How To File a Claim

During stressful moments like illness, an accident, or the loss of income, filing a claim can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the process doesn’t have to be complicated when you know what to expect and have the right support.

As insurance brokers, we at Lawe work on behalf of clients, helping you navigate claims clearly, accurately, and efficiently. This guide walks you through the typical claims process in Jamaica and explains how working with a broker can make a meaningful difference.

Step 1: Notify Your Broker as Soon as Possible

Once an incident occurs, whether it’s a medical diagnosis, accident, disability, or death, the first step is to contact your broker.

At Lawe, this allows us to:

• Confirm whether the event is claimable under your policy

• Explain timelines and documentation requirements

• Help prevent delays caused by incomplete or incorrect submissions

Early notification is especially important for health, critical illness, disability, and personal accident claims, which often have specific reporting windows.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documentation

Each type of insurance claim requires different supporting documents. Common examples include:

• Health Insurance: medical reports, invoices, receipts, referral letters

• Critical Illness: diagnosis confirmation from a qualified physician

• Disability Insurance: medical assessments, income verification, employer statements (if applicable)

• Life Insurance: death certificate, policy documents, beneficiary identification

Your broker will guide you on exactly what is needed, helping you avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with the insurer.

Step 3: Complete the Claim Forms Accurately

Claim forms must be filled out carefully and truthfully. Errors, missing information, or inconsistencies can slow the process or result in requests for clarification.

This is where working with a broker is especially valuable. At Lawe, we:

• Review claim forms before submission

• Ensure medical and financial details align with policy terms

• Liaise with insurers if clarification is needed

Our role is to help present your claim clearly and correctly from the start.

Step 4: Claim Review and Assessment

Once submitted, the insurer reviews the claim to confirm eligibility under the policy terms. This may involve:

• Medical assessments

• Verification of coverage limits and waiting periods

• Requests for additional documentation

During this stage, your broker remains your point of contact, we follow up, provide updates, and help resolve questions that may arise.

Step 5: Claim Decision and Payment

If approved, the insurer issues payment according to the policy:

• Health claims may be reimbursed or paid directly to providers

• Critical illness benefits are typically paid as a lump sum

• Disability benefits may be paid monthly or as specified in the policy

• Life insurance proceeds are paid to named beneficiaries

Your broker will confirm the outcome and help explain the payment structure so there are no surprises.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed and How to Avoid Them

Many claim delays are preventable. Common issues include:

• Late notification

• Missing medical documentation

• Policies not updated to reflect life changes

• Misunderstanding coverage limits or waiting periods

Regular policy reviews and open communication with your broker can significantly reduce these risks.

Why Working with a Broker Makes a Difference

Unlike insurers, brokers work for you, not the insurance company. At Lawe Insurance Brokers, our role is to:

• Advocate for clients throughout the claims process

• Help interpret policy wording and benefits

• Coordinate with both local and international insurers

• Reduce stress during already difficult moments

Our team supports claims across life, health (local and international), critical illness, disability, personal accident, retirement, and employee benefits coverage.

How Lawe Insurance Brokers Can Help

Filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating. With the right preparation and the right broker, it can be a clear, supported process focused on helping you recover and move forward. Meet two of our advisors below:

Chester Green

Chester Green combines decades of professional experience with a thoughtful, people-first approach to client service. Before joining Lawe Insurance Brokers, Chester spent over 20 years with Alumina Partners of Jamaica (ALPART), where he gained valuable insight into industry best practices both locally and internationally. After transitioning into financial advisory, he further strengthened his expertise through years of guiding clients toward practical insurance solutions that support financial resilience across life’s uncertainties. 

Chester’s commitment to building long-term relationships, along with his collaborative spirit, makes him an approachable and reliable partner through the claims process and beyond. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in community pastimes like cricket and dominoes. 

Renee Montgomery

Renee Montgomery is an experienced financial advisor with a strong focus on health and risk protection solutions that align with her clients’ needs. With a background that includes specialization in international health and other core insurance areas, she brings a well-rounded perspective to how coverage supports financial stability at critical moments. 

Renee is known for her clear communication and commitment to helping clients understand both policy benefits and the claims process, ensuring they feel supported throughout every step. Her practical guidance and client-centered approach help people feel confident that their coverage will work for them when it matters most. In her work with Lawe Insurance Brokers, she continues to build trusted relationships with individuals and families across various life stages.

Odeen Francis

Odeen’s strength lies in her ability to guide people confidently through major life stages, from securing a first policy to managing evolving responsibilities, such as family growth, retirement planning, or unexpected health events. With experience spanning individual coverage, family protection, and employee benefit solutions, she takes a thoughtful approach to advising, ensuring clients receive recommendations that reflect both their needs and their future goals.

She is intentional about making insurance understandable and accessible, and takes pride in creating a supportive experience during times when clients need it most, including through the claims process.

Her commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering guidance rooted in clarity and care makes Odeen a valuable partner to the individuals and families she serves at Lawe. Whether answering questions, reviewing existing coverage, or assisting with claims, she remains focused on helping clients feel empowered and protected every step of the way.

If you ever have questions about a potential claim, or want to understand how your policy would respond in a real-life situation, start the conversation early.

At Lawe Insurance Brokers, we’re here to guide you before, during, and after a claim.

Need help or have questions about your coverage?

Reach out to Lawe Insurance Brokers today. We’re always ready to help.

Book Appointment