Being left without your luggage when you arrive at your destination can really put a crimp in your travel plans. A travel insurance plan that includes coverage for baggage loss or delay can help you recover from the unexpected should your bags not appear when you expect them.
What is baggage insurance?
Baggage insurance is the general term for two specific coverages – baggage loss and baggage delay.
“Baggage loss coverage” provides reimbursement for luggage as well as for covered items of yours that are lost or stolen while you’re travelling. Also known as “baggage and personal effects coverage,” baggage loss is typically secondary coverage, which means that it will act to supplement any reimbursements offered by a common carrier (such as an airline that loses your bags) or by your homeowner’s insurance.
This coverage usually includes three types of limits:
- The overall plan limit, which states the total maximum amount of coverage you can receive.
- The per-item limit, which sets the maximum amount of reimbursement you can seek per individual item.
- The specific-item limit, which is listed in some plans and may exclude particular special items like laptops and camera equipment.
“Baggage delay coverage” allows you to purchase essential items, up to a certain amount, you need for your personal comfort if your bags are delayed while en route to your destination. As with baggage loss coverage, it is typically a secondary payor to any benefits your airline, common carrier, or homeowner’s policy may provide to you. Baggage delay coverage generally becomes active after your belongings have been delayed for a specified period of time. Depending on the policy you’ve purchased, it can be anywhere from 6-24 hours. Until that period of time has passed, you are not eligible for reimbursement. One other note: Baggage delay coverage is typically only available on the outbound part of your trip and may not apply for your return trip to Canada.
This coverage usually includes two types of limits:
- A per-person coverage limit
- A per-day limit
Baggage Loss and Baggage Delay are benefits most commonly found within All-Inclusive and Trip Cancellation plans, but some Emergency Medical plans may also offer this coverage as well.