the important points – full details of the conditions and exclusions can be found in the policy document included in the  Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide (PDF 1.3MB).

Travel insurance expandable section

• Worldwide multi trip travel - this includes certain winter sports and golf trips. There's also cover for UK trips which have at least 2 nights' pre-booked accommodation.
• Your children - there's cover for the children of you/your partner when travelling with either of you or another responsible adult, provided the children are 18 or under (24 or under if still in full time education). There's cover for a dependent child where they are staying with a responsible adult even if they were not accompanied during their travel to the destination.
• Your partner - a spouse, civil partner or partner.
• Personal Baggage - up to £2,500 if it is lost, damaged or stolen. This includes up to £500 for valuables, and up to £500 for a single article or pair or set of articles.
• Personal Money - up to £750 for loss, or theft. This includes up to £300 cover for cash. This is limited to £50 for under 16s.

Don't forget:

• Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered unless agreed with the insurer first. An additional premium may apply.
• The longest trip length is 31 consecutive days. For winter sports, a maximum of 31 days cover in a calendar year.
• £75 excess per adult per incident may apply.
• There is no cover if travelling against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or other regulatory authority.
• There is no cover if you cannot travel or choose not to travel because the FCDO, or any other equivalent government body in another country advises against travel due to a pandemic.
• To be covered trips must start and end in the UK.
• The policy only covers persons permanently resident in the UK and registered with a doctor in the UK.
• There is no cover for any amount recoverable from any other source such as your airline or your accommodation provider.
• All cover ends when the account holder turns 71. As long as the account holder is less than 71, their spouse, partner or civil partner will also be covered until they reach 71.

You can access your packaged bank account benefits, view policy details and make a claim in the app and via Online Banking.

• For app, click on ‘view account benefits’ from the more button or search for ‘account benefits’.
• For Online Banking head to the ‘account benefits’ section.

You can also make a claim by calling Membership Services   +44 (0)345 124 1400

If you’re abroad and need assistance, you can call Allianz Assistance’s 24 hour assistance helpline on  +44 (0)208 239 3931

Cover is administered by AWP Assistance UK Ltd (trading as Allianz Assistance) and underwritten by AWP P&C SA.

Please note that these are just some of the important points - full details of the conditions and exclusions can be found in the policy document included in the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide (PDF 1.3MB) .

We will also provide you with the  Insurance Product Information Booklet (PDF 2.4MB) as part of the account application process.

Mobile phone insurance expandable section

Most of us would struggle without our mobile phones, so if it gets broken, damaged, lost or stolen there is cover for:

• Repair or replacement of your phone worth up to £2,000 (including VAT) per claim (replacement phones will come from refurbished or re-manufactured stock i.e. not brand new).
• One phone for you as the account holder, or up to two phones for a joint account.

Things to consider

• An excess of £100 is payable on all successful claims.
• You can’t have more than 2 successful claims per account holder in any 12 month period.
• If your phone is lost or stolen, you must let the police and your airtime provider know as soon as possible.
• You won't be covered for theft, loss, damage or breakdown where you have knowingly put your phone at risk or not taken care of it.
• You may be required to provide a proof of ownership to support your claim (for instance documentation from your network provider, till receipt etc.)

You can register your phone to make claiming easier Register your mobile phone details with the insurer via your online banking. Or call 0345 124 1400 . Lines are open from Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Please follow these steps to register your phone online:

• Sign into Online Banking . If you don't already use Online Banking you can register here .
• Select ‘More actions’ next to your Ultimate Reward Current Account.
• Then select ‘Account information and benefits’ and the ‘View account benefits.
• Register your phone with the insurer under the ‘Mobile phone insurance’ section.

Making a claim?

You can make a claim with the insurer by calling 0345 124 1400 . Lines are open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Mobile phone insurance is arranged through Lifestyle Services Group Limited with a single insurance provider, Assurant General Insurance Limited.

Please note that these are just some of the important points – full details of the conditions and exclusions can be found in the policy document included in the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide (PDF 1.3MB) .

Assurant provide a mobile device trade in service for UK resident Halifax customers. You can trade in eligible mobile devices for a cash payment directly into your current account.  More information on Assurant .

Home emergency cover expandable section

Home Emergency cover helps you deal with unexpected things that need immediate action to ensure your home is safe and secure. You never know when you might have to deal with your central heating failing or a pipe bursting in your home. The policy includes cover for up to £250 for the provider to choose a professional to deal with your problem.

