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Luggage cover is a specific section of your travel insurance policy - it's designed to kick in if your belongings are accidentally lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
While it sounds like it's luggage insurance just applies to what's in your suitcase, most of the belongings you take on the trip will be included. So if you have your wallet pickpocketed while sightseeing in Rome, or you accidentally crack the lens of your new camera, you should be able to make a claim.
Most insurers also offer a benefit for delayed baggage under their luggage insurance - so if your airline accidentally sends your stuff to the wrong city, you should be able to get some cash back.
Generally, you should expect to be covered if your personal belongings are lost, damaged or stolen while you're on holiday. This includes;
Of course, as with any insurance policy, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, some companies won't pay out if you accidentally break a golf club on the green - but you'd probably be covered if your clubs were stolen from your hotel room.
Firstly, you can't just throw caution to the wind because you've got luggage insurance. Most policies won't pay out if you've been reckless with your stuff so remember to lock your doors, and don't leave your suitcase with strangers - that sort of thing.
Leaving stuff in the car is also a bit risky - most insurance companies won't let you claim for anything that was left in the car overnight and they usually put limits on things that were left in the car during the day. Even then, you'll probably only be able to claim if your items had been locked away in the boot.
Certain items are also excluded by different insurance policies - bicycles and drones are pretty common ones - so it's worth checking your product disclosure statement to find out what might not be included.
There'll be a maximum amount you can claim for your luggage - usually between $5,000 and $15,000 - depending on which insurance policy you choose.
However, some insurance policies will also have a limit on how much you can claim for specific items - so you might only be able to claim a maximum of $500 for your phone or $750 for your laptop. Not ideal if you're taking top of the line tech, but absolutely fine if you've only got an old phone and you're leaving your laptop at home.
Standard insurance policies set a limit to the amount they will pay out per item - but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Usually, you can add an item to your policy, essentially customising it for you. The policy will probably be more expensive, but could be worth it in the long run.
In the past, some companies did offer luggage-only travel insurance, often for people who were travelling on a budget, but it's not something that's very popular anymore.
These days, you can usually find a full travel insurance policy for an affordable price anyway - so you'll be covered for things like medical expenses and trip cancellations, as well as lost or damaged luggage.
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I am an Australian citizen but currently reside in China (Shanghai). I need to put in place luggage and cancellation insurance for my families luggage specifically for a return trip from Shanghai to Canada return to Shanghai. Can you please advise if there is a policy that is suitable for my families situation?
Hi Sue,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
There are several cover options available for Australian citizens living and working overseas. Please check out this page to compare your options for your family.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am traveling back to the US on Kuwait Air and must pack my camera gear in my checked luggage. I need enhanced baggage coverage to inure my equipment in the amount of $7,500. I have already purchased a standard travel insurance policy which has limited baggage insurance.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for reaching out to us about your concern. I hope you are having a great day today.
You are viewing the right page for a list of options for luggage only insurance. You may discuss this option with each insurer so you would be able to compare and eventually decide on which option would suit your needs.
Moreover, most travel insurance polices are basic by nature but if you pay extra premiums, there are insurers that will provide additional cover. If you want additional cover, kindly get in touch about it with the insurer before you travel or even before purchasing the policy.
Please take time to review the relevant details of information as well as the Terms & Conditions of each insurer before deciding on the policy that you would purchase.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Judith
my son is traveling to Iceland to record
Whales sounds
He have full medical insurance and want
to insure his record equipment please.
Hi David,
Thank you for your question and for contacting finder.com.au. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You may refer to this page for options that would suit your son’s needs. Once you have selected an issuer, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle