Home / Travel Insurance / Articles / Travel Tips / Does Travel Insurance Cover Theft & Stolen Items?

Does Travel Insurance Cover Theft & Stolen Items?

Team AckoNov 11, 2025

Travel is exciting, but it comes with risks you cannot always predict. From misplacing your wallet in a crowded market to having your luggage stolen at an airport, theft is a concern that can disrupt your plans and cause significant stress.

Whether you are travelling domestically or abroad, protecting yourself against theft is essential. Travel insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that an unfortunate incident does not ruin your journey.

In this blog, we explore how travel insurance covers theft and stolen items, what it includes, exclusions, and tips to protect yourself.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Theft & Stolen Items

Contents

How Travel Insurance Covers Theft?
What Theft Coverage Does Not Usually Include?
Steps to Ensure Theft Coverage in Travel Insurance
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Theft?
Practical Tips to Prevent Theft While Travelling
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Travel Insurance Covers Theft?

Travel insurance policies generally include coverage for theft of personal belongings, but the specifics depend on the policy type and provider. Theft coverage can apply to luggage, personal belongings, passports, credit cards, and other valuables.

Here are the main ways travel insurance protects you:

1. Loss or Theft of Luggage and Personal Items

If your luggage or personal belongings are stolen during your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for their value, subject to the policy’s terms and limits. This typically includes compensation for clothes, electronics, cameras, and other valuables taken during your journey.

For example, if your backpack containing your laptop and passport is stolen while commuting between destinations, your travel insurance can cover part or all of the loss.

2. Theft of Passport or Travel Documents

Losing your passport or travel documents due to theft can be stressful and costly. Many travel insurance policies cover the cost of replacing passports, visas, and essential documents while abroad, including administrative charges and emergency travel arrangements.

3. Credit Card and Cash Theft

If your wallet is stolen, your policy can cover cash and card losses up to a certain limit. Some policies also cover fraudulent transactions made with stolen cards if you can provide proof of theft and police reports.

4. Emergency Assistance and Support

In the event of theft, travel insurance providers often offer 24/7 emergency support, including guidance on filing police reports, contacting embassies, and replacing documents. This ensures you are not left stranded in an unfamiliar location.

What Theft Coverage Does Not Usually Include?

It is important to understand the limits of theft coverage under travel insurance. Common exclusions include:

Unattended belongings: If items are left unattended in public areas, coverage may be denied
High-value items without declaration: Expensive items such as jewellery or electronics may need to be declared in advance for coverage
Theft without proper documentation: Police reports and proof of ownership are usually required for claims
Negligence: Claims may be denied if theft occurs due to a lack of reasonable care, such as leaving luggage unlocked or valuables visible in a car

Reading your policy document carefully is essential so you understand exactly what is included and excluded.

Steps to Ensure Theft Coverage in Travel Insurance

Before purchasing travel insurance, follow these steps:

Step 1: Read policy details to confirm theft and baggage loss coverage.
Step 2: Verify coverage limits for individual items and the total value of your belongings.
Step 3: Declare valuable items before travelling.
Step 4: Keep receipts, photographs, and serial numbers of your valuables.
Step 5: Purchase insurance early to ensure coverage begins before your trip.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Theft?

To ensure your travel insurance effectively covers theft, consider these factors:

Check Coverage Limits: Verify the maximum amount your policy pays for stolen items and whether there are separate limits for luggage, electronics, and cash.
Review Exclusions: Know what is not covered and whether you need additional riders for high-value items.
Look for Worldwide Coverage: If you are travelling internationally, choose a policy that covers theft globally, not just at your destination.
Understand the Claim Process: Make sure you understand the documentation required to file a theft claim, such as police reports and proof of purchase.
Consider Add-ons: Some insurers offer optional add-ons like gadget protection or lost passport assistance for better coverage.

Practical Tips to Prevent Theft While Travelling

While travel insurance can provide financial protection, preventing theft should always be a priority. Here are some practical tips:

Use secure accommodation: Choose hotels or rentals with good security and positive reviews.
Lock your belongings: Use luggage locks and hotel safes whenever available.
Stay aware in public places: Avoid displaying valuable items in crowded areas.
Carry minimal cash and important items: Keep only what you need and store other valuables securely.
Use cross-body bags: These are harder to snatch and keep your belongings close.
Keep copies of important documents: Store digital copies of passports, IDs, and insurance policies.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Theft can also include data theft. Use VPN services where possible.

Final Thoughts

Theft is one of the most common travel mishaps, and its consequences can be stressful. Travel insurance with theft coverage is not just a financial safeguard but also a confidence booster for travellers. It ensures that, even if you lose valuables during your trip, you are not left dealing with the full cost.

Couple insurance with practical preventive measures to enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does travel insurance cover theft?

Yes, most comprehensive travel insurance plans cover theft of personal belongings, including luggage and valuables, both domestically and abroad, subject to policy terms and limits.

What should I do if my belongings are stolen while travelling?

Report the theft to local authorities and obtain a police report. Contact your insurer with proof of ownership and receipts for the items.

Are high-value items covered?

Coverage depends on the policy. Some items like jewellery, cameras, and laptops require prior declaration for coverage.

Does travel insurance cover theft from vehicles?

Many policies cover theft from vehicles, but this often depends on whether the property was locked and whether items were visible. Always check your policy.

Can theft coverage be added to an existing policy?

Yes, most insurers allow add-ons or upgrades for theft and baggage coverage if not already included.

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.