Claims handling

When choosing an insurance provider, it is important to deal with a company that can handle claims efficiently, so that you receive the correct reimbursement quickly and easily.

Anyone who has made an insurance claim in the past will understand how difficult it can be. There is often considerable communication and documentation required before a claim can be made and settled.

With this in mind, alongside the government increasing the self-certification period, it is worth considering how long providers allow members of staff to self-certify their absence for. Self-certified absence claims can be assessed and processed without the need to submit any external supporting documentation or medical evidence. This accelerates the process and allows claims to be settled more efficiently. Most staff absence insurance providers only allow members of staff to self-certify up to seven days of absence.

Some of the companies featuring on our website have chosen to take a market leading approach to claims documentation and allow staff to self-certify for between 10 to 20 days.

It is not uncommon in the staff absence insurance market for providers to outsource their claims handling to loss adjusters, who often don’t understand the sector and will often try to find loopholes to avoid paying claims. On top of this, it can become difficult to deal with complicated insurance issues and documentation without guidance, particularly if the insurer's claims department is not based in the UK. Dealing with insurance companies further afield can be time consuming and stressful, compared to the convenience of calling a local department. This increases the time in which it takes to receive your claim settlement, if you receive settlement at all.

The whole experience can be made easier by choosing a provider with an in-house claims team, based in the UK. Staff within an in-house claims department can help with how to complete claims forms and advise what information providers require. This means that you won’t be left alone to deal with your claim.

Moreover, staff absence insurance providers with their own claims department will often assign a specific Claims Handler to manage your account. This provides a professional and personal service, and means that if you encounter any issues throughout the process, assistance is only a phone call away.

All of the providers featuring on our website have their own in-house claims department.

Before taking out cover with a provider, it is worth asking...

How long is your self-certification period?
How will you handle our claim if we cannot provide the evidence required?
Do you handle claims in-house?
Is your claims department based in the UK?
What is your average claim settlement time?
How do you pay your claims?