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Do You Really Need Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance?

Team AckoOct 31, 2025

If there's one thing we cannot live without these days, it's our electronic devices. Whether it's just to check the time or even going down to the market to buy vegetables, we need our smartphones and gadgets with us 24/7. And even more so when we're travelling.

Along with clothes and toiletries, our suitcases now carry smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headphones, and even smartwatches. These aren’t just for entertainment; they’ve become our essential travel companions - we quite literally cannot go anywhere without them. Whether it’s finding your way with maps, capturing once-in-a-lifetime memories, handling work emails, or staying connected with loved ones, gadgets make travel easier and more enjoyable.

But, where there are pros, there are also cons. Gadgets are fragile, expensive, and highly prone to theft or mishaps when you’re on the move. While travel insurance gives you protection against trip cancellations, lost baggage, or medical emergencies, coverage for electronics is limited. This is where a Gadget & Electronics Cover in travel insurance comes in.

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Contents

What is Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance?
Why Are Gadgets Riskier While Travelling?
What Does Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance Include?
What Does Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance Not Include?
When Should You Get Gadgets & Electronics Cover?
How Are Gadget and Electronics Travel Insurance Claims Settled?
Tips to Maximise Your Gadget Protection
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance?

A Gadget & Electronics Cover in travel insurance is an extra benefit that's an optional add-on (or sometimes included in higher-tier travel insurance plans) that specifically protects your portable devices. Most travel insurance policies do cover lost or stolen baggage, but when it comes to gadgets, the payout is usually limited and often doesn’t match their real worth.

With a gadget cover, you get:

Higher claim limits for expensive items.
Coverage for accidental damage, theft, and sometimes even breakdowns.
Protection whether your device is in checked baggage, cabin luggage, or in use.

Why Are Gadgets Riskier While Travelling?

Travel increases the risk of loss or damage to smartphones, gadgets/electronics for many reasons:

Frequent use

While travelling, you’re constantly on your devices checking maps, booking rides, snapping photos, or scrolling for travel tips. The more you handle them, the higher the chances of accidental drops or spills.

Busy places

Airports, trains, buses, festivals, and popular tourist spots are crowded. Pickpockets often target travellers, and even a split second of not paying attention can lead to theft or loss.

Adventure activities

Hiking, water sports, skiing, or other outdoor activities expose gadgets to physical hazards. A sudden fall, splash, or impact can damage devices, sometimes beyond repair.

Transit challenges

Moving from one place to another comes with its own risks. Luggage can be misplaced, handled roughly, or left unattended during travel, increasing the chance of damage or loss for fragile electronics.

Unfamiliar environments

Travelling often means new surroundings, climates, and customs. From rainy streets to dusty trails, environmental factors can affect your gadgets in ways you might not anticipate at home.

If your phone slips out of your hand at home, repairs are relatively simple. Abroad, the cost and hassle can multiply, and repairs may be more expensive. Warranty may not apply, and replacements can be difficult to arrange quickly.

What Does Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance Include?

Coverage can vary depending on the insurer and policy, but here are the common protections you can expect:

Theft: Compensation if your gadgets are stolen while travelling.
Accidental damage: Cracked screens, liquid spills, or physical impact are often included.
Loss or misplacement: Some policies cover accidental loss (though proof of ownership and police reports are typically required).
Breakdown cover: Certain plans extend to sudden electronic malfunctions outside warranty coverage.
Worldwide protection: Devices are usually covered in any destination included in your travel insurance.

What Does Gadget & Electronics Cover in Travel Insurance Not Include?

It’s equally important to understand the exclusions. Common ones include:

Negligence: Leaving your device unattended in public or unlocked in a car.
Wear and tear: Normal ageing, battery decline, or scratches.
Unreported incidents: If you don’t file a police or airline report for theft/loss.
Non-portable items: Large electronics like televisions or gaming consoles usually aren’t covered.

When Should You Get Gadgets & Electronics Cover?

Consider it if:

You carry high-value devices - For example, a premium smartphone, DSLR camera, drone, or laptop.
You travel for work - Remote professionals or business travellers often rely on laptops, tablets, and portable Wi-Fi devices.
You’re on long trips - The longer the trip, the higher the risk of damage or theft.
You’re visiting busy cities or adventurous spots - tourist hotspots with higher theft rates or activities where devices could easily be damaged.
You want peace of mind - Even if your gadgets aren’t worth lakhs of rupees, having a backup plan can reduce stress.

How Are Gadget and Electronics Travel Insurance Claims Settled?

If your gadget is lost, stolen, or damaged while travelling, here’s how the claim process usually works:

Step 1: Report the incident
File a police report within 24 hours (or a PIR from the airline for transit issues).
Step 2: Notify your insurer
Raise a claim through the insurer’s app, website, or helpline as soon as possible.
Step 3: Provide proof
Share receipts, invoices, or ownership documents, along with photos or repair estimates if needed.
Step 4: Assessment
The insurer reviews the claim, applies depreciation or deductibles, and confirms the eligible amount.
Step 5: Settlement
Once approved, you’ll receive reimbursement or a replacement/repair through authorised partners.

Tips to Maximise Your Gadget Protection

Here are a few smart tips:

Use sturdy cases and screen protectors - They help minimise everyday damage.
Keep devices in hand luggage - Checked baggage is more vulnerable to mishandling.
Enable tracking apps - Tools like “Find My Phone” can help recover stolen or lost gadgets.
Back up your data- Photos, work files, and personal information are often more valuable than the device itself.
Store receipts/serial numbers - This speeds up claim approvals.

Conclusion

Travelling without worrying about your phone, laptop, or camera feels a lot better, right? Gadget & Electronics Cover gives you that peace of mind. Whether it’s a cracked screen, a lost bag, or an accidental spill, your devices and your wallet are protected so you can just enjoy the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the gadgets and electronics covered in travel insurance plans?

Usually not. Basic plans offer limited coverage, and for higher protection, you’ll need to add Gadget and electronics Coverage to your travel insurance plan.

Are the electronics in check-in luggage included in this?

It will depend on your policy. Some insurers cover electronics only if they’re in cabin baggage, while others extend protection to checked luggage.

Is there a limit on the number of gadgets I can get insured?

Yes. Policies usually cap or limit both the number of items and the claim amount per gadget.

Is it worth getting gadget cover for a short trip?

Yes, if you’re carrying expensive gadgets. Even on a short trip, the risk of theft or damage exists, and replacement costs abroad can be high.

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.