Baggage cover pays if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged while you are travelling. It is a standard part of most travel policies, but the limits and excesses decide how useful it is.
What is covered
Cover applies to your bags and their contents, including clothes and essentials, whether held by the carrier, left in a locked hotel room, or on you. Single item limits apply above which valuables must be listed. Money and documents are often covered separately and at lower limits.
What to watch
Excesses can outweigh the value of a small claim, and wear and tear or poor packing are excluded. Most policies expect you to report theft to the police and the carrier promptly. Our explainer on exclusions covers the boundaries, and our guide to complaining sets out the route if a claim is rejected.
Keeping claims smooth
Keep receipts for valuable items, use hotel safes, and photograph damage. Choosing the right level of cover is part of picking between single trip and annual policies.