Travel insurance that covers cameras

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Brand	Camera insurance maximum benefit for damage or loss	Apply
	$4,000 limit for camera for international and $3,500 for domestic.	Get quote
	$4,000 limit for cameras and video cameras and go pros.	Get quote
	$3,000 limit for computers, laptops, video recorders or cameras.	Get quote
	$3,000 limit for cameras, computers, recording devices and accessories. For additional coverage, customers must separately insure each individual item as a specified high value item.	Get quote
	$2,000 limit for camera, video camera, laptop, notebook or hand held computer.	Get quote
	$1,000 limit for camera, video camera, laptop, notebook or hand held computer.	Get quote
	Up to $3,000 per item limit for cameras and other devices with comprehensive policies, up to $8,000 total limits.	Get quote
	No cover for cameras and electronics with basic policies, up to $7,500 total limits with $3,000 sub-limits for cameras and electronics with comprehensive policies.	Get quote
	$750 - $3,000 per item limit for camera and video cameras.	More info
	$3,500 - $6,000 per item limit for camera and video cameras.	Get quote
	$3,000 limit for laptops, personal computers, tablets, cameras.
	$5,000 for camera and video individual item limit.	More info
	$6,000 limit for international and $3,500 for domestic for camera or video camera.	Get quote
	$4,000 limit for camera for international and $3,500 for domestic.	Get quote
	$3,000 cover for individual cameras, computers and video recording devices and $750 per item limit for accessories.	More info
	$3,000 per item maximum for cameras and electronics and $750 per item limit for accessories.

^{Note: This information was last updated April 2025}

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How does camera travel insurance work?

The most common form of travel camera insurance is a standard travel insurance policy. This usually includes a certain level of cover for damage, theft and other loss of belongings. One of the most important things to consider is limits. These are the maximum amounts that will be paid in the event of a claim. Expect both per item limits and total possessions cover limits.

• Cameras, laptops and video recording devices usually have special per item limits of $750 to $6,000 (most commonly $3,000), while other items, including camera accessories, typically have per item limits under $1,000.
• Camera accessories like tripods, detachable lenses, external flashes and similar are considered to be “other items” and usually have significantly lower limits.
• External hard drives, spare batteries, spare memory and similar may be considered “electronics” depending on the policy and will have the same limits as cameras and laptops, or they may be considered “other items” and have reduced limits.
• Increased item limits are a form of extended cover which allows you to pay an additional premium to insure particular devices or overall. This can be invaluable for those who travel with a lot of photography or recording equipment.
• In some cases insurers may choose to repair or replace your lost belongings at current market value. Limits still apply in this case.

When is my camera not covered?

Expect exclusions. These are conditions where your insurance policy will not pay out. You can usually find a list of general exclusions in your insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Some of the standard exclusions you might find are:

• Not properly secured. The definition of this will be included in the relevant PDS. Generally, it refers to possessions needing to be in locked cars or rooms, out of plain sight, or properly under your care.
• Professional equipment.If you are using your camera in a professional capacity when an incident occurs, you will generally need to be covered for professional use. Many standard travel insurance policies will not cover cameras while they are being used professionally or for compensation.
• In transit.Certain policies may require cameras to travel in your checked baggage, not carry-on, if you want to be covered against accidental damage in transit.
• Unlawful acts. You are typically not covered if you were doing anything illegal at the time of an incident, were disobeying warnings or signs, or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Be aware of the fine print. Some policies may only cover cameras in transit and not while in use, while others offer more comprehensive security.

Should I get specialised cover if I am a professional photographer?

If you are a professional photographer or videographer then you may need a more specialised camera travel insurance policy, and should consider a few extra things.

• You may need to seek out a specialised camera insurance policy with an option for travel, rather than a travel insurance policy with an option for cameras.
• If you are travelling for a photoshoot or otherwise planning on working for money away from home you should consider a policy that explicitly covers professional equipment use.
• Loss of income may be a valuable inclusion for your policy. Typically this means you are covered for a certain amount of lost income if your camera or other equipment is damaged while overseas, rendering you unable to work when you get back to Australia.
• Remember to think about vital accessories like tripods, camera cases and memory cards as well as your cameras when determining your required level of cover.
• Consider the value of your gear, both on an individual item basis and in total. Both of these values will need to be considered when determining whether or not the limits of a policy are adequate for your needs.
• Be theft-aware, and know your policy’s exclusions. For example, you may wish to travel with your camera on your person, but your policy might only cover it while it travels in checked baggage.
• Check how your insurance policy differentiates between valuables like cameras and laptops, electronics and other items. This may affect your level of cover.
• Keep cameras and other valuables in a locked hotel safe rather than out in the open. They are often only covered when placed in a safe.

