Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage
Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.
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You’re the last one standing at baggage claim. And there are no bags left on the merry-go-round. Every Nomad’s been there. Delayed baggage is a common offender and can leave even the most seasoned Nomad without their unmentionables. Sometimes it pays to squeeze everything into your carry-on luggage.
- When your luggage doesn’t follow the travel itinerary
- What you can claim if your bags are delayed
- Items that aren’t covered for delayed baggage
- If you need to make a claim
- Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)
When you arrive but your bags don’t, our travel insurance may help ease the blow (and get you on your way to a fresh pair of knickers).
When your luggage doesn’t follow the travel itinerary
If your luggage has lost its way you may be wondering what’s covered if your bags are delayed.
Depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen travel insurance policy, if your checked-in bags are delayed for the duration or more of your waiting period your policy may cover essential items.
Terms and conditions, limits and waiting periods apply, so before you hit the shops on a spending spree be sure to become familiar with your policy wording, the conditions and exclusions of your travel insurance policy.
If you have any questions or are unsure if something is covered, contact us for more information.
What you can claim if your bags are delayed
An airport help desk has a way of delivering unwelcome news - particularly if they’ve failed to deliver your bags. If you’ve been told your bag was delayed in transit, chances are you’ll need fresh clothes at some point. Items you can claim if your bags are delayed include:
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-shirt(s)
- Toiletries
- Prescribed medication.
You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. Like if you’ve arrived at the snow fields of Canada without a warm jacket (and other clothing to suit the weather of your destination).
Get in touch if you’re unsure what you can claim and consider your policy wording before making any purchase to replace your delayed items.
Items that aren’t covered for delayed baggage
Travel insurance may be the best provision for your personal possessions but that doesn’t mean it covers the impractical (like replacing your rundown kicks with a new pair of designer boots).
While things like underwear, toiletries, and prescribed medication fall under the ‘items you can claim if your bags are delayed’ umbrella, non-essential items are not. A general rule is, if you can live without it for a few days, it’s considered a non-essential item and may not be covered if your bags are delayed. Items deemed non-essential include:
- Designer jeans
- Leather jacket
- Prada shoes.
If you need to make a claim
If your bags are stranded for an extended period without you for company, you’re probably going to need to make a claim.
If you need to make a claim for delayed baggage there are a few steps you need to follow, including but not limited to:
- Report it to your carrier
- Complete all documentation required by your carrier
- Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy
- Follow the guidelines around spending limits and items that are covered as part of your policy.
Take a look at our article ‘What to do if your luggage is delayed’ for more information. And if you’re still not sure, get in touch and one of our team can help.
Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)
Terms and conditions and exclusions apply and there are limits on the amount you can spend. And if your bags arrive at your destination within the waiting period outlined by your travel insurance policy, cover may not apply.
Always check your policy wording for full details on what’s covered and what’s not, as well as what you need to do to make a valid claim for delayed baggage.
One of the best tips from our Nomads to keep your luggage safe is to keep your valuables with you. When in transit, take your most precious items out of your checked-in luggage and carry them with you in your carry-on luggage and/or daypack. That way, when the inevitable happens, you won’t be left without them.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
Get a quote 24/7
World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.
Baggage Delay in a Delhi Winter.
I arrived in Delhi from Rome. Baggage claim help 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 to me. It was cold in Delhi (being winter, December) and my warm jacket was in my bag, requiring that I purchase a jacket and other items of warm clothing that I had not taken in my carry-on.
S.N. U.S. Nomad in India.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
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We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
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Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
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Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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?
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FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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How much can I get reimbursed for delayed baggage?
Benefits and limits vary depending on your chosen travel insurance policy. We offer Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans, each with their own benefits and limits. Check your policy wording for full details, including information around excess.
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Do I need a written report from the carrier?
Yes. You are required to report it to your carrier as soon as you realize your luggage is delayed and to get a Property Irregularity Report from them to confirm delay, compensation they offer, and expected duration of the delay.
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Can I make a claim without receipts?
Yes, you can still lodge a claim, but the team may not be able to process your claim, or they may depreciate.
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.