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Travel insurance: Air passengers warned to check for strike cover

• Published 5 July 2022
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Four in 10 travel insurance policies offer no protection for air passengers if holidays are cancelled owing to strikes, Which? has warned.

While airlines are required by law to refund the cost of a cancelled flight, some holidaymakers could lose money spent on hotels and other expenses.

The consumer group is urging people to look closely at their policy ahead of expected summer disruption.

Package holidays are covered in full if any part of the trip is cancelled.

Which? said that travellers who organise flights, accommodation, car hire and so on separately should always buy suitable travel insurance when they book.

If your flight is cancelled, customers have the right to either a full refund or a replacement flight. Many hotels also offer cancellation policies without a penalty.

However, many travellers could find themselves in need of a travel insurance claim if their holiday is thrown into disarray by a flight cancellations.

Which? assessed 199 policies offered by 71 providers and found 120 of them offered cover if travellers have to cancel a trip owing to strike action.

Of the remainder, 78 did not provide cover for cancellations owing to strikes, while for one policy it was an optional extra.

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The consumer group said there were also significant disparities between policies for holidays affected by Covid.

Jenny Ross, money editor at Which?, said: "With many airlines warning of widespread disruption this summer and Covid cases on the rise, travellers should ensure they have taken out adequate insurance to cover any losses or unexpected costs they might face.

"We advise travellers to always check policies carefully to ensure they offer the cover that will be most appropriate to their trip, and to ensure they have cover in place from the time of booking."

Can you get compensation if your flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to either a full refund, or a replacement flight.

"That different flight does not need to be with the same carrier - it can be an alternative, as long as it flies on the same day," says Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership.

If you and the airline can't agree on a new flight, it will refund you.

If the flight was cancelled with 14 days or less notice, you may also be entitled to compensation - but only if the airline is at fault.

"If it's a direct result of the airline, you're entitled to compensation, but if it's the airport, your compensation doesn't kick in," says Mrs Lo Bue-Said.

• What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

Cancellation plan

Last month, hundreds of British Airways workers at Heathrow Airport voted to go on strike over pay.

In addition to strikes, many businesses have struggled to recruit enough new staff to deal with resurgent demand for travel following the easing of Covid rules.

Airlines are expected to announce a series of cancellations to UK summer flights this week aimed at minimising disruption in the peak holiday season.

A government "amnesty" to the rules on airport slots is in place until Friday, allowing airlines to change schedules without facing a potential penalty.

Gatwick has already said it will be reducing the number of flights during the summer. Heathrow to date has not announced similar plans although last week it ordered 30 flights to be cancelled , saying it was expecting more passenger numbers than it could cope with.

Manchester Airport warned it would not be able to return to its pre-pandemic standards until the autumn.

On Monday, EasyJet said its chief operating officer, Peter Bellew, had resigned after a series of flight cancellations and disruption at the airline in recent weeks.

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More on this story

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• Published 4 July 2022

Flight cancellation plan aims to ease summer chaos

• Published 2 July 2022

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• Published 17 June 2022

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Don’t expect compensation if strikes disrupt plans, UK holidaymakers told

Airlines don’t have to pay up if flights are cancelled through industrial action, so check the terms of your travel insurance, Britons warned

Holidaymakers have been warned that they won’t be eligible for compensation if their trips are cancelled or delayed due to strikes, as multiple forms of industrial action threaten to disrupt flights, trains and London Underground services in the first week of the school summer holidays.

Last week air traffic control managers in mainland Europe gave formal warning of strikes in the next six months, potentially exacerbating disruption to thousands of holiday flights, including those to and from the UK. The date of the walkout has not been announced, but it is likely to be timed to cause maximum impact during the summer holiday period.

Britons are already facing travel chaos this month with rail strikes planned on 20, 22 and 29 July – the beginning of the school holidays for most families – and London Underground strikes announced for 23 to 28 July. All of this comes at the start of what one travel expert described as potentially “one of the busiest summers in recent history”.

Holidaymakers whose trips are disrupted might imagine they will be compensated if their flight is cancelled due to strike action – but they won’t be.

Industrial action is considered to be an “extraordinary circumstance”, meaning that airlines aren’t liable to pay compensation, as it’s an issue outside of their control.

