Making a claim on your travel insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Specialist travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, outlines its guide to claiming on travel insurance.

BEFORE YOU GO 

1. Check the limits on your policy carefully. Does the cancellation limit cover the full cost of your trip? Is your luggage and contents cover high enough for what you're taking? Are the activities you're planning covered, or can they be added? Have you declared all pre-existing medical conditions?  
2. Check individual limits. Most standard policies cap the value of individual items, and high-value belongings such as jewellery, designer accessories or specialist equipment may not be fully covered without additional protection. Make sure the total level of baggage cover reflects the real replacement value of everything you are taking. 
3. Do you need to buy any insurance add-ons. Standard travel insurance is a vital safety net but doesn’t cover everything. Specialist add-ons are usually needed to cover things like winter sport holidays and cruises for example. If you are concerned about a national strike grounding flights or a wildfire forcing hotel evacuations, you might want to purchase disruption cover. Make sure you have the right insurance in place for your needs.  
4. Keep a folder of receipts, not just for flights and hotels, but for any valuables you plan to take away, from cameras to headphones. Clear documentation of ownership is one of the most important factors in a claim being paid.  
5. Before closing your suitcase, photograph the contents. It sounds simple, but it can be hard to recall exactly what you packed. Taking photos can provide straightforward evidence of what was lost. 
   
   WHILE YOU ARE AWAY 
   
   
6. Take policy details with you. Take a note of your policy number, insurer name, policyholder details and the emergency contact number before you leave. If something goes wrong, you will want this information quickly. You will need to let them know if there is a medical emergency, but they can also help with practical things like finding the closest suitable hospital or the location of a police station to get a police report. All Multitrip.com policies, for instance, include an Emergency Assistance Service where advisors are specially trained to support people when they are vulnerable and away from home.   
7. Get the full picture of an incident. If something happens, from a stolen bag to a sprained ankle or a missed flight, note everything down: the date, time, exact location and a detailed explanation of what happened. Describe any losses, damage or injuries clearly and estimate the value of the claim.  
8. Report to the police. Any loss or theft must be reported to local police within 24 hours of discovery, or as soon as reasonably practicable, and obtain a written report. Many insurers will require this as part of a claim. 
9. Save all receipts and documentation. Hold on to all documentation related to the incident: tickets, receipts, medical reports, cancellation notices and police reports. Do not discard anything until your claim is settled. 
10. If your flight is cancelled speak to your airline. If your flight is cancelled, do not book a replacement yourself unless you are willing to pay for it. It is the airline’s responsibility to give you either a refund of your ticket (with a free flight back to your initial point of departure, when relevant) or alternative transport to your final destination, and meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation when necessary (including transfers) and communication facilities. 
    
    WHEN MAKING A CLAIM 
    
    
11. Do not delay. Different insurers have different time limits for submitting claims, so check your policy and act promptly. 
12. Submit everything asked for. When you submit your claim, read the list of required documents carefully and include everything asked for. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common causes of delays. 

Christian Bennett at Multitrip.com said: “If something goes wrong on your trip, we want to resolve your claim as quickly and smoothly as possible. The more information and documentation you can provide, the faster we can help. Keeping receipts, noting key details, and hanging on to paperwork from before and during your trip can make all the difference when making a claim.”