The policy only covers home emergencies which need immediate action to:

• Make your home safe or secure.
• Avoid damage or prevent more damage.
• Get you electricity, gas or water back after total failure.

You are not covered if the home was left unoccupied for over 60 days.

If you need to make a claim, please note:

• You must contact the insurer before instructing any other tradesman.
• Are you a tenant? Ensure your landlord agrees before contacting the insurer.

If you don't do this, your claim could be rejected.

If you need to make a claim or want more information call 0345 124 1400 . Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

You can also make a claim online using Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app. To do this, click on ‘Account Benefits’ under the ‘Benefits and Extras’ section and then select 'Home Emergency'.

Home emergency cover is underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance SA (IPA).

Travel Insurance Covid Cover information - Key points expandable section

• There is cover for emergency medical assistance overseas if you fall ill (including being diagnosed with an epidemic or pandemic disease)
• There is cancellation cover if you or your travelling companion are refused boarding on booked transport if the carrier or a Government authority will not let you travel because, at the point of boarding, you or they are showing symptoms of a contagious disease
• There is cancellation cover for anyone booked to travel and covered under the policy if they, or a companion they are travelling with, are asked to quarantine on an individual basis because of exposure to a contagious disease
• There won’t be cover if you’re abroad and you are instructed to return home, or choose to leave early to avoid having to quarantine when you get home due to the risk of exposure to a contagious disease. The instruction to return home could be from the UK Government or from the government of the country you’re visiting
• There is no cover for any amount recoverable from any other source such as your airline or your accommodation provider
• There is no cover if you choose not to or cannot travel because the FCDO (or any other equivalent government body) advises against travel due to a pandemic

Please read our travel insurance FAQs (PDF 1.45KB)

More information about additional account benefits

Reward extras expandable section.

Choose between:

• 3 x Digital Magazines  - Choose from popular titles such as Cosmopolitan and Men's Health
• 1 x Cinema Ticket  - See a film on us at any UK Vue Cinema (each ticket valid for 12 months)
• £5 in your account  - Paid direct into your account

How to qualify

Each month you meet your chosen set of conditions you’ll receive your reward by the 12th of the following month. If you choose a lifestyle benefit you’ll receive the offer to your registered email address. If you choose the £5 offer, we’ll pay it into your account and it’ll appear on your statement.

Choose either to:

• Spend £500  on your debit card each month
• Keep £5,000  or above in your account each day of the month

You will also need to pay at least £1,500 into your account each month and stay in credit (keeping your balance at £0 or above).

Magazine Subscriptions

Choose three digital magazine from a host of well-known titles. The magazines currently available are:

Cosmopolitan

Country Living

ELLE Decoration

Good Housekeeping

Harper’s Bazaar

House Beautiful

Men’s Health

Runner’s World

Women’s Health

How does it work?

A code will be sent via email to your registered email address with instructions on how to choose and access your magazines

Codes are valid for 12 months from the date of issue

Magazines can be read online or offline, through your internet browser, smartphone or tablet

Cinema Tickets

Enjoy one free cinema ticket each month to catch the latest blockbusters at Vue cinemas across the UK

You’ll also get a code for half price popcorn

You can use the cinema voucher for 2D, 3D or Xtreme films screenings. If there are any VIP seats available at your screening, then you'll get a free upgrade too

Codes are valid for 12 months, so you can save them for a film you’ve been waiting for

A ticket voucher code will be sent via email to your registered email address and can be used to make bookings online at  www.myvue.com  or at the box office at any Vue cinema in the UK only

Voucher codes are valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue and are not subject to time extensions

Voucher codes can be used to make bookings for 2D, 3D & Xtreme screenings any day of the week. No additional booking costs apply

Additional upgrade fees will apply

You can earn up to £5 each calendar month – that’s up to £60 a year

You can keep on top of your progress for each monthly £5 offer by using the Reward Extras Tracker

As long as you meet the criteria for Reward Extras and have selected the £5 benefit, you don’t need to do anything else

Reward Extras Frequently Asked Questions expandable section

How do I know if I'll get my reward each month?

Use the Reward Extras Tracker to check if you’re on course to get your reward each month.

You can find the tracker under your account options in Online Banking and the Mobile Banking App.  

When will I get my reward?

If you’ve done all the things we asked of you at the end of the month, you’ll get your reward around the 12th of the following month.

