My Travel Insurance Claim Was Denied. Now What?

For Canadians, travel medical insurance helps protect them from the unexpected while they’re away. It covers medical emergencies, and is meant to offer peace of mind so they can enjoy their travels without extra stress.

But unfortunately, valid travel insurance claims are sometimes denied, leaving travelers burdened with costly medical bills from abroad and the stress of not being able to recoup those expenses. If you’re facing a denied travel insurance claim, don’t lose hope. We’re here to guide you through why it happened, how to handle it, and the steps you can take to challenge the decision and get the financial support you need.

For posterity’s sake, we’ll be referring to travel medical insurance simply as “travel insurance” in this blog. Note that travel medical insurance is just a type of travel insurance.

Was your travel insurance claim denied? Share Lawyers will help you explore your options.

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My Travel Insurance Claim Was Denied. Now What?

When a travel insurance claim is denied, it can feel unfair and overwhelming. It’s vital that you understand that it isn’t the end of the road and you do have options.

What to Do When Your Travel Insurance Claim is Denied in Canada

  • Don’t Give Up

Start by reading the denial letter or email carefully to understand exactly why your claim was denied. If you believe the decision was wrong and that your claim should be covered, reach out to us. We’ll review your situation and determine if we can challenge the decision on your behalf, fighting to get you the coverage you deserve.

  • Seek Professional Legal Help

If your travel insurance claim is denied, know that you don’t have to fight back alone—let Share Lawyers help from the start.


Your insurance company will likely encourage you to appeal the decision. Filing an appeal can be complex and time-consuming, and often leads to further delays or denials. Our team specializes in navigating these claims, and we know what it takes to get results.

While you can file an appeal on your own, this is what insurance companies want you to do. It will often result in further denials from the same department or team initially denying your claim. When you partner with an experienced insurance lawyer like Share Lawyers, your insurance company knows you mean business and will often escalate your case to a different department.

Understanding Why Your Travel Insurance Claim Was Denied

Getting a denial for your travel insurance claim can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you thought you were covered.

Even if you plan to seek legal help, understanding the reasons behind a denied claim can give you a stronger foundation to move forward. Here are some of the most common reasons for denied travel insurance claims and what they mean for your next steps.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Claims often require detailed documentation, like medical records, receipts, or even death certificates. If paperwork is missing, insurers might deny your claim simply because they lack the necessary evidence. Keeping your records organized can make a big difference.


Inadequate Documentation

Travel insurance claims often require detailed documentation, including medical records, receipts, or death certificates. Without these, insurers may deny your claim simply because of insufficient evidence.


Policy Exclusions in Fine Print

Travel insurance policies are full of fine print, with exclusions that aren’t always obvious. For instance, if you’re injured while doing something high-risk, like bungee jumping or skydiving, coverage might be denied—even if the policy isn’t specific in its wording.


Inconsistent Information

Many travel insurance claims are denied due to discrepancies between the medical information provided and what’s recorded on application forms. Even minor inconsistencies can raise red flags for insurers, leading them to use that information to deny claims. It’s essential to be completely honest and thorough when filling out these forms.

Ensuring that all information aligns accurately can help avoid unnecessary claim denials and ensure you receive the support you need when it matters most.


Turn to Share Lawyers if You Experience a Denied Travel Insurance Claim

If your travel insurance claim is denied in Canada, don’t lose hope—you have options. At Share Lawyers, we’re dedicated to helping clients navigate denied claims and will stand up to the insurance company on your behalf.

We’ll handle all the communication and work with you to find the best way forward, allowing you to focus on your health. With over 35 years of experience and a track record of helping more than 9,000 Canadians secure their benefits, we know what it takes to get results. You’re not in this alone; we’re here to guide you every step of the way and fight for the outcome you deserve.

“David Share and his team were vital to my being able to travel this past winter with regards to my insurance policy. They did their due diligence so that I could leave with some peace of mind, and I couldn't be more grateful. They were attentive, caring, and very time-efficient when our situation was considered rather urgent. I would not hesitate to hire Share Lawyers again for any issue.”

— Lynne M., Winnipeg

Reaching out to us costs nothing, and there’s no obligation. If you decide to work with us, you won’t owe a thing until we win your case.

It all starts with a quick call to discuss your options.

Was your travel insurance claim denied? Share Lawyers is ready to fight on your behalf.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our experience work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

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