How to Request Assistance Using Your Travel Insurance in the Dominican Republic

Travel insurance only works if you use it—and in a stressful moment, knowing who to call and what to say is half the battle. This guide explains, step by step, how to request assistance from your travel insurer while you’re in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and beyond), plus tips to speed up approvals, avoid out-of-pocket surprises, and keep your claim on track.

Bookmark this on your phone before you fly. Even better: save your policy PDF and the 24/7 assistance number in your contacts under “Travel Assistance.”

What “Assistance” Actually Means

Travel insurers partner with global assistance providers who coordinate care and logistics when you’re abroad. Typical services include:

• 24/7 medical triage and hospital referral

• Direct billing with private hospitals (when available)

• Guarantee of payment letters (GOP) so you aren’t charged upfront

• Medical evacuation/repatriation coordination when medically necessary

• Non-medical help: translation, lost documents guidance, and liaison with airlines

For coverage fundamentals, see your Travel Insurance in the Dominican Republic: Complete Guide and our detailed Medical Evacuation & Air Ambulance Guide.

Step 1: Find the Right Number and Backups

Your 24/7 assistance numbers are printed on your policy certificate and ID card. Save all of these in your contacts:

• International assistance phone (collect calls accepted)

• WhatsApp or in-app chat (many providers support this)

• Email for documents (often “assist@…” or “medical@…”)

• Your policy number and primary insured name

Pro tip: If cell service is weak, ask your hotel front desk to place the call, or use Wi-Fi calling/WhatsApp. Take a quick photo of your passport and policy ID card so they’re handy even if you’re offline.

Step 2: Call Before You Pay (Whenever Possible)

Assistance teams prefer to pre-authorize treatment and route you to a facility that can direct bill your insurer. If it’s life-threatening, call local emergency services first—then contact assistance as soon as you’re safe. For everything else (urgent care, clinic visits, tests), call assistance before you accept treatment, imaging, or admission. This can save hours and thousands of dollars.

What the assistance coordinator will ask:

1. Your name, date of birth, and policy number

2. Your exact location (hotel name/area; e.g., “Bávaro, Punta Cana” or “Piantini, Santo Domingo”)

3. Symptoms and how/when they started

4. Any pre-existing conditions and current meds

5. Your callback number (WhatsApp is fine)

Step 3: Write Down the Case Number

Once your file is open, you’ll receive a case number. Write it in Notes and on any receipts or medical forms. Share it with the hospital cashier/administration desk. This accelerates billing and claim settlement later.

Step 4: Go Where They Send You

In the DR, many private hospitals can treat tourists quickly, but not all have direct-billing agreements with every insurer. If assistance routes you to a particular clinic, it’s usually because they can issue a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) there. Going elsewhere without approval may mean you pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.

If you truly can’t move (e.g., acute injury), tell assistance; they can arrange ambulance transfer or authorize care where you are.

Step 5: Keep These Documents as You Go

You don’t need to be a paperwork ninja—just collect the essentials:

• Medical report or discharge summary (diagnosis, ICD if available)

• Itemized invoices (each service listed separately)

• Proof of payment (if you paid anything)

• Prescriptions and test results (PDF or photo is fine)

• Police report for theft/assault incidents

• Airline proof for trip delay/cancellation claims (emails, screenshots)

Snap photos immediately; hospitals can be slow to reprint later. Store everything in a named album: “DR Trip – Insurance.”

Step 6: For Serious Cases—Loop Assistance In Early for Medevac

Medical evacuation decisions hinge on medical necessity and receiving-facility acceptance. Contact assistance as soon as a doctor mentions transfer or ICU. For a deeper walkthrough of costs, aircraft types, and approvals, see our Medevac Guide for the DR.

What If You Already Paid?

It happens—especially at smaller clinics. You can still claim reimbursement:

1. Ask the provider for an itemized invoice/factura and medical report.

2. Email documents to assistance/claims with your case number in the subject.

3. Keep bank/credit card proof and currency conversion details.

4. If forms are required, complete and return them promptly (electronic signatures are usually accepted).

Non-Medical Emergencies

Assistance can also help with:

• Lost or delayed bags: Obtain airline PIR reports; keep purchase receipts for essentials.

• Trip delays/cancellations: Keep airline notifications and hotel receipts.

• Theft of passport/phone: File a police report; assistance can coordinate with your consulate and help with documentation.

Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long to call. Open a case early—even if you’re “just checking.”

• Going out-of-network without approval. Ask assistance for a recommended facility.

• Forgetting the case number. Save it to your phone and share it with the hospital cashier.

• Throwing away receipts. Photograph them right away.

• Assuming your credit card covers it. Many cards require primary rental/medical terms or have exclusions; verify before you rely on it.

Where to Get Care in the DR

• Private hospitals in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago handle most tourist emergencies quickly.

• Assistance can check bed availability and specialties (trauma, pediatrics, cardiac) before you travel across town.

• If you split time in the DR and abroad, compare travel plans with local or international health coverage for better routine care access.

Prepare Before You Fly

• Save your policy PDF, assistance numbers, and policy number in your phone and email.

• Add a shared contact for travel companions: “Assistance – Policy # …”.

• Pack a basic med list and allergy info.

• Turn on international roaming or plan for Wi-Fi calling/WhatsApp.

• Share your itinerary and hotel address with a trusted contact.

When to Loop In Your Broker

If you’re stuck, can’t reach assistance, or need help understanding approvals, we’re here to advocate for you. Your broker can escalate with the insurer, help you gather documents, and make sure your claim is filed correctly. Reach out via our contact page.

External Articles Suggestions

• U.S. Department of State: Travel insurance & medical evacuation overview

• CDC Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance, and Medical Evacuation Insurance

• CDC Travelers’ Health (Dominican Republic) for clinic selection and preparedness

Why Choose Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers?

When you’re far from home, minutes matter. Our bilingual team helps travelers and part-time residents use their benefits—not just buy them. We’ll:

• Review your travel plan for direct-billing hospitals in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago

• Provide WhatsApp support if you’re unsure what to do next

• Coordinate with insurers to open cases, secure GOPs, and escalate approvals

• Advise when a situation may qualify for medical evacuation and what evidence is needed

Because we also advise on local health and international medical plans, we can steer you to the right coverage mix if you split time between countries.

Ready to Get a Quote?

Protect your Dominican Republic trip today with affordable travel insurance.

👉 Contact us now:
Phone / WhatsApp: +1 849-514-9838
Email: info@hernandezpeguero.com
Website: www.hernandezpeguero.com

We’ll guide you to the best plan for your trip so you can enjoy your stay with total peace of mind.