“If it is not the fault of the airline – and cancellations due to air traffic controller strikes would fall into this category – then the airline is not obliged to provide compensation if it can prove it has done everything possible to make alternative arrangements,” said Kevin Pratt, travel insurance expert at Forbes Advisor.

However, in the case of severe flight delays, airlines still have a duty to look after passengers, which could include free refreshments or accommodation. Airlines should also offer passengers the opportunity to either be refunded for a cancelled flight or rerouted, even if that is with a rival carrier.

The rules are different for those who have booked a package holiday or through a travel agent, as they should have protection under rules set by the travel agent and travel operator industry bodies.

Holidaymakers are being warned to check now whether they could claim on their travel insurance in the event of disruption to their holiday plans due to strikes.

“Most policies provide payments if your flight is delayed by a certain length of time – this can help with out-of-pocket expenses,” said Pratt. “But claiming for the cost of the cancelled flight and the holiday itself is another matter – you’d need to scrutinise your policy documents to see what level of cover you have.”

One key point is that the cancellation must be unforeseen and unexpected at the point you bought your policy, he added. So buying any insurance now to cover strikes will be useless. This applies even if the exact dates have not been confirmed.

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“This summer is set to be one of the busiest in recent history, and it’s essential that airlines and airports work together to keep travellers updated of any potential issues,” said Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of Which? Travel .

“While compensation is not likely to be payable in these circumstances, airlines must fulfil their legal obligations to passengers in the event of cancellations or delays.

“Make sure you have travel insurance from the date you book your holiday and check the policy carefully to ensure it covers you in the event of strike action.”

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Are you covered for strikes this summer? Check your travel insurance policy now

Summer sun and blue skies may be just around the corner. However, if you're in the aviation industry, clouds of discontent still loom on the horizon.

In Europe , the ongoing rash of strikes and protests continues to have a domino effect on the air travel industry, potentially affecting the vacations of thousands of travelers.

In the United Kingdom, British Airways canceled 300 flights over Easter after Heathrow Airport (LHR) employees announced 10 days of strikes between March 31 and April 9 over pay and work conditions. U.K. border guards plan to walk out April 28, which could lead to long lines, delays and cancellations.

Related: Is travel insurance worth it?

Similar disputes are raging in Germany and France, where a series of nationwide strikes and protests over pay and other complaints have repeatedly halted planes and trains.

Things don't bode well in the U.S., either. United Airlines , American Airlines and Delta Air Lines — which together handle about two-thirds of domestic air traffic — are currently locked in talks to fend off possible strikes by pilots, flight attendants and mechanics.

If you have upcoming air travel that could be affected by potential strikes, should you purchase travel insurance? If you've already purchased travel insurance, what does it cover? Here are some things to consider.

How do I know if I'm covered for a strike?

Sadly, there is no "one size fits all" answer to whether your travel insurance will cover you in the event of strikes. Different insurers have different approaches.

You should always read the fine print of any insurance policy before signing on the dotted line, according to Michael Pettifer, travel insurance specialist and founder of MPI Brokers.

"There will be a section in most travel insurance policies entitled 'delay' or 'disruption,'" he told TPG. "Whether you are covered for strike action will be in there."

In the U.S., insurers might refer to this as a "delayed trip" or "trip interruption," so it's worth checking for these terms, too.

What should I look for?

American insurer Berkshire Hathaway , which offers "innovative" travel insurance specifically for flights and cruises, breaks down the types of delays covered in its policies. They include "trip delay," "tarmac delay," "flight departure delay" and "missed connection." The amount it pays out depends on your chosen insurance plan.

For example, its ExactCare Extra plan covers a maximum of $200 per day for a minimum five-hour delay. It also offers a $100 "flat benefit" for a missed connection and a $1,000 "flat benefit" for a tarmac delay.

British insurer Saga Travel has a traveler-friendly policy providing a useful template for what to look for.

"If the ship, aircraft or train on which you're booked is delayed leaving the UK after you have checked in, you'll be entitled to £35 after your first 12 hours of forced waiting and £15 for each 12-hour period up to a total of £215 for each insured person under your policy's Delayed Departure section," it says.

This type of policy will even pay out if you miss your flight due to, say, a rail strike on your way to the airport. Naturally, keep an eye on those excess fees if you do claim money back from your insurance.

What am I covered for when a strike delays my trip?

One of the key points, says Pettifer, is that you must "comply with the policy at all times." That means being at the airport when the delay occurs. Typically, you have to have been sitting in the airport for more than 12 hours before you can make a claim. However, depending on the policy, it can be as little as eight hours or sometimes as much as 24 hours.