Camera travel insurance for tourists

When deciding on a camera travel insurance policy to suit your needs as a tourist, consider the value of your equipment, the level of cover and whether you want insurance for other valuables like laptops and jewellery. Some of the other important factors to consider are:

• The widely varying limits present in more basic and more comprehensive insurance policies. Personal possessions cover will typically change a lot depending on which option you select.
• Whether a policy has adequate cover if you are travelling domestically. Maximum limits are typically considerably lower for domestic travel insurance compared to international travel insurance.
• The conditions and exclusions of your insurance policy. It often pays to be aware of these and to keep your valuables locked in hotel safes when your room is unattended, out of sight when locked in cars and otherwise within the bounds of what is covered by your policy.
• Travel insurance with camera cover, rather than camera insurance with travel cover, may be more likely to suit your needs. Consider purchasing extended or additional cover options if you find that the limits are too low.

Can you get specialised travel camera insurance?

Yes. There are a number of brands that offer specialised camera insurance with additional options for travelling. These are predominantly aimed at professional photographers and videographers rather than enthusiasts, and may include:

• Options for income protection
• Professional liability
• Higher limits
• More tailored repair and replacement options
• Dedicated cover for accessories and related equipment

Travel and professional usage cover is more likely to be included as a standard, rather than an extra. Specialised camera insurance policies with built-in travel options will typically be more expensive than standard travel insurance, but may be much more suited to your needs as a professional photographer or videographer, or someone with a variety of high-value camera equipment and accessories.

Can I protect my camera with home and contents insurance?

Alternatively, you may wish to consider the merits of a bundled portable contents option with an existing home insurance policy. If you only want to cover a specific item like your camera and already have a home and contents policy, then specifying your camera for additional portable cover may be a cost-effective option. However, be aware that this will also include its own exclusions and conditions, might not be suitable for extensive travel and may not offer enough cover for professional equipment and camera accessories.

Compare how cameras are covered by different travel insurance brands

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does travel insurance cover accidental damage to my camera?

  Yes, most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for personal belongings, which can extend to your camera if it is accidentally damaged. However, limits and exclusions apply so always review your Product Disclosure Statement.

• Is water damage covered for cameras under travel insurance?

  Water damage can be covered if it results from an unexpected accidental event. For example, if your camera falls into a body of water. However, cover will typically be excluded if the damage occurred due to negligence, professional use in water, or if the camera was not designed for water submersion and used in that manner. Always check your policy's specific terms.

• Are camera accessories like lenses, tripods and external flashes covered by travel insurance?

  Yes, camera accessories are generally covered by travel insurance but they usually fall under "other items" or "general personal belongings" categories. This means they often have significantly lower individual item limits than the main camera body. If you have valuable accessories you may need to specify them separately for higher cover.

• What documentation do I need to make a claim for my camera?

  To make a claim for your camera you will typically need proof of purchase, such as receipts or bank statements; evidence of ownership, such as serial numbers or photos; a police report if the item was stolen; and documentation of the damage if applicable. Keep all relevant paperwork and digital records safe.

• Am I covered if my camera is in my checked baggage?

  This varies by insurer and policy. Some policies may not cover high value items like cameras if they are placed in checked baggage due to the higher risk of loss or damage. It is often recommended or even required to carry cameras in your carry-on luggage to ensure cover. Always check your PDS for specific requirements.

• Will my camera be covered if it is left unattended?

  Generally, no, your camera will not be covered if it is left unattended. Travel insurance policies typically require you to take reasonable care of your belongings. This means items must be properly secured for example in a locked hotel safe or always under your direct supervision to be covered against theft or loss.

• Can I cover my drone with travel insurance?

  Many travel insurance policies can cover drones as part of personal belongings, but they often have specific conditions and limits. Drones might be subject to the same limits as cameras or may require specified items cover due to their higher value. Some policies may also have exclusions for professional use or if used in restricted areas.

• How does specified items cover increase my camera protection?

  Specified items cover is an optional extra that allows you to nominate individual high value items, like expensive cameras, for a higher level of protection than the standard personal belongings limit. You typically pay an additional premium for this and it ensures your camera is insured for closer to its full value, up to the specified amount.

• Can home and contents insurance cover my camera while I am travelling overseas?

  Yes, if you have a portable contents option or "away from home" cover added to your home and contents insurance policy it can extend to cover your camera while you are travelling overseas. This may be a cost effective solution but check the worldwide limits and exclusions as they can differ from standard travel insurance.

• What is the typical maximum limit for camera coverage with standard travel insurance?

  With standard travel insurance the typical maximum limit for a camera is between $750 and $6,000 per individual item, most commonly $3,000. There will also be an overall limit for all your personal belongings, which could be higher. For more expensive cameras you would likely need to add specified items cover to increase this limit.

Written by

Jessica Prasida

Travel Insurance Expert

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Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024. See full bio