If you’ve selected a lifestyle benefit, you’ll receive the offer each month to your registered email address.

If you’ve selected the £5 offer, we’ll pay it into your account and it’ll appear on your statement. It’s as simple as that.  

What kind of spending counts towards the offer?

There are a few payments which don’t count for Reward Extras offers:

• When you take cash out of a cash machine, branch or Post Office counter.
• When you make a money transfer to another account.

Any payments being queried or disputed won't count towards the £500 or £5,000. And we’ll only count payments that leave your account by the last day of the month.

But all purchases on your card count. This includes purchases you make online, in-store and abroad.

You can also use digital wallets, like Apple Pay, Google Pay or similar schemes, as long as they’re linked to your registered debit card.  

Can I use this offer with a joint account?

Yes. Each month you just need to meet the offer conditions with your joint account.

Keep in mind, each joint account can only have one Reward Extras offer. You will only receive one benefit per account.  

How long does the offer last?

All offers will last for at least 12 full calendar months from the day you choose to add it to your account. So if you added the offer on 10 July this year, it would end on 31 July next year. If you met the conditions for the £5 reward from 10 July to 31 July this year, then you'd still get £5 for July as well.

Once you’ve added a Reward Extras offer, you can’t switch to another offer until the 12 months have passed.

We’ll get in touch before your offer ends to let you know what will happen next.  

What happens if I close my account?

You need to keep your account open to get your Reward Extras offer.

If you close your account before you’re due to get your offer then you won’t get your reward, even if you met all of the conditions in the previous month.  

When does my offer start?

Your offer will start on the day you add it to your account. If you’re renewing, it will start the day after the current one expires.

Money Smart expandable section

Money Smart is our bank account and savings account for 11 to 15 year olds with parental oversight. They get their own bank account and savings account and a contactless Visa debit card. Plus, there are no monthly fees and you get full visibility of your child’s account activity through our Mobile Banking app or Online Banking.

To open Money Smart with your child you must:

• be 18 or over and your child be between 11 and 15 years old
• have an existing Ultimate Reward Current Account or Reward Current Account
• have an existing Kids' Saver or Kids' Monthly Saver for the child
• be registered for Online Banking
• both be living at the same UK address . If you or the child live outside the UK, you won’t be able to open an account for them.

More about Money Smart

Preferential exchange rates expandable section

As an Ultimate Reward Current Account customer you get preferential exchange rates when ordering travel money with Halifax.

Ordering travel money online is simple and secure. If you order by 3pm your money will be sent to your home or local branch the next working day.

More about travel money

Already have an Ultimate Reward Current Account?

You can now view your policy details and make new claims in the app and Online Banking.

Explore Account Benefits

Have you seen the other accounts we have to offer?

Our Halifax Current Account allows you to manage your money 24/7, at home or on the go - a free everyday banking option.

Everyday banking and you’ll earn a reward each month you meet a set of conditions. You may need to pay a £3 monthly fee, this is waived each month you pay in at least £1,500 to your account.

Compare our full range of current accounts

Making sure you get a fair deal

We want you to find a product that's right for your circumstances, which is why we adhere to the Standards of Lending Practice, which are monitored and enforced by the  Lending Standards Board . 

To find out more you can read the statement of responsibilities, which details what's expected of us, the lender and you the borrower.

Download the statement of responsibilities (PDF 60KB)

Speak to us

You can call us on  0345 720 3040   from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week. Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you would prefer to see us in person, just pop into your local branch .

Halifax current accounts and services are offered subject to status. Available only to personal customers aged 18 or over who are resident in the UK.

Whether you can have an arranged overdraft and the amount will depend upon your personal circumstances at the time you apply for one. Any overdraft we agree is repayable on demand.

The insurance cover and other services that come with the Ultimate Reward Current Account Benefits Package are renewed every month and will end if: (i) your Ultimate Reward Current Account is closed; (ii) you fail to pay the monthly fee for the account; (iii) your account is changed to another type of account with us; (iv) your residential address is no longer in the UK. Any other insurance policies that you yourself have taken out at a discount as part of the benefits package will not be affected.

Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC.

Compare current accounts

We offer a range of current accounts to suit different needs.

• Travel Insurance

The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive payment from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This comes from two main sources.

First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The payments we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market.

Second , we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles. These “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Show Me The Receipts: Appealing A Travel Insurance Claim Denial

Published: Aug 4, 2023, 2:14pm

Reviewed By

Table of Contents

How to appeal a travel insurance claim denial, keeping documentation during your trip, possible reasons for a travel insurance claim denial, if your appeal is denied again.

