Making an Insurance Claim

The ICA also gives travellers advice about who to contact in an emergency if you’re insured:

“If you are travelling overseas, make sure that you are aware of who your emergency assistance provider is and how you can contact them. In the event of a travel emergency, you will need to contact them to facilitate the provision of emergency medical treatment and/or other required services. Details of the provider and contact numbers are shown on the assistance card provided with or within your policy document.”

Time is critical when making an insurance claim. If something has been stolen you need to report it to the local authorities within 24 hours. Then call your insurance hotline. When you get back to Australia, contact your insurer again within 30 days to ensure they’re prompt about the pay out (which usually takes up to 10 days).

If the matter is unresolved you can go to the Insurance Enquiries and Complaints Scheme for further information. Their toll free number is 1300 363 683.

You can also make a complaint on the Financial Industry Complaints Service website:
http://www.fics.asn.au

For copies of the general insurance code of practice and information on dispute advice also visit the Insurance Council of Australia website:
http://www.ica.com.au/

To contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) phone 1 300 555 135 (if calling from within Australia) or (61 2) 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).

A Final Note

Somebody once said: “The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor.”

Travel opens you up to a world of experience – your dream of seeing new places and meeting new people becomes a reality, and in years to come, treasured memories. Sure, it’s an adventure into the unknown, but with travel insurance you can stop worrying about the potholes in the road and just enjoy the journey.