All it takes to spoil a trip is loss, delay, or damage of luggage. From clothes to essential documents, everything may be at risk when your luggage does not arrive immediately at the destination. This is why staying alert and having a travel insurance policy is important. Travel insurance means your insurance company protects against travel mishaps and compensates in case you lose your listed belongings. In addition, it also covers medical emergencies, delay/cancellation of flights, etc. Discover how baggage cover works and how you can raise travel insurance claims.
What is Baggage Coverage in Travel Insurance?
A travel insurance policy secures your trip against unforeseen and unfortunate mishaps. A standard travel insurance typically provides financial coverage for medical emergencies on the trip, compensation for ticket/trip cancellation, delayed/cancelled flights, loss of documents, and lost/delayed/damaged baggage.
The baggage coverage in travel insurance typically provides compensation if:
1. The baggage is lost
2. The baggage gets stolen
3. The baggage gets damaged
4. The baggage arrives late.
In all such cases, you may file a travel insurance claim, and your insurer will cover the losses and compensate you for the same. Even if you lose your baggage, you'll get enough money to buy essentials again, so your trip doesn't turn into a nightmare!
Types of Baggage Coverage
Under baggage cover for travel insurance, you are eligible for the benefit under the following circumstances:
1. Loss of Checked-In Baggage
In the worst-case scenario, it may happen that the luggage gets lost before it reaches you. That's a case of permanent loss or luggage. In this case, you can raise a claim to get compensation for the loss.
2. Delay of Checked-In Baggage
A trip can get ruined even if your luggage arrives very late. You had planned your clothes for the day and kept essential documents in the bag. If that happens, your insurer compensates for the delayed luggage as well.
3. Loss of Personal Belongings
Certain personal belongings are also covered under the travel insurance, like a passport, valuables, wallet, etc. If any of these covered items are lost, you may raise a claim to get compensation for the same.
4. Damage to Baggage
Some travel insurance policies may also cover damage to the baggage. If you find your baggage in poor condition or badly damaged, you may raise a claim. Your insurer will compensate for the damages!
How Compensation Works?
The compensation process depends on the insurance company. While some insurers may compensate based on the pre-agreed claim amount, it is usually decided at the time of purchasing the policy. Some insurance providers may directly pay the replacement cost of the baggage.
You must understand the claim settlement process of your insurance provider before you sign the policy documents. Reading the fine print gives a better understanding of the policy.
Tip: Read this blog to discover why a travel insurance policy is often the most crucial purchase for your trip!
What’s Not Covered (Exclusions)?
Like any other insurance policy, travel insurance plans also do not cover ‘everything’. There are certain exclusions under travel insurance as well. You need to understand the exclusions before you sign the policy. Some of the exclusions in a travel insurance plan are:
1. The policy typically insures checked-in luggage, not hand baggage. So, unless hand baggage is explicitly covered in the policy, it is not covered against damage or loss.
2. Valuables like cash, jewellery, or electronics are usually not covered in a basic travel insurance policy. You may, however, purchase add-ons for these items.
3. General wear and tear of insured items is not covered under the travel insurance.
4. Negligence on the policyholder’s part may result in claim rejection, such as leaving baggage unattended.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Claim
In case you experience a mishap on your trip, you may file a travel insurance claim online. For damages/loss of baggage, you can raise a claim by following these steps:
1. Report to the Airport Authority
The first step is to report a complaint to the airport authority or the person in charge of the place. If the luggage is still not found, you can proceed with the next step.
2. Intimate Your Insurer
As the next step, you need to inform your insurance provider about the incident and file a travel insurance claim.
3. Submit Documents
To file the claim, you may need to submit documents such as your travel tickets and identity proof.
4. Claim Settlement
After verification, your insurer will compensate for the losses, as per the agreement.
Tip: Planning your next trip? Secure your trip with a travel insurance policy for maximum protection!
Tips to Maximise Your Baggage Coverage
Baggage coverage in travel insurance is one of the most important benefits. If you want to maximise the benefits under baggage cover in travel insurance, here are some tips for you. Follow these to ensure you get the maximum baggage coverage:
1. Insure Valuables
If you are carrying certain valuables on the trip, make sure to declare these while purchasing a travel insurance policy. It helps you get the maximum coverage on your trip. Getting valuables insured may increase the premium, but it is worth it when you need to raise a claim.
2. Purchase Add-ons
Certain valuables are not covered in the base policy, such as laptops, mobile phones, power banks, jewellery, and cash. For these, you may purchase add-ons along with the base travel insurance. Generali Central offers several options of add-ons for comprehensive coverage.
3. Keep Receipts Safe
Try to keep the purchase receipts of the items that you have listed for travel insurance coverage. It helps you get travel insurance benefits without any hassle. While some insurance providers may pay according to the pre-decided amount, some may pay the replacement cost. So, in that case, receipts may be required.
4. Keep Essentials in Handbag
Do not keep important documents and cash in your checked-in luggage. Try to keep cash, passport, essential documents, and valuables in your hand baggage that you can take into the cabin. So, even if you lose your luggage, you don't have to struggle with important documents.
5. Read the Fine Print
In the end, do not skip reading the policy documents. It provides a detailed understanding of the coverages and exclusions, enabling you to maximise the policy coverage.
Conclusion
Travel is meant to change your mood for good. Losing your baggage on the trip can be the worst nightmare for anyone. However, with travel insurance, you have the much-needed mental peace that your insurance provider will take care of the unfortunate losses and damages. So, do not forget to secure your trip with a travel insurance policy.
Losing your luggage on the trip can be quite disturbing and disheartening. However, it must not increase the budget of your trip. Purchase travel insurance to secure your finances against travel mishaps!
