Does Travel Insurance Cover Me Against Theft?

Finally, some good news! Travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again. Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.

Travelling with your camera, cash and other valuable items is essential for the modern traveller. Similarly, protecting such items is a major concern for Australian travellers as the risk of being robbed or pick-pocketed can be greater in some parts of the world.

What can travel insurance actually cover me for if am robbed?

Travel insurance policies have benefits known as personal belongings cover and theft of cash cover to help cover you in incidents of theft. Travel insurance can cover stolen:

What type of limits do travel insurers apply to stolen cash and property?

Brand	Cash cover	Item cover	Apply
1cover	$250	Maximum total cover of $15,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750
American Express	$250	Maximum total cover of $15,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Camera/ Digital recording device limit (Each item) $3,000 Laptop/ PC limit (Sub limit) $3,000 Mobile Phones (Sub limit) $1,500 Other items (Each item) $1,000
Budget Direct	$400	Maximum total cover of $7,500. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Laptops, tablets, cameras and video cameras, mobile phones: $3,000 Single article limit / pair or set of items limit: $750 Valuables limit: $750 Any property (including specified items) which is lost or stolen from an unattended motor vehicle): $500
Columbus Direct	$250	Maximum total cover of $7,500. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Single Article Limit $750 Valuables Limit (in total) $750 Total and per Article Limit for Personal Computers, Video Recorders or Cameras $3,000 No cover for cash on domestic policies
fastcover	$250	Maximum total cover of $15,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750
Insureandgo	$500	Maximum total cover of $8,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Sub-limit for laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras and mobile phones only $3,000 Single article limit/pair or set of items $750 Valuables limit $750 Any property (including specified items) which is lost or stolen from an unattended motor vehicle) $500	Get quote
iTrek	$250	Maximum total cover of $10,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750
Ski-insurance	$250	Maximum total cover of $5,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750
Tick Travel	$300	Maximum total cover of $7,500. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Sub-limit for laptops, tablets, mobile phones, cameras and video cameras only $3,000 Single article limit/pair or set of items limit $750 Valuables limit $750 Any property (including specified items) which is lost or stolen from an unattended motor vehicle) $500
Travel Insurance Saver	$250	Luggage, personal effects and travel documents maximum cover of $12,000. The maximum amount covered for any item (i.e. the item limit) is: Personal computer individual item limit $6,000 Camera & video individual item limit $4,000 Watches & jewellery individual item limit $700 Dentures or dental prosthesis individual item limit $800 Other individual item limit $700
Travel Insuranz	$400	Maximum total cover of $7,500. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Total limit for valuables per item, pair or set $1,000
Virgin Money	$250	Maximum total cover of $10,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750
Worldcare	$250	Maximum total cover of $10,000. The maximum amount covered for any item is: Personal computers, video recorders or cameras $3,000 Mobile phones (including PDAs and any items with phone capabilities) $1,000 Unspecified items $750

Am I covered if I'm hurt or injured in the robbery?

If you are hurt or injured as a result of robbery, you will be covered for emergency medical expenses (unless you have a non-medical travel insurance policy).

What should I do if I'm robbed?

Being robbed or having your valuables stolen overseas can be an upsetting and stressful experience. Here’s what you should do if you ever find yourself in this unpleasant situation:

1. Health and safety first. If you're a hurt or injured, make sure you seek immediate medical attention. Get in touch with your travel insurance policies emergency response team as soon as possible as some hospitals may require a guarantee of payment.
2. Reach out to the appropriate emergency contacts of your destination. Contact the police for a written report of the incident. This will be helpful when you make a claim on your travel insurance policy. If your passport was stolen, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate to get a new passport, organise an interpreter if required and ask for any advice you may need.
3. Make alternative arrangements. If the thieves took your hotel room key, inform your hotel's staff. If your wallet was taken, cancel your credit cards straight away.
4. Make a claim. When it comes to making a claim on your travel insurance, contact your insurer to report that you’ve been robbed. You will usually have to fill out a claim form with details of the incident and submit supporting documents such as police reports, receipts and proof of ownership.

Travel insurance brands 24/7 emergency contact numbers

Don't forget these documents if you need to make a claim

Make sure you have any information that your insurer requires after a robbery. This could include:

• Police reports. Make sure you get this within 24 hours.
• Medical reports. This is essential if you have been harmed
• Receipts of your stolen items. Without this, you might not be able to claim anything back.
• Credit card statement. If your credit card has been stolen, then you will need this to prove any fraud.

Follow these tips to avoid being robbed

• Avoid high-crime areas. While it’s not always possible to avoid tourist hotspots where petty crime is rife, do your research ahead of time and steer clear of dangerous neighbourhoods.
• Don’t keep all your money in one place. Separate your funds throughout different pockets and different items of luggage. Carry a backup credit card so that you will still have access to funds if you are a victim of theft.
• Be careful when using ATMs. ATMs are a prime target for thieves. Ask a friend to accompany you and keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep your PIN hidden and head to a busy public space if you think you’re being followed.
• Keep a record. Before you leave home, make a list of everything you’re taking with you on your trip, especially valuables such as jewellery and electronic items. Take photos of each item as well so that you have a record of everything if something goes missing.
• Photo ID. It’s also a good idea to keep photo backups of your licence, passport and visa in case they are ever stolen.
• Make use of hotel safes. Your passport and money will be much better off in a safe than in your pockets or hidden under your socks in your suitcase.

Compare travel insurance with cover for robberies and stolen property

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