Filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be stressful — especially if you understand the process and prepare well in advance. While procedures may vary slightly between providers, the steps below offer a general framework that applies to most international health insurance policies.
1. Understand What Needs to Be Claimed
Not all treatments require a claim submission. Typically, claims are required for outpatient visits, dental care, and wellness checks. More expensive treatments — especially inpatient care, surgeries, or advanced diagnostics — often require pre-authorization, where the insurer deals directly with the hospital via a Guarantee of Payment (GOP).
2. Get the Right Documents
Each insurer may have their own specific forms, but generally, the following are required:
Completed claim form (these days you can often submit your claims online)
Paid invoices or receipts
Itemized bills showing treatments provided
Detailed medical report from your treating physician
Diagnostic reports (lab results, X-rays, etc., if applicable)
Proof of payment (bank transfer or card slip)
Tip: Ask your doctor for a comprehensive medical report rather than a one-line summary. This can speed up approval and avoid unnecessary requests for additional information later.
3. Submit the Claim
Claims can usually be submitted via:
Insurer’s online portal or mobile app
Email submission with scanned documents
Postal mail for original documents (less common today)
Always keep copies of what you submit.
4. Wait for Confirmation & Reimbursement
You should receive an acknowledgment within a few days. Some insurers may request:
Clarifications
Additional medical notes
A second opinion (in rare cases)
Processing time varies, but 7–14 business days is a typical range for standard outpatient claims.
Key Reminders
Every insurer has different rules. Check your plan documents and insurer portal for the correct process.
Always pre-authorize inpatient care or high-cost treatments. Most international insurers won’t reimburse these unless approved in advance.
Your country of residence, local medical practices, and even hospital billing formats can impact the process — your broker or advisor can help translate those differences.
If you’re part of a corporate or affinity plan, contact your HR rep or network liaison — some claims may be fast-tracked.
Final Thoughts
The key to smooth claims? Preparation. The more accurate and complete your documents, the faster the process. When in doubt, reach out to your insurer’s claims team or your broker.
At BrokerFish, we’re here to guide you through the process and can even help liaise with your insurer if needed. Have a claim to file? Contact us — we’ll walk you through it.