Questions & answers · Travel insurance
My travel insurance company denied my trip cancellation claim after I got sick. How do I appeal?
Travel insuranceAppealChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Texas Department of Insurance · Travel insurance tips · Cancellations View original ↗
In short
- Read your denial letter. It should say which rule the insurer used.
- Write to the insurer and ask it to look again. Send proof.
- If it still says no, you can complain to your state insurance office.
What this means
Travel policies are not all the same. Some pay for a canceled trip only for certain reasons, such as weather or illness [1]. Some also leave out a canceled trip tied to a preexisting medical condition [2]. So first, find the reason in your denial letter. Then find that part of your policy.
In Washington, an insurer may not deny a claim because of a policy rule unless the denial names that rule [3]. Other states may differ. Ask the insurer in writing which part of the policy it used. Send papers that show why your trip was covered, such as a doctor's note.
Texas says you can often settle problems by talking to your insurance company [4]. If that fails, you can complain to the state insurance department. In Texas, the department can't make a company pay unless not paying breaks a law or the policy terms [5]. Companies there have 15 days to answer the department [6]. The sources give no deadline to appeal a travel claim, so read your letter and policy.
Your next step
Find the reason and the policy section named in your denial letter. Write to the insurer, quote that section, attach your proof, and ask it to review the claim again. If you get no answer or still disagree, file a complaint with your state insurance department. The sources give no deadline for a travel appeal; check your letter and policy today.
Check it yourself
Open your policy and read the trip cancellation reasons, the exclusions, and the claim or appeal section. Your denial letter may list a deadline. These sources come from Texas and Washington; your state may have other rules. Whether your policy has its own appeal step or deadline — "Don't know yet".
Where this comes from (6)
[1] Texas Department of Insurance · Travel insurance tips · Cancellations · checked 2026-11-06
Some policies will only cover trips canceled for certain reasons such as weather or illness.
[2] Texas Department of Insurance · Travel insurance tips · Cancellations · checked 2026-11-06
And policies may have exclusions for cancellations due to a preexisting medical condition or if an epidemic or pandemic is declared.
[3] Washington Administrative Code · WAC 284-30-380 · (1) · checked 2026-11-06
The insurer must not deny a claim on the grounds of a specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion unless reference to the specific provision, condition, or exclusion is included in the denial.
[4] Texas Department of Insurance · Get help with other insurance complaints · Step 1 · checked 2026-11-06
You can resolve many issues by talking to your insurance company or agent.
[5] Texas Department of Insurance · Get help with other insurance complaints · Step 2 · checked 2026-11-06
Make a company pay a claim unless not paying violates a law or the terms of your policy.
[6] Texas Department of Insurance · Get help with other insurance complaints · Step 3 · checked 2026-11-06
Companies have 15 days to respond to us and can ask for a 10-day extension.
How we found this
We matched your question to 6 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Related answers
Answer id CQ7319. Spotted an error? Tell us.