Generally, travel insurance covers you in an Airbnb property in the same way you would be covered if you were staying in a traditional hotel. You're generally covered for cancellation, your personal belongings and personal liability. As with any type of claim, the onus is on you to make sure you are taking reasonable precautions to ensure your safety.
Most travel insurance policies include cover for medical issues, meaning if you trip and break your ankle, you should be covered by your travel insurance.
If your policy includes cancellation cover then typically you will be covered. Since your accommodation with Airbnb is classed as pre-booked, your travel insurance should cover you for any unused portion of your trip and reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, if you've experienced an insured event.
Insured events vary but generally include:
| Response | 75+ yrs | 65-74 yrs | 55-64 yrs | 45-54 yrs | 35-44 yrs | 25-34 yrs | 18-24 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Being hospitalised | 60.47% | 54.66% | 49.71% | 49.76% | 48.43% | 35.92% | 45.71% |
| Losing luggage/belongings | 51.16% | 49.69% | 35.67% | 40.58% | 46.85% | 54.37% | 54.29% |
| Flight disruptions/cancellations | 48.84% | 62.11% | 51.46% | 51.21% | 60.24% | 66.02% | 55.71% |
| Catching COVID-19 | 41.86% | 31.68% | 27.49% | 18.84% | 12.2% | 15.53% | 17.14% |
| Crime - theft | 25.58% | 37.27% | 35.09% | 33.33% | 40.55% | 34.47% | 37.14% |
| None of the above | 11.63% | 5.59% | 10.53% | 13.53% | 5.51% | 6.31% | 2.86% |
| Other | 0.62% | 2.34% | 1.93% | 0.79% | 1.46% | 2.86% |
If you have rented out the entire property, your travel insurance should cover you for theft or robbery because the accommodation is not classed as a public place, provided you have taken precautions to ensure the safety of your belongings.
However, if you are only renting out a room in an apartment or home, then the accommodation is considered a public place. This means that in order to have your personal belongings covered, you need to make sure they are locked away in your room.
When you agree to the Terms of Service with Airbnb, "You also authorise Airbnb Payments to charge your credit card in the event of damage caused at an Accommodation as contemplated under 'Damage to Accommodations' below and for Security Deposits, if applicable."
If your policy provides protection for personal liability, these financial losses will be covered by this section of your policy. This means you'll be covered if you break an antique vase or spill wine on the couch.
As with any travel insurance claim, evidence is the key. Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation to streamline the claims process.
The best travel insurance policies are different for each individual traveller.
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