"The delay policy wordings typically say you're being indemnified under the policy for a loss," Pettifer said. "And your loss is the cost of being at the airport buying extra sandwiches and teas for 12 hours. We call it misery money."

After a certain point, you can cancel your flight, and you will be indemnified for the cost of your ticket, according to Pettifer.

What if my flight is canceled outright due to a strike?

In Europe and the U.S., the airline is responsible for refunding your ticket or placing you on the next available flight when your original flight is canceled. Some airlines will also cover in-airport expenses.

For other expenses, such as the cost of your hotel, Pettifer says that if your ticket has been refunded, an insurer will likely assume you can use it to buy a new ticket and, therefore, won't pay your hotel costs.

"As far as they see it, you have got the money back for your canceled flight, so you've got the money for another flight to get out there," Pettifer explained.

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

However, if you cancel the flight yourself, perhaps because you couldn't find an alternative flight to get you where you need to be in time for your vacation, some insurers will cover hotel expenses.

For example, Saga Travel 's policy reads: "If you booked a non-package holiday independently, your Saga Travel Insurance policy covers additional unused accommodation and other pre-paid costs that you can't claim back, should you cancel your trip."

Berkshire Hathaway will reimburse you for "reasonable additional expenses" up to your agreed limit, which includes "expenses for meals, taxi fares, essential telephone calls, local transportation, and lodging which are necessarily incurred as the result of Trip Delay and which are not provided by the Common Carrier or any other party free of charge."

Will an insurer pay out if I've already applied for compensation from the airline?

Maybe. A key thing to remember here is that airline compensation is not the same thing as insurance.

As Pettifer says, insurance indemnifies you against losses incurred due to your delay or cancellation. In contrast, compensation is awarded to you by your airline for the damage caused to you by the cancellation, financial or otherwise.

It is a subtle difference but a significant one.

Related: Here's when European airports and trains are set to go on strike

"This is a very big subject," Pettifer said. "The word compensation is bandied around liberally without proper examination of what it is that's being paid and on what basis, and to whom."

"Compensation as a legal term is where you are compensated for damages following an injury or a loss of some kind. The suggestion that an insurance policy, which indemnifies you for a loss, should be called compensation is completely wrong. So if an airline compensates somebody for their loss, that's compensation for damages, not an indemnity."

In other words, he says, you might be able to claim for both.

Are there any catches?

Yes. You absolutely must have taken the policy out before the strike was announced. As soon as strikes are even hinted at, Pettifer says, your chances of being covered for any losses plummet.

Take the recent strikes at Heathrow Airport, for example. Like with many strikes, negotiations have gone down to the wire as the airport wrangles with unions to find a solution and avert a full-scale staff walkout. In this instance, no resolution was found, and British Airways canceled 32 flights a day during that time.

In that case, travelers will have been notified of their canceled flight with little notice. The trouble is, a strike had already been "alluded to," says Pettifer. That's because the news that the Unite Union balloted its members emerged weeks ago.

"Like any insurance, you can't insure your house if it's already on fire," says Pettifer. "There is no such thing as degrees of fire. You can't insure against a little fire in the corner of a room. Well, you might be able to put it out, but there is still a chance you won't. Travel insurance is the same when it comes to something like a strike. If a strike has been alluded to, assume you won't get paid."

It is the same in the U.S.

"The key here is that the strike can't be a known or foreseen event for coverage to apply under travel insurance," said Terry Boynton, co-founder and president of Yonder Travel Insurance . "If you purchase travel insurance after a strike occurs, hoping to be reimbursed for your lost payments, you'll be out of luck"

In other words, it is absolutely critical that you take out your policy on the same day you buy your plane ticket.

What other options do I have?

That depends on where in the world you are.

Airline compensation rules in the U.S. are much tighter than in Europe. In fact, they don't really exist.

According to the Department of Transportation , "Airlines are not required to reimburse you for any trip costs affected by the cancelled flight, such as a prepaid hotel room, a cruise, a vacation, concert or other tickets, or lost wages."

They are required to refund you the cost of your ticket and "fees tied directly to the airline ticket (such as baggage fees, seat upgrades, etc.)." However, that's as far as it goes.

