Photo © Lumina/IStock

Travel Insurance for Lost or Stolen Passports

We know how difficult it is to be overseas without a passport so we’ve designed our travel insurance to give you the extra level of support you need to get a replacement passport.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Four simple steps to take if your passport is stolen

1. Report the incident to local authorities

File a police report as soon as possible and obtain a written document confirming the theft. This will be required for both the embassy and travel insurance claims. Relevant authorities may include:

  • The local police.
  • Your nearest embassy, diplomatic or consular mission for your country of citizenship.
  • For visas and passports from other countries – contact the relevant embassy.
  • Any other relevant authorities, such as the airline, hotel or tour operator.

Important: For certain countries, it is an offence not to report the loss or theft of your passport as soon as you learn of the loss. It may also affect your travel insurance cover if you don't report it immediately. Contact us if you need help with this.

2. Obtain a replacement passport

Reach out to the nearest embassy or diplomatic mission of your country of residence to begin the process of obtaining an emergency passport or a replacement. To organise a replacement, you may need:

  • A passport photo,
  • ID (driver's license or expired passport),
  • Evidence of citizenship (photo of your missing passport),
  • Your e-tickets or itinerary,
  • You may also need a police report.

If you need to travel to a different location to apply in person or collect your emergency passport, you should arrange to do this.

3. Rearrange or cancel any travel plans and keep documents handy

As soon as you know that your travel plans are affected, contact any accommodation, tour, transport and other providers to rearrange or cancel any plans you may have.

Make sure you get confirmation from them in writing of the changes or cancellation and keep receipts and details of any refunds or extra fees paid. Always keep a record of the police report, embassy correspondence, and any receipts for related expenses.

4. Notify your travel insurance provider

If you have a policy with us, tell us. Contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to guide you through the process.

Travel insurance coverage for stolen passports

Having travel insurance can help mitigate the financial and logistical challenges of replacing a stolen passport. Key areas of coverage include:

  • Emergency passport expenses: Some policies may cover the cost of obtaining an emergency passport.
  • Additional travel expenses: If the theft results in delays or itinerary changes, certain policies may help cover costs.
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance: We can assist in locating the nearest embassy, translating documents, and guiding you through the claim process.

What do I need to make a claim? 

  • Reports from local police, common carriers, service providers and any other relevant parties. 
  • Receipts for passport processing fees.
  • Copies of all documentation provided by your country of residence’s government.
  • Receipts for pre-paid, non-refundable accommodations and any additional expenses incurred, should it apply to your case. 

By taking proactive steps and understanding your insurance coverage, you can handle passport theft more efficiently and reduce its impact on your travels.

To find out more about how to make a claim click here.

Important exclusions and limitations

Understanding the limitations of travel insurance can help prevent claim issues. Common exclusions include:

  • Negligence – Claims may be denied if the passport was left unattended or not properly safeguarded.
  • Lack of documentation – A valid police report is typically required for a successful claim.
  • Confiscation by authorities – If a government official takes your passport, insurance usually does not cover this.
  • Full replacement cost – Most policies only cover emergency passport fees, not the full cost of a new passport.

Preventative measures to protect your passport

  • Before travelling – Make photocopies and store digital backups in a secure, accessible location.
  • During travel – Keep your passport in a safe or secure bag and avoid carrying it unnecessarily in crowded places. Travel with some spare passport-sized photos just in case. Emergency passports do not permanently replace your passport. They can be issued quickly with limited validity so you can return home or continue with your trip. 

What’s not covered by travel insurance for a lost or stolen passport? 

While we’ll help cover the cost of replacing your passport, some of the things we won’t cover include:

  • Costs related to the time involved in replacing your passport.
  • Stolen passports if left unsupervised such as if you left it behind somewhere, mislaid it or if you didn’t take reasonable care to protect it.
  • Stolen passports when the theft was not observed when occurring.

Need to know more?

When you get a travel insurance quote, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan so you may determine the best travel insurance plan for your needs. If you’re unclear about anything at all, get in touch with us.  

The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Policy Wording

Passport stolen in Bulgaria.

I was trying to go back home by taxi. But I had to change taxi and walk for 30m to get another taxi. It was 7pm and dark. At the time, I was surrounded by 3 or 4 men. A man choked me and another guy tore off my small bag, and they ran away. There were a camera, passport, watch, wallet with 300 rand and credit card, cellphone, USB Internet modem and so on. I explained to taxi driver and he helped me to bring home without pay. And my house owner helped me to go to police station and explained everything.
Japanese Nomad in South Africa.
Claim Paid: USA $780.21

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy deceased?
  • Close relative dropped dead?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need drugs?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need to get to hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team