In most scenarios, basic travel medical insurance reimburses you for any covered financial losses after you file a claim and that claim is approved. In other words, if you get hurt or sick while traveling, you pay for any medical bills upfront, file a claim when you get back, and then your insurer pays you back. (As long as your claim is allowed!) Note: To file a claim, you’ll need to submit proof of your loss, so be sure you keep all necessary paperwork and evidence related to your accident.