Travel Insurance for Lost Luggage
Travelers turn to travel insurance for a variety of reasons. For most, the primary reasons are cancellation coverage for their trip expenses, and medical coverage in case an emergency occurs during their trip. However, many travelers are also interested in travel insurance for their luggage and personal items, in the event something is lost or stolen while they are traveling.
Travel Insurance for Lost Luggage
Most travel insurance policies are comprehensive, and include benefits to protect travelers in case their luggage is lost or damaged. This coverage – through the Baggage and Personal Items Loss benefit – typically covers items throughout the entire course of a trip, not just during a flight. However, some policies only cover luggage while it is checked on a common carrier.
How much coverage do I have for my luggage?
Travel insurance for lost luggage is designed to provide some reimbursement for normal items lost during a trip. This can include things like clothing and toiletries. With this coverage, there is a per item maximum, typically ranging from $100 to $500, as well as an overall maximum that can reach $3,000 per person, depending on the policy.
Due to the coverage limits, this benefit is not designed for specific items, such as jewelry and electronics. Squaremouth recommends insuring expensive items valued above $1,000 through other sources, such as homeowner’s insurance or the credit card that was used to purchase the item.
Do I pay extra to have coverage for lost luggage?
No, the Baggage and Personal Items Loss benefit does not cost extra. This is one of the benefits that is already included within most travel insurance policies, and it cannot be added or removed. Therefore, it is already factored into each policy when a travelers searches for travel insurance, and is not an additional cost.
What if my luggage is just delayed?
In addition to coverage for lost or stolen luggage, travel insurance policies also include a Baggage Delay benefit. This benefit provides reimbursement for the purchase of clothing, toiletries, and other essential items if a traveler’s luggage is delayed for at least 12-24 hours, depending on the policy.