Travel Insurance Claim Letter

Who can use this letter

You hold a valid travel insurance policy that was in force at the time of the event
The claim falls within a category your policy covers (cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, delayed or lost belongings, etc.)
You are notifying the insurer within the timeframe set out in your policy documents

Before you send it

Re-read your policy wording for the specific evidence required for your type of claim (medical certificates, police reports, receipts, airline confirmation of a delay).
Check the claim notification deadline in your policy — many require notification "as soon as reasonably possible" or within a set number of days.
Gather all supporting documents: booking confirmations, receipts, medical reports, airline/PIR references, and correspondence with any other party (e.g. the airline, if you are also claiming UK261 or Montreal Convention compensation separately).
Note that insurers usually will not pay out for anything already recoverable elsewhere (e.g. baggage compensation from the airline) — claim from the airline first where relevant, then insurance for any shortfall.

The template

Fill in every [BRACKETED] field with your own details before sending — do not send this letter with placeholders still in it.

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL] · [YOUR PHONE]

[DATE]

[INSURER NAME] Claims Department
Policy number: [POLICY NUMBER]

Re: Travel insurance claim — [CLAIM TYPE, e.g. Trip cancellation / Medical expenses / Baggage / Travel delay]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to submit/follow up a claim under my travel insurance policy, number [POLICY NUMBER], for a trip to [DESTINATION] between [TRAVEL DATES].

Summary of the claim: [DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED — e.g. "I was unable to travel due to a medical diagnosis on [DATE]", "My flight was delayed by [X] hours, resulting in additional costs", "My checked baggage was lost/damaged, as reported to the airline under PIR reference [PIR REFERENCE]"].

I am claiming £[AMOUNT] for the following losses: [ITEMISE COSTS — e.g. non-refundable accommodation, medical treatment, replacement items, additional accommodation/transport].

I enclose the following supporting documents: [LIST DOCUMENTS — e.g. medical certificate, receipts, booking confirmation, PIR reference, correspondence with the airline].

[IF APPLICABLE:] I have already claimed [£AMOUNT] from [AIRLINE / TOUR OPERATOR] for this loss and am claiming only the remaining shortfall from this policy, to avoid double recovery.

Please confirm receipt of this claim and let me know if any further information is required. Under the FCA's rules on claims handling, I would ask that you keep me informed of progress and provide reasons in writing for any part of the claim you are unable to settle.

Yours faithfully,

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[Signature if posting]

Policy number: [POLICY NUMBER]
Claim reference (if known): [CLAIM REFERENCE]
Enclosed: [LIST OF DOCUMENTS]

How to send it

Check whether your insurer requires claims through a specific online portal or app first — use this letter as a cover summary or a follow-up if the online process is slow or unclear.
Send scanned copies of original documents; keep the originals until the claim is fully resolved.
Email or use recorded post so you can prove when the insurer received your claim.

If you don't get a response

Insurers should acknowledge a claim quickly and keep you updated on progress. If a claim is delayed, disputed, or rejected and you believe this is unfair, you can raise a formal complaint with the insurer, and if unresolved after 8 weeks, refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I claim from the airline or my insurer first?

Claim from the airline or tour operator first for anything they are directly liable for — UK261 delay compensation, Montreal Convention baggage claims, or Package Travel Regulations refunds. Then use travel insurance to cover any remaining shortfall, since most policies exclude amounts recoverable from another party.

What if my insurer rejects the claim?

Ask for the rejection reasons in writing and check them against your policy wording — insurers must explain their decision. If you disagree, submit a formal complaint to the insurer; if it is not resolved within 8 weeks or you are unhappy with the outcome, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost to you.

This template is provided for information only and is not legal advice. FlightLogic is not a law firm and does not guarantee any outcome from using this letter — always check the facts of your own situation and adapt the wording accordingly.

Written by Emma Walsh

Editor, Hotels & Europe

Emma reviews boutique and independent hotels across Europe, alongside British Airways and Oneworld product reviews. She writes FlightLogic's Avios redemption guides.

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410K+Miles Flown

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5 yrsCovering Travel