It does add that each airline has different policies about what it will do for passengers whose flights have been canceled. It recommends that if your flight is canceled, ask the airline staff if it will pay for meals or a hotel room. It indicates that some airlines offer these amenities to passengers, but others don't.

If your insurer rejects your claim for any reason, you can likely still apply for compensation from your airline.

The key is to ask whether the strike was over pay and working conditions.

If the answer is yes, you can claim compensation because that is deemed under the airline's control and is therefore not an "extraordinary circumstance."

Related: Are you entitled to compensation if your flight is affected by strikes?

In such a case, the airline is obliged under the EU261 rule (called UK261 in the U.K.) to refund your ticket or offer you a seat on the closest possible alternative flight. If it gives you less than 14 days' notice, you can also apply for compensation of between 220 and 520 British pounds (around $273-$646), depending on the length of your canceled flight.

However, it is different when third-party contractors or ancillary workers not on the airline's payroll are striking.

"A frequent one is when air traffic control staff strike, something that used to happen a lot in France," said Coby Benson, a flight compensation expert with Bott and Co Solicitors. "That seems to be outside the control of the airline."

Bottom line

Travel insurance is a crafty business, with no "one size fits all" policy that covers you for all eventualities.

It's important to always read the terms and conditions before buying a policy while bearing in mind any specific issues that could arise during your trip.

If you are flying with any airline or into an airport whose staff could strike this summer, be sure to check under the "disruption" section to ensure strikes are covered.

But beware: If you are traveling to a destination with an airline where strikes have already been "alluded to" — any airline flying from Heathrow, British Airways, Ryanair or EasyJet — the strikes section of your policy may already have been rendered obsolete.

Within Europe, if insurance doesn't work, you still have the European Union's compensation policy to fall back on, which can likely pay you more than the insurance would.

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How to check travel insurance policies: Which? reports four out of 10 don’t protect against strike action

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The consumer group Which? says that four in 10 travel insurance policies do not cover travellers for strikes by airport or airline staff. Researchers assessed almost 200 policy documents, and found that 78 did not cover the effects of industrial action.

Fortunately consumer legislation means that, in many cases, the consequences of strikes are dealt with by airlines and holiday companies.

These are the key questions and answers.

What did the research find?

Of the 199 travel insurance policies that were checked, 120 offered cover if travellers have to cancel a trip due to strikes. One of the remaining 79 had industrial action cover as an optional extra, while the rest did not provide for cancellation due to a strike.

Jenny Ross, Which? Money editor, said: “With many airlines warning of widespread disruption this summer and Covid cases on the rise, travellers should ensure they’ve taken out adequate insurance to cover any losses or unexpected costs they might face.”

What happens if a strike disrupts my trip?

In almost all circumstances, the airline is responsible for making good your journey.

For example, SAS has grounded flights today from London Heathrow to Copenhagen, Oslo and Stavanger because of a pilots’ strike. The Scandinavian airline must get passengers to their destinations on the same day if there is any way of doing so – ideally (from its perspective) on one of its flights that is still operating, but otherwise by paying for a ticket on another carrier.

In this case, British Airways has flights available from London to Copenhagen for £540 one way – a fare that is a problem for SAS, not you. The carrier advises passengers “to arrange alternative means of travel themselves and seek reimbursement from SAS”.

The same deal applies with all other existing and threatened industrial action – including easyJet and Ryanair cabin crew in various European countries, as well as 700 passenger service agents working for British Airways at Heathrow (two weeks’ notice is required of industrial action, so nothing will happen before 20 July).

And if there is no alternative flight on the same day?

The airline that cancels a flight – for any reason – must provide a hotel room and meals until it can get you to your destination. Again, it is likely that the carrier will not provide it, and you should keep all receipts. Alcohol is not included.

What if I am on a package holiday?

The picture is cloudier, but the presumption is that your holiday will go ahead: the airline must provide an alternative way of getting you to your destination. There is an extra layer of support from your tour operator (the travel firm that organised the holiday for you), which may well help find an alternative flight.

However, in extreme circumstances when no other flight is available, your holiday may be cancelled in its entirety – with a full refund due to you within two weeks.

How about airport strikes?

If they lead to a flight cancellation, the airline is responsible for your transportation and welfare. For example, this summer we have seen industrial action at Paris CDG by firefighters that have led to one runway being closed and dozens of flights to and from the French capital grounded. The airline must help you, whatever the cause.

