I Filed a Travel Insurance Claim and Messed It Up — So Here's What I Wish I Did Differently

 I thought I did everything right.

Really. I got sick in Bali, went to a clinic, paid out of pocket, kept the receipt, and filled out the claim form when I got back.

A couple weeks later, the email hit me:

“Claim denied — insufficient documentation.”

I sat there thinking,

“Wait… what? I had the receipt and everything.”

Apparently, everything wasn’t enough.
And that’s when I realized — I had no clue what insurers actually wanted.

So if you’re like me and you’ve never filed a claim before,
here’s what I learned (the hard way).

1. A Receipt Isn’t Always Enough

I thought showing I paid for treatment was enough.
Turns out, they want more — like who treated you, what you were diagnosed with, what meds you got.

If it’s just “Clinic Visit - $180” scribbled on paper?
They’ll probably toss it out.

Ask for something with:

• Clinic name & address

• Doctor’s name (if possible)

• Date

• Diagnosis

• Total amount

• Your name on it

I know — sounds annoying. But they need proof that it wasn’t just, I don’t know, massage therapy or something random.

2. A Short Medical Report Helps. A Lot.

I didn’t ask for one, and I should have.

Even a one-pager saying “Patient presented with abdominal pain. Treated with IV + medication” would’ve saved me $180.

Next time? I’m asking every time.
Even if it feels awkward. You’re paying — you’re allowed.

3. They Want to Know You Were Actually Traveling

I thought insurance companies would just believe me.
Nope.

They wanted proof I was in Bali at the time.
So, passport stamp? Boarding pass? Airbnb check-in? All valid.
Take photos or keep screenshots.

4. Payment Method Helps You Look Legit

If you paid with card, grab that statement and blur everything except the clinic charge.
Paid in cash? That’s fine too, but note it on the form.

Just back it up. That’s the rule.

5. That Claim Form? Triple Check It.

I missed a signature line.
Yeah. Just forgot to sign the second page.
And that delayed everything.

So Now I Do This Before Any Trip:

• I save the insurance PDF in Google Drive

• Screenshot the claim process section

• Save the hotline number in my phone

• Make a folder just for receipts, passports, and flight stuff

• I even put “insurance how-to” notes in my Notion now. Just in case.

It might sound like a lot.
But when you're tired, sick, and can’t think straight — having it ready saves you.

Last Thing

Insurance is great — until you need it.
Then it’s paperwork and frustration and email threads.

But that’s only if you’re not ready.

So I hope this post helps someone get their claim approved faster than I did.

Seriously. Get the report. Sign the form. Save your receipts.
It’s boring. But it matters.

— Rich Kim