FREE US Travel Insurance Checklist:
Comprehensive Guide for US Travelers Under 65

Critical Questions to Answer Correctly - Avoid Claim Denials

Answer these questions accurately when filling out your travel insurance form. Incorrect or incomplete answers are the #1 reason claims get denied.

How to Use This Checklist

1

Print Your Checklist (Click Here)

2

Gather All Information First

3

Check Off Each Item with a Pencil

4

Be Thorough and Honest

5

Keep for Your Records

Important: This checklist is designed to help you provide complete and accurate information. Using it can significantly reduce the risk of having your claim denied due to incomplete or incorrect answers.

Personal & Trip Information

What is your US state of residence?

Why it matters: Insurance rates and coverage options vary by state. Some states have specific regulations.

Provide: Your primary state of residence • Full US home address • How long you've lived there

What is your exact date of birth?

Why it matters: Age affects coverage and premiums. Incorrect age can void your policy.

Double-check: Match passport exactly • Enter correct month/day/year format

What are your exact travel dates?

Why it matters: Coverage only applies during policy dates. Claims outside these dates are denied.

Include: Departure date from home • Return date to home • Add buffer days if uncertain

What is the total trip cost?

Why it matters: Affects trip cancellation coverage limits. Under-reporting means partial reimbursement.

Include ALL: Flights • Hotels • Tours • Cruises • Pre-paid activities • Non-refundable deposits

What countries/destinations will you visit?

Why it matters: Some destinations require higher coverage or have exclusions. Missing a country = no coverage there.

List ALL: Primary destination • Layover countries • Side trips • Cruise ports

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

⚠️ #1 REASON FOR CLAIM DENIALS - Answer Honestly!

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?

Why it matters: Undisclosed conditions = automatic claim denial. Insurance companies WILL check your medical records.

YOU MUST DISCLOSE:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke history
  • Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
  • Cancer (current or history within 5 years)
  • Asthma, COPD, respiratory issues
  • Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
  • Arthritis requiring treatment
  • Kidney disease, liver disease
  • Blood clots, circulatory problems
  • ANY condition you see a doctor for regularly

⚠️ If unsure, DISCLOSE IT. Better safe than denied!

What medications are you currently taking?

Why it matters: Medications indicate conditions. Claiming you have no conditions while taking heart meds = fraud.

List ALL prescription medications: Drug name • Dosage • What condition it treats • How long you've been taking it

Have you had any medical treatment in the last 6-12 months?

Why it matters: Recent treatment = unstable condition. Must be disclosed even if "feeling fine now."

Include: Hospital stays • ER visits • New diagnoses • Medication changes • Tests ordered by doctor • Specialist referrals

Are you awaiting test results, surgery, or treatment?

Why it matters: Pending medical issues are NOT covered. Claims related to known problems = denied.

Disclose: Scheduled procedures • Pending test results • Symptoms being investigated • Doctor's orders to follow up

Trip Cancellation Coverage Questions

When did you make your first trip payment/deposit?

Why it matters: Most policies must be purchased within 14-21 days of first deposit for full cancellation coverage.

Provide exact date: First flight booking • Initial hotel deposit • Cruise deposit • Tour payment

Are you aware of any circumstances that could cause trip cancellation?

Why it matters: Known risks at time of purchase are NOT covered. Answer YES = potential denial.

Examples: Sick family member • Work instability • Weather warnings • Political unrest at destination • Legal issues

Is this trip for business or pleasure?

Why it matters: Business trips may require different coverage. Claiming personal when it's business = denial.

Choose correctly: Pure vacation • Business only • Mixed business/pleasure

Planned Activities & Risk Factors

Will you participate in any adventure or extreme sports?

Why it matters: High-risk activities often excluded. Injury during undisclosed activity = claim denied.

Common activities requiring disclosure:

  • Skiing, snowboarding, water skiing
  • Scuba diving (especially below 30 feet)
  • Rock climbing, mountaineering
  • Bungee jumping, zip-lining, parasailing
  • ATV/motorcycle riding
  • Safari activities

Are you traveling to high altitude destinations (above 8,000 ft)?

Why it matters: Altitude sickness claims require disclosure. Medical evacuation from mountains is expensive.

Disclose if visiting: Mountain resorts • High altitude cities • Hiking peaks • Machu Picchu, etc.

Are you traveling while pregnant?

Why it matters: Pregnancy complications have limited coverage. Must disclose weeks pregnant and expected due date.

Required info: How many weeks pregnant • Due date • Any complications • Doctor's travel clearance

Contact & Beneficiary Information

Who is your emergency contact?

Why it matters: Insurance needs to reach someone if you're incapacitated. Wrong number = delays in care.

Provide: Full name • Relationship • Home phone • Mobile phone • Email • Home address

Who is your beneficiary for life insurance benefits?

Why it matters: In case of death, benefits go to this person. Must match legal name exactly.

Provide: Full legal name • Date of birth • Relationship • Percentage of benefit • Contingent beneficiary

What is your primary physician's contact information?

Why it matters: Insurance may need to verify pre-existing conditions or get medical records for claims.

Provide: Doctor's full name • Practice name • Phone number • Fax number • Address

Critical Reminder: Answer Every Question Honestly

Insurance companies have access to medical databases, prescription records, and travel history. They WILL verify your answers when you file a claim.

Common reasons claims are DENIED:

  • ✗ Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions
  • ✗ Incorrect trip dates or destinations
  • ✗ Failure to disclose high-risk activities
  • ✗ Not purchasing within the required time window
  • ✗ Providing false information on the application

When in doubt, disclose it. It's better to pay a slightly higher premium than have a $50,000 claim denied.

Disclaimer

This checklist is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or insurance advice. GlobalTravel.tips is not responsible for denied claims or coverage gaps resulting from the use of this checklist.

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