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How Does Baggage Delay & Baggage Loss Coverage Work Under Travel Insurance?

Team AckoSept 26, 2025

For most Indians, a foreign holiday or business tour is planned months ahead. From ticket booking to visa and accommodation arrangements, each step is carefully planned. But there is one thing you cannot always control, and that is the carrier that is transporting your baggage. Bags getting delayed, lost, or misplaced are more than we would like to imagine. And when it does, it puts us under stress and incurs unforeseen expenses.

This is precisely why baggage loss and delay cover under travel insurance is important. It provides you with assurance that even if your bags do not arrive on time or at all, you will not be stuck without the bare necessities or have to bear the cost.

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Contents

What is Baggage Delay Cover?
How Does Baggage Delay Cover Work?
What is Baggage Loss Cover?
How Does Baggage Loss Cover Work?
- Exclusions Under Baggage Loss Cover
Common Reasons Why Baggage Gets Delayed or Lost
How Does the Baggage Delay/Loss Coverage Claim Process Work?
Things to Keep in Mind If Your Baggage is Delayed or Lost
Final Words
Frequently asked questions

What is Baggage Delay Cover?

Baggage delay protection offers you compensation in case your checked luggage fails to reach your destination in a given timeframe, normally several hours. Airlines may end up delivering your suitcase, but in the meantime, you will have to purchase clothing, toiletries, or medications. Baggage delay cover under travel insurance reimburses you for those purchases.

For instance, if you arrive in London from Delhi and your bag arrives 12 hours later, your insurance can pay for the essentials you purchased along the way.

How Does Baggage Delay Cover Work?

Baggage delay cover helps you manage unexpected delays in receiving your checked-in luggage. If your bags do not arrive within the time limit mentioned in your policy (usually 6–12 hours), the insurer compensates you for essential purchases.

What is covered:

Compensation for buying basic items such as clothes, toiletries, or medicines.
A fixed payout or reimbursement, as specified in the policy.
Coverage until your baggage is delivered by the airline.

For example, your flight lands in London, but your bags are delayed for 10 hours. With baggage delay cover, you can buy essentials and get reimbursed up to the policy limit.

What is Baggage Loss Cover?

Baggage loss cover comes into effect when your checked luggage is irretrievably lost, stolen, or totally damaged while in transit. If this happens, you are paid as per your international travel insurance policy conditions for the lost items. The items involved may be clothes, accessories, or any other personal items.

For instance, you may be on your honeymoon in Paris and discover that your airline cannot track your bag. In such a case, baggage loss cover will minimise the financial loss and assist you in replacing what you have lost.

How Does Baggage Loss Cover Work?

Baggage loss cover protects you if your checked-in luggage is permanently lost while with the airline. If your bags don’t reach the final destination or go missing in transit, the insurer reimburses you up to the limit in your policy.

To claim, report the loss to the airline immediately and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Submit this, along with your policy details, to the insurer within the specified time.

The payout is based on the sum insured, after deducting any compensation from the airline. If only part of your baggage is lost, you receive a proportionate amount. This cover saves you from the heavy expense of replacing essentials like clothes or electronics during your trip.

Exclusions Under Baggage Loss Cover

While baggage loss cover is useful, it does not cover every situation. Some common exclusions include:

• Loss of hand baggage or cabin luggage.

• Items misplaced due to your own negligence.

• Delay in reporting the loss to the airline or insurer.

• Loss of valuables such as jewellery, cash, or passports unless specifically covered.

• Any compensation already paid by the airline will be deducted from your claim.

Common Reasons Why Baggage Gets Delayed or Lost

Air travel involves multiple checkpoints, transfers, and handling teams. Here’s why baggage delay/loss occurs:

• Tight flight connections: Bags don’t always make it to the next plane during short layovers.

• Misrouting: Your bag may be sent to a completely different destination.

• Damaged baggage tags: If the tag with your details gets torn or unreadable, tracking becomes difficult.

• Overloaded flights: Sometimes, luggage is left behind due to weight restrictions.

• Weather disruptions: Heavy rain, snow, or storms can delay baggage handling.

How Does the Baggage Delay/Loss Coverage Claim Process Work?

The process to claim baggage delay or loss coverage is usually simple. You should always check the exact requirements of your insurer:

1. Report immediately: File a complaint with the airline and collect a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

2. Keep receipts: Save bills for all items you purchase while waiting for your bag.

3. Contact your insurer: Share the PIR and receipts with your travel insurance provider.

4. Submit documents: Depending on the situation, you may also need boarding passes, passport stamps, or airline emails confirming the delay or loss.

With digital-first insurers like ACKO, the claim process can be simpler and quicker as it is handled entirely online.

Also Read: Important Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claims

Things to Keep in Mind If Your Baggage is Delayed or Lost

While baggage delay and loss cover is extremely helpful, it comes with certain conditions:

• Airlines usually need to confirm the delay or loss before you can file a claim.

• Compensation is generally for essentials, not luxury items.

• If the airline itself provides compensation, your insurer may adjust the amount.

• Return journey delays are often not covered, so read your policy carefully.

Final Words

Missing your luggage or even having to wait hours for it to turn up can easily transform an exciting journey into a stressful one. Having baggage delay and baggage loss cover included in your travel insurance means that these issues won't dig a hole in your pocket or ruin your experience.

This cover is a safeguard for frequent Indian travellers who like to organise holidays, honeymoons, and business excursions overseas. Though you hope never to have to make a claim, it's good to know it's there so you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy the things that count.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait before I can claim for delayed baggage?

A delay of 6–12 hours is usually needed by most insurers for you to claim, but it varies with your policy.

What are the types of costs reimbursed in case of baggage delay?

Typically, basic items such as toiletries, clothing, and medication are reimbursed. Shopping at fancy stores is not reimbursed.

Can I get paid for the partial loss of baggage?

Yes, insurers pay up when some parts of your baggage are missing or damaged, but the amount varies according to your policy conditions.

Do airlines pay for baggage problems?

Airlines do pay some amount, but that is typically minimal. Insurance makes sure you receive more money.

Is baggage loss covered on domestic flights?

Yes, most travel insurance policies also cover baggage problems on domestic flights in India.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.