I have booked hotels and car rental separately. What if there is simply no way for me to reach my destination in order to have the trip I’ve booked?

It’s July. Airlines are cancelling flights left, right and centre. Therefore some travellers may reluctantly conclude that they have to give up on their trip. The airline will provide a full refund for both outbound and return legs. The aspects for which travel insurance could be relevant are:

• You have booked separate airlines for outbound and return flights, and the inbound trip is going ahead normally – meaning you can’t get a refund.
• Your hotel and car rental providers may not offer a refund.
• Providers of pre-booked tours and experiences may not offer a refund.

In such a case, you should always ask if you can cancel without penalty. But if you cannot, you may be able to claim for consequential losses. Note that if you are offered a voucher for future use, from a travel insurance point of view, this counts as a refund.

What should I look for?

Columbus Direct has a traveller-friendly policy that is a good model of what cover to look for. The main category is “Travel Delay, Missed Connection and Abandonment”.

If a strike means “your flight, sea crossing, coach or train departure is delayed for more than 12 hours beyond the intended departure” then you are able to cancel and claim reimbursement up to the total cost (or the cover limit if this is lower). Of course any amounts that you are refunded must be subtracted from the claim.

You can also claim if, for example, a rail strike means that you miss your flight and have to spend hundreds of pounds on a new ticket.

Any catches?

Yes. If the strike has already been announced at the point at which you bought a ticket and/or took out the policy, your claim will probably be rejected.

What counts as a strike for the purposes of travel insurance?

Each insurer will have its own definition: for Staysure, for example, it is wide ranging: “Any form of industrial action, whether organised by a trade union or not, which is carried on with the intention of preventing, restricting or otherwise interfering with the production of goods, or the provision of services.”

This would cover “wildcat” (unofficial) strikes, where workers walk out even though their union has not instructed them to do so, and also action short of a strike such as an overtime ban.

What do I do if I am unhappy with the response of my travel insurer?

You can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Do I get cash compensation too if my flight is cancelled?

That is unclear. The European Court of Justice, the ultimate authority in cases about air passengers’ rights rules, has said that “wildcat” or unofficial strikes count as extraordinary circumstances, and therefore do not qualify for compensation. There is no certainty about whether official strikes – which are far more common – qualify.

But Coby Benson, flight delay compensation solicitor at Bott and Co said: “Staff strikes due to pay are not considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ under EC Regulation 261 and therefore passengers who are delayed more than three hours or have their flight cancelled within 14 days are owed compensation of up to £520 per passenger.

“The courts have previously held that events such as these are well within the airline’s control and the management of unhappy staff is simply part and parcel of running any business.”

Much of the industrial action that takes place at airports involves ground handling companies. As these are contracted by airlines, they amount to a carrier cancellation, and may qualify for compensation.

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Policy Type Platinum Annual Multi-Trip

Policy Issue Date 01/04/2022

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Trip end date 24/04/2023

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UK anticipates Ukraine will escalate long-range strikes on Russia

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The UK Defence Chief, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin asserts that Ukraine will increase the number of long-range strikes on Russian territory, as the influx of Western military aid aims to assist Kyiv in waging war in "much stronger ways."

Source: European Pravda, citing Radakin in an interview with Financial Times

Radakin acknowledges that Ukraine's defence is currently influenced by pessimistic sentiments, noting that the country is facing a tough fight against advancing Russian forces.

However, the British commander, a key figure in Western military support for Kyiv, emphasised that such a bleak "snapshot" of the war doesn't account for long-term trends that favour Kyiv more.

He said that these trends include recent packages of military aid from the US and Europe, Ukraine's increasingly successful long-range strikes, and "Moscow’s total failure to choke off Kyiv’s vital grain exports via the Black Sea."

Quote: "The danger with any snapshot is that it [ignores] where we are now with where we will be in next couple of years," Radakin said, adding people should stop "feting Russia" and believing it "somehow has got major advantages".

Radakin did not express any overt reservations about Ukrainian attacks and sabotage raids inside Russia. "As Ukraine gains more capabilities for the long-range fight . . . its ability to continue deep operations will [increasingly] become a feature of the war," Radakin said, adding that such strikes will "definitely have an effect".

After months of uncertainty regarding the West's strategy in Ukraine, Radakin spoke optimistically about a situation where all NATO countries are "talking about spending more money."

