Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
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 a common traveler gripe – delayed baggage.
When you arrive at your destination, but your bags don’t, and it’s looking like it will take some time for them to find their way back to you, World Nomads travel insurance* may help ease the blow.
If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan can reimburse you for the essential items 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:
You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. For example, if you’ve arrived at the ski slopes 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 be sure to look at your plan 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 limits in our plans side-by-side.
If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, you should first talk with the airline and try to get it sorted out with them. If the bag is still lost, your next email should be to our non-insurance service partner “Blue Ribbon Bags”. They will get on the case and get your bag headed in the right direction, quickly. Blue Ribbon Bags tracks and expedites your lost luggage, allowing you to continue your travels smoothly. Included in all plans, this service covers every flight on any airline worldwide. You'll receive updates at every step. Just report your lost bags to the airline, then provide Blue Ribbon Bags with the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
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:
This is not a full list of exclusions. Please read your plan wording for full details including per-day and maximum limits.
If your bags are missing for an extended time, you’re probably going to need to make a claim. Travel insurance is secondary to other coverage 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.
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.
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 plan carefully on the limits, conditions and exclusions that may apply before you buy.
Sometimes it pays to squeeze everything into your carry-on luggage. Check out our handy tips for traveling with carry-on only and take care you don’t exceed luggage weight limits.
One of the best ways 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, read our article on baggage and gear to learn about coverage for lost, stolen and damaged baggage.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.
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.
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