How to File a Credit Card Travel Insurance Claim in Canada

What you need before filing a credit card travel insurance claim

Gathering the right documents in advance can help make the claims process more straightforward. The specific requirements depend on your card’s coverage and the type of claim you’re submitting, but the following documentation is commonly requested for many types of travel insurance claims:

• Proof of eligible travel purchases made with your credit card: Collect receipts or credit card statements showing that the expenses were charged to your card.
• Receipts, booking confirmations and itineraries: Include receipts and booking details for flights, accommodations and other prepaid travel purchases.
• Medical documentation or incident reports: For medical or emergency-related claims, you may need to provide hospital bills, doctor notes or incident reports detailing the emergency or treatment.
• Completed claim forms: Insurance providers typically require a completed claim form along with supporting documentation.

Having these documents ready before you begin a claim can help reduce back-and-forth requests and make for a smoother claims process. For details specific to RBC cardholders, visit RBC’s claims and emergency service page and refer to your certificate of insurance for full coverage information.

Steps to file a credit card travel insurance claim

Filing a travel insurance claim through your credit card typically involves a few steps. Keep in mind, the exact process and timelines vary by the type of coverage.

Step 1: Contact the insurance provider immediately

After an incident, contact your insurance provider as soon as reasonably possible. Your certificate of insurance indicates specific timelines for this notification, especially when it comes to medical emergencies.

Connecting with your insurer can give you a good idea of your next steps and the documentation you’ll need to provide.

Step 2: Gather required documentation

Collect all relevant documents related to your claim, such as receipts, itineraries, medical reports or proof of loss.

Submitting complete documentation at the outset may help reduce follow-up requests during the review process.

Step 3: Complete the claim form carefully

Fill out the claim form provided by the insurer, ensuring dates, costs and descriptions are accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.

If information is unclear or incomplete, the insurer may request additional details before moving forward.

Step 4: Submit your claim within the required timeline

Claim deadlines vary by the insurance coverage. Submitting your claim within the specified timeline can help avoid complications and delays.

Step 5: Monitor your claim status and respond to requests

After submitting your claim, check for updates and respond quickly to any follow-up requests by your insurer. Keeping copies of all submitted materials and correspondence can be helpful if you need to refer back for any reason.

When should you file a travel insurance claim related to your credit card coverage?

Travel insurance benefits included with your credit cards are designed to help limit out-of-pocket costs when unexpected events disrupt your trip.

While coverage varies by card, common situations that may qualify for a claim include:

• Trip cancellation or interruption: If your trip is cancelled or cut short or delayed for a covered reason, you may be able to submit a claim for eligible prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
• Flight delays and missed connections: Some cards include coverage for eligible expenses resulting from covered travel delays or missed connections.
• Lost, damaged or delayed baggage: Coverage may apply if your bags are lost, damaged or delayed during your travels.
• Emergency medical situations: Certain cards include emergency medical coverage while travelling outside your home province or country. I
• Rental car damage or theft: If you use your credit card to book and pay for a rental vehicle, your card may include coverage for damage or theft.

Understanding credit card travel insurance coverage and limits

If coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies or baggage delays is included with your credit card, it’s important to understand how that coverage works.

Before travelling, it’s helpful to know some key details:

• What are the coverage limits?

  Each benefit may have maximum dollar amounts per claim, per trip or per insured person

• Do you need to pay for the trip with your card?

  Coverage requirements vary by insurance coverage. Some coverage applies only if all or part of the trip is charged to the card. Review your card’s insurance coverage details to confirm what payment requirements apply.

• What situations are actually covered?

  Trip cancellation or interruption benefits usually apply only to specific covered reasons outlined in the certificate of insurance.

• What isn’t covered?

  Every insurance coverage includes exclusions. Understanding these can help prevent surprises.

• Are there activation requirements?

  Certain insurance coverage may apply only when certain conditions are met, such as purchasing your travel arrangements with the card

Travel insurance benefits are often built into a credit card’s features rather than purchased separately. Coverage details, limits, eligibility requirements and exclusions vary by the insurance coverage, so be sure to review your certificate of insurance for complete information.

How long do travel insurance claims typically take to process?

Processing times for travel insurance claims can vary depending on the type of claim, the documentation provided and the insurer’s review process.

Claims involving medical treatment, third-party reports or higher-value expenses may take longer to verify and assess. Submitting complete documentation and responding promptly to any follow-up requests can make for a more efficient review.

If you’re anxious about timelines, contact your insurer directly for updates on your specific claim.

What if my credit card travel insurance claim is denied?

If your travel insurance claim is denied, the insurer will typically provide an explanation outlining the reason for the decision.

Common factors may include missing documents, ineligible expenses or late filing. If you feel additional information may help clarify the situation, you can contact the insurer to discuss next steps. Before doing so, it’s a good idea to review your certificate of insurance’s terms and conditions to make sure your claim aligns with the coverage.

Tips for submitting a travel insurance claim

Submitting a complete and accurate claim can help support a smoother review process. Consider the following:

• File as soon as reasonably possible: Submitting within the timelines outlined in your insurance coverage can help avoid delays.
• Keep copies of all receipts and communications: Keep copies of receipts, invoices and any communications with service providers or the insurer for your records.
• Understand your certificate of insurance’s fine print: Reviewing coverage limits, exclusions and eligibility requirements can help you determine whether your situation falls within the scope of your certificate of insurance`.

How RBCI handles credit card travel insurance claims

RBC Insurance partners with Allianz Global Assistance to manage travel insurance claims for cardholders and with Aviva General Insurance to cover expenses related to Auto Rental Collision/loss or Damage Waiver. The claims process and required documentation depend on the type of coverage and the terms associated with that coverage.

For 24/7 emergency assistance while travelling, contact Allianz Global Assistance:

• Within Canada and the U.S.: by calling 1-800-533-2778 (toll-free)
• Collect from anywhere: (905) 816-2581 (collect from anywhere)
• Email: emergencyassistance@allianz-assistance.ca.

Be prepared to provide your full name, location, contact details and mention that you have an RBC credit card (do not share your card number).

How to submit a claim with RBCI

Claims may be submitted online or by mail.

Online:

Cardholders can submit a travel claim by visiting Allianz Global Assistance | Submit a claim.

By Mail:

Call Allianz Global Assistance at 1-800-387-2487 to request a claim form. Mail the completed form with the necessary documents to:

Allianz Global Assistance
PO Box 277
Waterloo, ON
N2J 4A4

Before submitting, review your coverage details and documentation requirements to help ensure your claim is complete.

Note: for Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Waiver Insurance please contact Aviva General Insurance Company at 1-855-603-5568(toll free and/or collect).

Travel disruptions can happen at any time, but knowing how your credit card’s travel insurance works can help you feel more prepared for the unexpected. Taking time to understand your coverage can make the process smoother if you ever need to file a claim.