"I recognise that this is all less comfortable if you are in Kyiv. You also have to acknowledge that Russia has been able to conduct more effective long-range strikes than last year," he noted.

Radakin also responded to criticism that the West lacks a comprehensive plan to help Kyiv achieve victory and only provided sufficient military aid to prevent defeat.

"Don’t expect anyone to say publicly ‘this is the plan’ and A, B and C are now going to happen," Radakin said. Some elements of the military approach to Ukraine, he said, "will be dictated by a tactical or operational advantage, and some also depend on more foundational aspects."

Some of these factors will "mature much more strongly next year than this year," said Radakin.

Background:

Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the US President, confirmed media reports that Ukraine has already received ATACMS missiles in March.

As reported on 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that provides for about US$61 billion in additional military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help for other US allies.

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Travel insurance and baggage cover

Article contents.

Tegan Oldfield

15 August 2023 | Updated 18 April 2024 | 5 minute read

It can be stressful if your luggage is either lost or is delayed  at the airport.

Your travel operator should compensate you if the loss is their fault, whether that’s at the airport or on alternative transportation. 

But having an appropriate travel insurance policy will cover you if your luggage is lost or stolen at any point during your trip, not just when you’re travelling. 

Below, we’ve explained what you should do if your bags are lost or delayed and how to choose the right insurance policy to cover you.

What to do when your luggage is lost or delayed 

If you’re at the airport and discover that your luggage is lost or delayed, you need to follow these steps.

Go to your airline’s help desk – report your baggage as missing.

Complete a property irregularity report (PIR) – include your personal details, information about the flight you were on, a detailed description of the lost luggage and a list of the items in it.

Check the airline's progress – some airlines have an online tracking service, saving you the hassle of calling them whenever you want an update on your bags.

Resolving your claim

Ideally, your bags will be found and returned to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, the airline  must pay reasonable compensation to cover essentials like clothes and toiletries.

Remember that the travel operator’s idea of ‘reasonable’ might differ from yours, so check before buying expensive replacements. Not all airlines compensate with upfront cash; you may be expected to reclaim costs once you’re home.

If your luggage is lost – not just delayed – and the airline can’t locate it within 21 days, you’re entitled to claim total compensation from them.

They’ll ask you for a list of your bag’s contents and receipts to prove that you owned the items you’re claiming for. You won’t get the cost you paid for your items when they were new. Your airline will probably deduct an amount for wear and tear. 

Travel insurance for your luggage 

If your airline loses your bags, contact them first  for compensation and follow the process above. However, your travel insurer may also reimburse you if you have the right cover.

Before buying your travel insurance , work out a rough value estimate for your luggage, then use this figure to decide what level of cover you need.

We offer personal belongings  cover of up to £1,000, £2,000 and £2,500, depending on the level of cover you choose. Personal belongings just means all the items you take on holiday with you. 

You may have also packed some valuables in your luggage. Some policies will have a separate valuables limit .

How to claim for lost or delayed luggage

If you’re making a luggage claim that’s been lost or delayed, you must have submitted a property irregularity report (PIR) . 

For any other lost luggage, you need to:

• Report the loss or theft to the police – within 24 hours of discovering your missing items. 
• Contact your insurer – so they can assist you with your claim.

When contacting your insurer, all the following documents can help support your claim:

• receipts 
• photographs 
• airline tickets
• luggage tags 

Your insurance provider will decide how best to compensate you – it might include paying for the cost of replacements or, in the case of damaged items, paying for their repair.

Note that you won’t receive the total cost of any more than a year-old items, as wear and tear will be considered.

Insuring valuables while travelling

Most policies include a single-item limit. This is the maximum amount you’ll be compensated for a single item. 

Some policies also include a separate valuables limit which is the total limit for all the valuables items you need to claim for.

For example, if you lost a £1,000 laptop and a £300 camera, but your valuables limit is £400, the latter figure is the maximum amount you’ll be able to claim, which could leave you £900 out of pocket.

It might be best to arrange cover separately from your general travel insurance policy for valuable items like this. You can receive extra cover by:

• Buying a gadget insurance add-on – this will cover tech items like cameras, mobile phones or tablets while travelling. 
• Arranging ‘away from home’ cover on your home insurance – since you need cover for these items all year round, it could be beneficial to insure them with the rest of your home contents. Some providers will need you to upgrade your insurance for your valuables to be covered away from home.  

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