What Documents Do You Need to File a Travel Insurance Claim?
The documents required to file a claim depend on the type of loss you experienced. Having the right paperwork ready before you contact Aegis will help speed up the review process. Aegis may pre-screen submitted documents before formal review begins to help identify missing information early in the process. Providing complete documentation upfront can help avoid delays and support faster claim resolution. Below are the most common claim types and the documentation typically required for each:
Trip Cancellation or Interruption
If you need to cancel or cut short your trip for a covered reason, you'll need documentation that verifies both your travel arrangements and the circumstances that led to the cancellation or interruption.
Commonly requested documents include:
- Proof of trip cost (booking confirmations, receipts, invoices)
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Proof of cancellation or interruption (airline notice, hotel cancellation confirmation)
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Documentation of the covered reason (physician statement, death certificate, jury summons, etc.)
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Proof of any refunds already received from airlines, hotels, or tour operators
Medical Expenses
Medical claims require documentation showing the treatment you received, the costs incurred, and any payments made through other insurance providers.
Be prepared to provide:
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Itemized medical bills from all providers
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Proof of payment (receipts or Explanation of Benefits from your primary health insurer)
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Physician’s statement documenting the illness or injury
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Your insurance policy number and travel dates
Baggage Loss, Damage, or Delay
To evaluate baggage-related claims, documentation is needed to confirm the loss, delay, or damage, and any expenses you incurred as a result.
Typical requirements include:
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Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline if bags were lost or delayed
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Receipts for items purchased during a baggage delay
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Proof of ownership for damaged or lost items (receipts, photos, credit card statements)
If your baggage was lost, delayed, or damaged by an airline, you should file a report with the carrier as soon as possible. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides guidance on passenger rights, baggage claims, and airline responsibilities related to mishandled luggage. Keeping copies of your baggage claim report, receipts, and correspondence with the airline can help support both airline and travel insurance claims.
Missed Connection
If a travel delay causes you to miss a connection, you'll need records showing your original travel plans, the cause of the delay, and any additional expenses you incurred.
Documentation may include:
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Documentation of the original itinerary
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Written confirmation of the delay from the airline or carrier (e.g., delay notice)
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Receipts for any additional transportation or accommodation expenses incurred
Emergency Evacuation
Emergency evacuation claims require evidence that the evacuation was medically necessary, and documentation of the services provided.
You may be asked to submit:
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Medical records documenting the emergency
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Invoices and receipts from evacuation service providers
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Physician statement confirming the medical necessity of the evacuation
How Long Does a Travel Insurance Claim Take?
Aegis typically processes claims within 15 business days once all required documentation has been accurately submitted. However, the actual timeline can vary depending on various factors.
Submitting Complete Documentation
One of the biggest factors affecting claim processing time is whether all required documentation is submitted upfront. Claims that include complete forms, receipts, invoices, and supporting records can typically move through the review process more quickly. If information is missing, the claim may be placed on hold until the necessary documents are received and reviewed. Each time a request for additional documentation is made, the clock resets for an additional 15 business days.
Understanding Claim Complexity
The type of claim being filed can also impact processing time. Simple claims, such as many trip cancellation claims, are often reviewed more quickly than claims involving multiple benefits. For example, claims that include medical expenses, travel delays, baggage issues, and emergency evacuation services may require additional documentation and review before a determination can be made.
How Pre-Screening Affects Processing Time
Before a claim enters formal review, Aegis's submission team may pre-screen the documentation provided. This process helps identify missing information early and allows travelers to supply any outstanding records before the claim is assigned for evaluation. While pre-screening may add a short amount of time at the beginning of the process, it often helps prevent longer delays later.
For the fastest resolution, contact Aegis as soon as a covered event occurs. Our Stress Less Benefits service allows you to reach us proactively during a covered event so our team can manage logistics and documentation in real time.
Need Help Filing a Claim?
Whether you've experienced a trip cancellation, medical emergency, baggage issue, travel delay, or another covered event, the Aegis team is here to help.
As stated by Lorraine E. from New Jersey, “Aegis was extremely helpful and explained in detail the process for submitting the claim. He seemed to really care that we received the best care from his insurance company.”
Contact us as soon as possible after a loss occurs so we can identify the required documentation and help you begin the claims process.
FAQs About Filing a Travel Insurance Claim
How do I start a claim with Aegis?
You can start a claim by using on-site forms, contacting Aegis by phone at (800) 774-3959, by email at claims@goreadyinsurance.com, or via live chat on goreadyinsurance.com. A Call Center Specialist will help you identify the right benefit(s) to file for and walk you through the required documentation.
Can I file a claim online?
Yes. Once you initiate your claim, you’ll receive an email with access to Aegis’s secure online portal, where you can upload documents and track your claim's status throughout the review process.
How will I receive my reimbursement?
Assuming your claim is approved, your reimbursement will be issued after it is processed. For CBP, you'll receive an email within 72 hours of claim adjudication asking how you'd like to receive your reimbursement. You can choose direct deposit or a paper check. If you don't respond to the email, your reimbursement will automatically be sent as a paper check. For ACI, reimbursements are issued by paper check only. Be sure your mailing address on file is up to date when you submit your claim.
Does the Stress Less Benefits service replace the claims process?
In many situations, yes. By contacting Aegis at the start of a covered event while traveling, our team can often manage costs directly on your behalf, reducing or removing the need to file a traditional reimbursement claim afterward.
