The holiday season should be a time to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy a slower pace. Yet this time of year can also come with a few surprises. A sudden illness, a travel mishap, or an urgent issue at home can quickly derail even the best planned break. When something goes wrong, knowing how to make a claim can make the experience far less stressful.
For many claims, the simplest place to start is your insurers website. Most insurers provide clear step-by-step instructions, downloadable claim forms, and lists of the supporting documents required. These resources are easy to access and are designed to help you understand what is covered, what information is needed, and how the process works. If the situation is straightforward, lodging a claim directly can be quick and efficient.
Your adviser is also available at any point in the process. Some clients prefer to speak with their adviser first for clarity and reassurance, while others reach out only if the claim becomes more complex or if something is unclear. There is no right or wrong approach. What matters is that you choose the option that feels easiest and most supportive for your circumstances, and that you know your adviser is here to help you navigate the claims process at any time.
Whether you go directly to your insurance company or through your adviser, collecting the right documents will help the insurer assess your claim smoothly. This may include medical notes, specialist letters, hospital discharge information or receipts. You do not need to search for every possible detail. Start with what is easy to access. The insurer website and your adviser can both guide you if anything else is required.
Once your form and documents are submitted, the insurer will begin their assessment. This stage can take a little longer during the holiday period when teams may be managing higher claim volumes. A delay does not mean something is wrong. It is simply part of the seasonal workload. If you’ve informed your adviser of your claim, they can help monitor progress and follow up if needed, especially if the claim is time-sensitive.
If the insurer asks for further detail, the request is usually simple. It might be a clearer copy of a document, a short statement, or an updated medical note. Providing this information promptly helps keep the process moving, but if you are travelling or juggling family commitments, your adviser may also be able to help coordinate next steps on your behalf.
You are not expected to manage a claim alone. Your adviser is there to guide you, advocate for you, and help if anything becomes complicated. The holidays may bring the occasional challenge but understanding how the claims process works and knowing that your adviser is on hand to help you navigate the process will hopefully make a stressful situation easier to navigate. With the right information and the reassurance of support when you need it, you can focus on getting back to the moments that matter most.
If you need to contact your adviser over the holiday period, you’ll find their details listed on their biography page on our website, or email cl************@**********co.nz and we’ll have them get in touch.
The content of this article should not be taken as financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. These insights are based on current economic commentary, market pricing for interest rates, and our personal opinion. Threefold is not liable or responsible for any information, omissions, or errors present.