Travel Insurance Claims Problems

Based on 40 years of worldwide travel and dealing with travel insurance I've learned the following:

Be sure to read all exclusions prior to your trip. If you are considering renting motorcycles, wave runners, any high risk sports, you will probably have to pay more for that coverage.

If you encounter any unusual expense, check your policy as it may be covered. Don't pay first as you need authorization in most cases.

Understand time limits.

Take the policy out in advance and not a day or two before the trip.

Be sure to report all claims immediately.

Get authorization for any procedures.

Save all receipts.

If you have a health problem, be sure to read the preexisting condition coverage. Some policies cover preexisting conditions, but generally there are time limits.

Expect all claims with high medical costs to be denied with boiler plate denials, with their own medical expert's, boiler plate medical opinions. Don't be discouraged, fight them with written emails, faxes or letters. Document everything and put all correspondence in a folder with receipts by date for future reference. Back up all digital copies, photos and emails.

Understand that most foreign major medical policies DO NOT EXTEND COVERAGE INTERNATIONALLY!

Without your own travel insurance policy, you could end up in a Public Hospital nightmare and standing in long reception lines. If you owe a hospital money, some countries will prevent you from leaving until they are paid.

Medical liens could bankrupt you.

In most cases you don't need a lawyer, just a good understanding of the written, insurance contract.

I would like to hear the claims problems you are having and see what to watch out for and prepare for in the future.