Travel Insurance for Lost, Delayed or Stolen Baggage
Protect your luggage and personal belongings with World Nomads travel insurance for Americans.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Why travel insurance is your best bet when your bags go missing
- Blue Ribbon Bags
- When travel insurance doesn’t cover your baggage
- What to do if your bag gets lost or stolen while you’re on vacation
- Keep your baggage safe
If you’ve ever been the last one standing at the baggage carousel at an airport, waiting in vain for your belongings to appear, you know the sinking feeling that comes with losing your luggage.
While this is one of the most common ways your bags can go missing, other issues with your stuff can arise too, like delays, damage, and theft.
Our travel insurance* may help when your bag’s plans go awry.
Why travel insurance is your best bet when your bags go missing
We know how much your bags mean to you while you’re traveling. They hold all your carefully packed items, like your favorite hiking boots, your journal, and that special something you bought just for this trip. Sometimes all your worldly processions are in those bags! That’s why baggage coverage is your best bet when your bags go AWOL.
No matter which plan you choose (compare them, and then get a quote), you may be able to get assistance if any of these common problems happen to you:
- Baggage delays by your airline or other common carrier (on the way to your destination).
- Stolen baggage or items (including tech gear, like computers and cameras).
- Bags that have been lost in transit.
- Stolen passports and IDs.
- Accidental damage to your bags.
You will need to prove you owned the items you are claiming for, including the clothes in your bag or the electronics in your backpack. The easiest way to do this is to save receipts and take photos of what you are packing, prior to leaving on the trip. However, if you don’t have either of those, you may still be able to make a claim. Also, it’s important to remember that depreciation will be taken into account in all lost bag claims.
Coverage is secondary to any coverage from your common carrier and are subject to per-item and total maximum benefit amounts as shown on your plans.
It’s important to read through your plan wording to become familiar with what is and isn’t covered, so there are no surprises if you need to make a claim.
Blue Ribbon Bags
If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, our partnership with non-insurance service Blue Ribbon Bags ensures prompt recovery. Blue Ribbon Bags tracks and expedites your lost luggage, allowing you to continue your travels smoothly. Included in all plans, this service covers every flight on any airline worldwide. You'll receive updates at every step. Just report your lost bags to the airline, then fill out the form on our partner page on Blue Ribbon Bags website. You’ll need the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
When travel insurance doesn’t cover your baggage
While World Nomads travel insurance is designed to cover your trip essentials, travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Certain situations and circumstances may mean your baggage is not covered by your travel insurance. Travel insurance does not cover:
- Accidentally leaving your baggage or personal belongings behind.
- Stolen bags that were left unattended.
- Baggage or personal items stolen from a vehicle, even if it was locked.
- Professional equipment (anything that isn’t owned by you or is used for professional purposes).
- Eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses.
- Retainers, orthodontic devices or hearing aids.
- Missing items that have not been reported to a local authority (police, airline, etc.).
- Baggage delay on the way home from your trip.
What to do if your bag gets lost or stolen while you’re on vacation
Had your bag stolen while on the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? Or perhaps it got lost in transit en route to Peru? Bags can lose their way for a variety of reasons. It helps to know how to pick yourself back up again if you find yourself without your stuff while traveling.
If your luggage has been stolen or is lost along the way, there are a few things you need to do to increase the likelihood of your travel insurance reimbursing your loss. Take a look at this easy-to-follow guide for what to do if your luggage is stolen. Remember, the first rule of thumb is always to report it.
In addition, if your luggage is delayed more than 12 hours, you may be entitled to replacement costs for essential clothing and toiletries. Check your policy wording carefully as terms and conditions apply.
Keep your baggage safe
While stealthy thieves and misplaced bags are a traveling reality, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can keep in mind while traveling to help reduce the risk of losing your most valued processions.
From always packing and carrying your own bags to safeguarding your bags with zip ties, follow these essential tips from travelers on how to keep your belongings safe while you travel.
Get a quote
Ready to pack your bags? When you get a quote you can compare our single-trip and annual plans and decide which one might best suit your needs.
Still not sure? Get in touch and we can help you decide which travel insurance plan is best for your next adventure.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Travel Insurance Baggage Tips
- Find and scan your receipts before you leave.
- If an airline loses your baggage, notify them right away and get a record.
- Theft? Report it to the police within 24 hours.
- Password-protect your devices and enable the lock screen if possible.
- Enable location tracking on your phone, tablet and laptop
- Make a claim within twenty days; submit documentation within 90 days.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Can I claim for my baggage while I'm traveling?
You can claim whenever you like, while traveling or when you return home. We encourage you to file a claim at your earliest convenience, however, the deadline to submit a claim is within 20 days of the loss. Plus, submitting your claim as soon as possible means less of a chance you’ll misplace your receipts or other required documentation.
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What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still file a claim. However, the item might depreciate, or we may be unable to process your claim without additional information. If you are trying claim reimbursement for purchases made because of a baggage delay, we require receipts.
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If the airline loses my gear, what do I need?
You’ll need documentation from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
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Why do my items get depreciated?
Travel insurance is about replacing what was lost, not helping you update your cameras or wardrobe. Depreciation happens to match the claim to the item's current price, not the original retail price.
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Am I covered if I lose my passport?
Our travel insurance plans may be able to help you with getting an emergency passport. If this happens, get in touch with the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. There are times when your travel insurance may not cover you, like if you leave your passport behind. Read through your plan wording carefully to become familiar with how your policy can and cannot help in these situations, and read our help center article about lost and stolen passports.
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I have a high-value camera. Does your travel insurance cover it?
Always make sure you get the right level of coverage for your needs. Our plans for US residents have per item, combined article limit for higher valued items, and overall limits. Always read your plan wording carefully to ensure you have adequate cover for your needs. Still not sure? Get in touch with us and we can help you figure out what’s best for your circumstance.
Baggage Delay in Delhi
When I arrived in Delhi from Rome, the baggage claim desk informed me that my bag had been delayed in transit. I was without my bag for almost a week before it was finally delivered. Since it was winter in Delhi, and my warm jacket was in my bag, I had to purchase a new jacket and other warm clothing that I had not packed in my carry-on.
S.N. U.S Nomad in India
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,500
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Runway Health
- FootprintID
- Blue Ribbon Bags
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.