Personal Luggage and Money

Personal luggage cover in travel insurance is often automatically included within the policy or available as an optional extra. There is however always a limit on the value of individual personal items that can be claimed for such as cameras, jewellery, cash, documents and other items, which you will find specified within the travel insurance policy terms and conditions.

It should be borne in mind that you must take care of your property when travelling abroad as travel insurance companies will often not pay out if you have been careless. Common exclusions include the loss of jewellery (except wedding rings) and watches whilst swimming, the loss of money left in suitcases and the loss of luggage, clothing and personal effects from unattended motor vehicles if the personal possessions are not in a locked compartment (boot) and are left overnight.

You might not need personal luggage cover at all if you are covered under your home insurance - it is well worth checking beforehand as this could save money on your premium. This cover is often referred to as “all-risks” insurance and can be arranged through your household insurance company for a small additional premium. The benefit of “all-risks” insurance is that it can cover items of a higher value than travel insurance policies do, and more significantly, will also cover your personal possession whilst out of the home all year round and not just when you are on holiday and covered by your travel insurance policy.

You should not rely on compensation from the airline if it loses your luggage. By law, airlines need only pay a specified minimum value per kilo of lost luggage - this will probably be inadequate to cover the full value of your belongings.

Remember that losses should be reported to the Police within 24 hours and proof of notification will be required when you make your claim.