Travellers buy travel insurance to cover them financially in case of an emergency and give them peace of mind if something goes wrong during their trip. But what happens when you make a claim and your insurance company says it’s not covered?

If you receive a denial for a travel insurance claim, the first thing to do is carefully read your policy. Check the list of exclusions, especially, as this may shed light on the reason for the denial. If you have questions, call the travel insurance company.

Featured Partner Offer

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

On World Nomad’s Website

Emergency medical

$5 million, $10 million

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

Baggage insurance (Maximum)

$1,000, $3,000

If you feel the denial was wrong or unfair, you have the right to appeal.

It’s your right to appeal a denial and travel insurance companies generally have a process that should be followed. Information on how to file an appeal can likely be found on the travel insurance company’s website or by calling its customer service number.

If you disagree with a denial, first review the terms of your travel insurance policy to get a clear understanding of the denial. You might find that you need to supply more information to show that you have a legitimate claim.

The good news is that all claims can be appealed with new information that may not have been presented when the claim was initially filed. And each claim received gets a thorough review against the policy terms.

Many travel insurance companies encourage customers to submit claims documentation through an online portal. Simply entering your claim number and uploading new documents will move your claim back to the claims team for continued review.

Even when things are going well on a trip, it’s smart to maintain all documentation and keep receipts from your travels, as well as items you purchased for your trip, such as a suitcase or sports equipment. You’ll be glad you kept these items later if you need to make a claim.

Especially keep all receipts related to possible trip cancellation, trip delays, emergency medical expenses, lost baggage and other problems. Keep in mind most insurers require original receipts.

While you’re waiting for your claim to be processed, you can also you work concurrently with your travel suppliers, like airlines or hotels, to pursue any available credits or refunds. Keep in mind this may reduce the amount you are eligible for under your insurance policy.

There are generally two reasons a travel insurance claim is held up or denied:

• The situation is simply not covered by the insurance policy.
• There’s a lack of proper documentation.

Paperwork to support your claim will depend on the type of claim. The insurer’s website or the policy wording likely provides information on what documents are required for claims.

For example, under a trip cancellation claim, you may need to submit receipts and itemized bills for all expenses and documentation to support the reason for cancellation, like medical diagnosis paperwork.

For stolen baggage or auto collision damage claims, documentation generally includes police reports, repair estimates and rental agreements.

However, if the reason for the denial is that the expense is not covered by your insurance policy, there is not much you can do.

If you’re still not happy with the decision made by your insurance company, you can request additional consideration by writing to the relevant Ombuds Office, which is usually with the company that underwrites your travel insurance policy. The contact information should be provided on your insurer’s website or by calling customer service.

In general, the response by the Ombuds Office is considered the insurer’s final decision and no further reviews or consideration will be made.

If you want to pursue the appeal further, you may escalate your appeal by contacting the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO), an independent service that helps consumers who have not been able to resolve their complaint directly with their insurance company.

Dealing with a travel emergency is stressful, and having your claim denied makes it so much worse. That’s why it’s important to read the list of exclusions in your policy wording to be clear on what is and is not covered. Most insurance company give at least a 10-day “free look” period to review your policy and understand its benefits and limitations. If you decide the coverage isn’t adequate for your needs, you can request a refund as long as you haven’t left on your trip and there is no claim in progress.

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Erica Lamberg is a personal finance and travel writer based in suburban Philadelphia. She is a regular contributor to USA Today and her writing credits include NBC News, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Oprah Magazine and Creditcards.com. Erica is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park.

Jason Metz is a writer who has worked in the insurance industry since 2007. As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, he’s seen a lot, and enjoys helping others navigate the complexities and opaqueness of insurance. He has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California Riverside, Palm Desert.

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?

To make a travel insurance claim, please login to our Membership Services(opens in a new window) . Alternatively, you can contact us on the numbers below.

0345 609 0453 (Relay UK 18001 0345 609 0453). Lines are open 24/7. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 609 0453 or +44 1252 763 658. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

01252 308 792 (Relay UK 18001 01252 308 792). Lines are open 24/7. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 601 5219 or +44 125 230 8792. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

0345 601 7188 (Relay UK 18001 0345 601 7188). Lines are open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, and closed Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 601 7188 or +44 2392 660 340. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

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