In most cases, what lengthens the payout process isn't the assessment itself but incomplete documentation. This article lists the documents typically requested for each type of event – for guidance only: the insurer always provides the exact, case-specific list when you file the claim.
- The insurer always provides the exact list – the overview here is meant to help you prepare and shows the typical sets of documents.
- The basic set for every claim: policy number, identification documents, a completed claim form, and a bank account number.
- It's best to submit the documents together, in an organized way – and to keep a record of every submission.
The basic set – for every type of claim
- The insurer's completed claim form – typically available for download from the insurer's website.
- The policy number and the contract documents (if available – their absence isn't a barrier, just a delay).
- The claimant's identification documents and a bank account number for the payout.
- For a beneficiary's claim, proof of entitlement – with a beneficiary designation this is typically simple; without one, probate documents may be needed: the difference between the two routes.
For a death benefit claim – typically
A death certificate; a medical document confirming the cause of death (a post-mortem certificate); hospital discharge reports, if relevant to the event; in the case of an accident, the official records (police report), if any were made. The insurer may request authorization to access medical history – this is a normal part of the process. The family's steps during this period are guided, tactfully, by the to-do list.
For living benefit claims – typically
- For a disability claim: the official authority's decision on the degree of health impairment, medical documentation, and treatment history.
- For critical illness: specialist medical documents confirming the diagnosis – with content matching the policy's definitions (histology, test results).
- For incapacity for work: certificates of incapacity for work covering the entire period, without gaps.
- For accident claims: a description of the circumstances of the accident, an outpatient record, and official records, if any were made.
Practical tips that save weeks
Ask the insurer for the full list in writing, along with the case number – and submit whatever you can in one go: how filing a claim works. Keep a copy of everything. For documents from abroad, expect that translation may be needed: international aspects. And if the list or a request for missing documents doesn't make sense: let me know – I'll help.
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