Claims Process
The claims process is how you request reimbursement from your travel insurer after paying for medical care abroad.
The claims process is how you request reimbursement from your travel insurer after paying for medical care abroad.
Also known as
Insurance claim, Reimbursement claim, Medical expense claim, Pay-and-claim
Why travellers need to know
Most travel insurance works on a pay-and-claim basis for outpatient care: you pay the provider, then submit a claim for reimbursement. The process requires specific documentation (receipts, medical reports, proof of payment) that is much harder to obtain after you've left the country. Collecting documentation at the time of treatment, not weeks later, is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth claim.
Real-world example
You see a GP in Rome for an ear infection and pay EUR 80 upfront. Back at your hotel, you photograph the receipt and the doctor's notes, then submit a claim through your insurer's app. You include your policy number, the diagnosis, and proof of payment. Three weeks later, EUR 80 minus your EUR 50 excess is refunded to your bank account.
Country-specific notes
🇹🇭 Thailand
Most Thai hospitals provide itemised English receipts
Thai private hospitals are experienced with insurance claims and routinely provide itemised English-language receipts, diagnostic summaries, and treatment records at discharge. Request all documentation before you leave the hospital.
🇯🇵 Japan
Receipts often in Japanese only; request English summary
Japanese clinics and hospitals typically issue receipts and medical reports in Japanese. Request an English-language summary (Eigono Shindan-sho) at the time of treatment. Some clinics charge a small fee for English documentation but it is essential for your insurance claim.
Ask for the English summary before you pay. It is much harder to obtain one after you have left the clinic.
🇩🇪 Germany
German travel insurers are regulated for prompt claims handling — most simple claims are settled within 10 business days
Major German insurers (ERGO, Allianz, HUK-Coburg) have dedicated English-speaking international claims teams. Digital submission is standard and significantly faster than postal claims.
Submit claims online rather than by post — German insurers increasingly accept digital submissions and process them faster.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to make a travel insurance claim?
At minimum: your policy number, original receipts (itemised, showing what you paid for), a medical report or doctor's letter describing the diagnosis and treatment, proof of payment (credit card statement or bank receipt), and your travel dates. Some insurers also require a police report for theft-related claims.
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Most travel insurance policies require claims within 30-90 days of the incident. Check your policy wording. Submit as soon as possible; delays increase the risk of lost documentation and can give insurers grounds to query the claim.
Your Nomedic record stores medical reports, receipts, and treatment summaries in one place, so everything your insurer needs is already organised when you file a claim.