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Travel Insurance for delayed baggage

For when you show up but your bags don't.

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We’ve been stuck in some remote locations with only the clothes on our back, so we understand the need to freshen up when your bags don't arrive. If you’ve arrived at the snow without warm clothes, or the tropics without a fresh pair of underwear, we can help you navigate the worst of traveler gripes - delayed baggage. 

What’s covered if my bags are delayed?

When you arrive at your destination but your bags don’t, World Nomads travel insurance may help ease the blow (and get you on your way to a fresh change of clothes and a new toothbrush).

If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your policy can reimburse you for the essential items you need to buy so you're not left wearing the same thing until your bags are found and returned.

Items you can claim reimbursement for if your bags are delayed include things like:

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • A change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Pajamas

You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. For example, if you’ve arrived at the ski fields in Europe without a warm jacket (and other clothing to suit the weather of your destination), or you’ve traveled for a big event like a wedding and your dress or tux was in your checked bag.

Get in touch if you’re unsure what you can claim and consider your policy wording, including per day and maximum limits, before making any purchase to replace your delayed items. When you get a quote, you can compare the coverage and maximums in our Standard and Explorer plans side-by-side.

Items that aren’t covered under baggage delay insurance

While things like a change of clothes and toiletries fall under the ‘items you can claim if your bags are delayed’ umbrella, not everything is reimbursable. The following items are excluded:

  • Eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses;
  • Credit cards, tickets, cash and documents;
  • Professional or occupational equipment or property including electronic business equipment
  • Hearing aids, orthodontic devices and prescription medications;

This is not a full list of exclusions. Please read your policy wording for full details including per-day and maximum limits.

If you need to make a claim for baggage delay

If your bags are stranded for an extended period without you for company, you’re probably going to need to make a claim. Travel insurance is secondary to over coverages you may have, so you will need to claim reimbursement with your common carrier first, then with us for the remaining amount your airline won’t cover.

If you need to make a claim for delayed baggage there are a few steps you need to follow:

  • Report it to your airline or other common carrier.
  • Complete all documentation required by the carrier.
  • Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy.
  • Follow the guidelines around spending limits and items that are covered as part of your policy.

Take a look at our article What to do if your luggage is delayed for more information. And if you’re still not sure, get in touch and one of our team members can advise.

Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)

There are limits on the amount you can spend, and if your bags are returned within the 12-hour waiting period, then coverage will not apply. So before you go shopping for a new wardrobe, check your policy carefully on the limits, conditions and exclusions which may apply before you buy. 

Sometimes it pays to squeeze everything into your carry-on luggage. Check out our handy trips for traveling with carry-on only.

One of the best tips from our Nomads to keep your luggage safe is to keep your valuables with you. When in transit, take your most precious items out of your checked-in luggage and carry them with you in your carry-on luggage or daypack.

Finally, check out our article on baggage and gear, to learn about coverage for lost, stolen and damaged baggage.

 

This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. If you have any questions about what is and is not covered, please reach out – we’re happy to help.

Baggage Delay in a Delhi Winter.

I arrived in Delhi from Rome. Baggage claim help desk informed me that my bag had been delayed in transit. I was without my bag for almost a week before it was finally delivered to me. It was cold in Delhi (being winter, December) and my warm jacket was in my bag, requiring that I purchase a jacket and other items of warm clothing that I had not taken in my carry-on.
Claim paid: USD $51.74
S.N. U.S Nomad in India.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $100,000
  • Standard Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $300,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
  • Repatriation of Remains
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage & Personal Effects
  • Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
  • Rental Car Damage – where permissible
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.

  • What supporting documents do you need?
    You’ll need documentation from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts, and a copy of your itinerary.