Skip to main content

What should I do if my holiday insurance claim is denied?

What should I do if my holiday insurance claim is denied?

Find Help

More Items From Ergsy search


Review Your Policy and Claim Details

Start by carefully reviewing your holiday insurance policy to understand the coverage limits and exclusions. This will help you determine if your denial was justified based on the policy terms.

Examine the insurer’s explanation for the denial. Pay close attention to any reasons or specific clauses they cite in their decision.

Check if the denial was due to missing documentation or an error in your claim. If so, there might be a straightforward resolution.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to your insurance provider for a detailed explanation of the denial. Inquire about any specific information or documentation they require to reconsider your claim.

Request to speak with a claims specialist if possible, as they may have more insight into the decision-making process.

Maintain a record of all communications, including dates, personnel spoken to, and the outcomes of each interaction.

Submit a Formal Appeal

If you're still unsatisfied, consider filing a formal appeal. Most insurance companies have set procedures for appealing denied claims.

Gather any additional evidence or documentation that supports your claim. This could include receipts, photographs, or medical reports.

Ensure your appeal letter is clear and concise, outlining why you believe your claim was wrongly denied, supported by evidence.

Seek Help from External Resources

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can escalate the matter. The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) offers free, independent help for insurance disputes.

Before contacting the FOS, ensure you’ve followed all internal complaint processes with your insurer. You generally have to wait eight weeks or until you receive a 'final response' letter from them.

The FOS can investigate your case and make a determination, which is binding on the insurer if they rule in your favour.

Consider Legal Advice

For complex cases or substantial claims, obtaining legal advice might be beneficial. A solicitor can provide professional guidance tailored to your situation.

Some legal services offer a free initial consultation, which can help you understand your chances of succeeding with further action.

Weigh the potential costs of legal action against the amount you're claiming to determine if this route is worth pursuing.

Learn from the Experience

Once resolved, review the experience to prevent future issues. Consider upgrading your policy or choosing a different provider if the service was unsatisfactory.

Ensure you’re clear on policy terms and conditions when purchasing future insurance. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures adequate cover.

Understanding your rights and being prepared can make the claims process smoother in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step if my holiday insurance claim is denied?

Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reasons provided for the denial of your claim.

Should I contact my insurance company after receiving a denial?

Yes, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to ask for clarification and more details about why your claim was denied.

How can I check if the denial was justified?

Compare the denial reasons with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to see if they are in alignment.

Can I appeal the decision of a denied claim?

Yes, you usually have the right to appeal a denied claim. Check your policy for details on how to process an appeal.

What documents will I need to provide for an appeal?

Typically, you will need to provide any additional evidence or documentation that supports your claim, such as receipts, photos, or official reports.

Is there a time limit for submitting an appeal?

Yes, most policies have a time limit for filing an appeal. Check your policy or consult with your insurer to find out the deadline.

What if I discover errors in the information submitted with my claim?

Correct any errors and provide additional evidence or documents to support your case when you submit an appeal.

Should I seek legal advice for a denied insurance claim?

If your appeal is unsuccessful or if the denial seems unjustified, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice from a professional specializing in insurance claims.

Can external organizations help me with a denied insurance claim?

Yes, consider reaching out to consumer protection agencies or an insurance ombudsman for further guidance.

Are there any common reasons for holiday insurance claims being denied?

Common reasons include insufficient documentation, a claim being made for a non-covered event, or failure to follow the policy's procedures.

What if I am not satisfied with the response to my appeal?

If your appeal is denied, you can request that your claim be reviewed by an independent third party or seek legal counsel.

Can contacting a broker help in reconsidering my denied claim?

Yes, especially if you purchased the policy through a broker. They can provide assistance in clarifying policy details and advocating on your behalf.

How can I prevent my future claims from being denied?

Ensure that you understand your policy thoroughly, keep detailed records, and follow all policy requirements closely when making a claim.

Are there alternative dispute resolutions available for denied claims?

Some insurance companies offer alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. Check with your insurer for what options are available.

Can social media help in resolving a denied claim?

While social media can sometimes draw attention to your case, it's important to always remain professional and keep communications respectful.

What role do insurance ombudsmen play in claim disputes?

Insurance ombudsmen can investigate your complaint independently and help mediate conflicts between you and the insurance provider.

Can gathering expert opinions help in appealing a denied claim?

In some cases, expert opinions or assessments can lend support to your appeal, especially if they counter the reasons for denial.

What should I do if my denied claim involves medical expenses?

Gather all medical records, bills, and any correspondence with healthcare providers to support your case when appealing the denial.

Are there any costs involved in appealing an insurance claim denial?

While the appeal process itself shouldn't incur costs from the insurer, you may have to bear the expense of gathering additional documentation or hiring legal assistance.

Can I make a complaint against the insurer if my appeal is denied?

Yes, you can file a formal complaint with the insurance company or escalate the matter to a regulatory body, such as a financial ombudsman service.

Useful Links

Useful Links : What should I do if my holiday insurance claim is denied?
Citizens Advice - If your insurance claim is refused

Guidance on what to do if an insurance claim is refused.
Money Advice Service - How to complain about your travel insurance

Steps to take if your travel insurance claim is denied.
NHS - Travel insurance advice

Information on the importance of travel insurance and what it should cover.
UK Government - Travel insurance and when cover is not provided

Official guidance on travel insurance exclusions and coverage limitations.
Shelter - Challenging a decision

How to challenge a decision or make a complaint in legal scenarios.
Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

  • Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
  • Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
  • To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
  • Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
  • You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
  • Go to the video you'd like to watch.
  • If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
  • To turn on Captions, click settings .
  • To turn off Captions, click settings again.

More Items From Ergsy search