What Is Baggage Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Protect your belongings while you travel with coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
Whether you’re travelling with a single carry-on or checking multiple bags, your luggage holds important essentials—from clothing and toiletries to electronics and personal items. When something goes wrong, baggage insurance helps recover the value of your belongings or offset the inconvenience of being without them.
You might think about this the next time you’re packing valuables, connecting through multiple airports, or travelling to places with a higher risk of theft or mishandling.
What Baggage Insurance Typically Covers
Baggage insurance is usually divided into two main protections:
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Lost or stolen baggage: If your luggage is permanently lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, your insurer reimburses you for the depreciated value of the items.
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Baggage delay: If your bags are delayed beyond a certain number of hours (often 6 to 12), you’re reimbursed for essential items you buy in the meantime, such as toiletries or clothing.
| Coverage Type | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Lost or stolen baggage | Reimbursement for lost clothing, electronics, shoes, gear |
| Damaged luggage | Compensation for broken suitcases or ruined items |
| Baggage delay | Coverage for essentials bought due to luggage delay |
| Theft during trip | Coverage if your bag is stolen from a hotel, train, or bus |
Tip: Keep receipts for any replacement items you buy during a delay. Your insurer will require proof of purchase when reviewing your claim.
What’s Not Typically Covered
Baggage insurance does not cover every loss or type of item. Common exclusions include:
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High-value items like jewellery, cash, passports, or professional equipment unless explicitly covered
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Normal wear and tear to luggage, like scuffed wheels or torn zippers
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Losses not reported promptly to an airline, hotel, or police authority
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Items left unattended in public places or unlocked vehicles
Note: Many policies have per-item or per-category limits. For example, electronics may only be reimbursed up to $500, even if your laptop is worth more.
When Baggage Insurance Is Useful
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You’re checking bags on multiple flights
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You’re carrying expensive clothing, electronics, or specialty gear
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Your destination has a high rate of theft or mishandled luggage
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You’ve had bags delayed or lost in the past and want backup protection
Baggage insurance gives peace of mind that, even if your trip hits a bump, your essentials are covered. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference when your belongings don’t arrive with you.