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Travel Insurance for Lost or Stolen Passports

Learn what to do if your passport is stolen while travelling, and how World Nomads travel insurance could help.

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Four simple steps to take if your passport is stolen

Losing your passport while traveling can be stressful, but following these steps can help minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother replacement process:

  1. Report the theft to local authorities – File a police report as soon as possible and obtain a written document confirming the theft. This will be required for both the embassy and travel insurance claims.
  2. Contact your embassy or consulate – Reach out to the nearest diplomatic mission to begin the process of obtaining an emergency passport or a replacement.
  3. Secure documentation and copies – Keep a record of the police report, embassy correspondence, and any receipts for related expenses.
  4. Notify your travel insurance provider – If you have a policy with us, tell us. Contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to guide you through the process.

Travel insurance coverage for stolen passports

Having travel insurance can help mitigate the financial and logistical challenges of replacing a stolen passport. Key areas of coverage include:

  • Emergency passport expenses – Some policies may cover the cost of obtaining an emergency passport.
  • Additional travel expenses – If the theft results in delays or itinerary changes, certain policies may help cover costs.
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance – We can assist in locating the nearest embassy, translating documents, and guiding you through the claim process.

Note: an AUD $100 excess is payable per event. 

What do I need to make a claim? 

  • Reports from local police, common carriers, service providers and any other relevant parties.
  • Receipts for passport processing fees. 
  • Copies of all documentation provided by the Australian Government. 
  • Receipts for pre-paid, non-refundable accommodations and any additional expenses incurred, should it apply to your case. 

Important exclusions and limitations

Understanding the limitations of travel insurance can help prevent claim issues. Common exclusions include:

  • Negligence – Claims may be denied if the passport was left unattended or not properly safeguarded.
  • Lack of documentation – A valid police report is typically required for a successful claim.
  • Confiscation by authorities – If a government official takes your passport, insurance usually does not cover this.
  • Full replacement cost – Most policies only cover emergency passport fees, not the full cost of a new passport.

Preventative measures to protect your passport

  • Before travelling – Make photocopies and store digital backups in a secure, accessible location.
  • During travel – Keep your passport in a safe or secure bag and avoid carrying it unnecessarily in crowded places.

Ensuring a smooth claims process

To ensure a smooth claims process:

  • Notify us as soon as possible after the theft.
  • Submit all required documentation, including police reports and receipts.
  • Follow our specific claim process and deadlines.

By taking proactive steps and understanding your insurance coverage, you can handle passport theft more efficiently and reduce its impact on your travels.

To find out more about how to make a claim click here.

What’s not covered by World Nomads travel insurance?

  • If you leave your passport behind.
  • If you don’t take proper precautions to protect your passport.
  • If you don’t obtain a written police report if it's stolen.
  • If customs or another government body confiscates your passport.
  • A new passport is not covered. Cover is to get you an emergency passport, not the full replacement cost.

Need to know more?

When you get a travel insurance quote, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan so you may determine the best travel insurance plan for your needs. If you’re unclear about anything at all, get in touch with us.  

The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

Passport stolen during dinner with friends.

My handbag was stolen when I was having dinner with friends. In my bag was my passport, and as I had to apply for an emergency passport, and then another visa, in order to leave China. I had to cancel the flight I had booked.
L.E. Aussie in China.
Claim Paid: $1112.22

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medicine?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.

  • Will my travel insurance cover the cost of replacing my Australian passport?
    Our policies may cover you for the official processing fees to replace your passport if it got lost stolen or was accidentally damaged. If your trip is interrupted as a result of your passport being stolen, if it got lost, or was accidentally damaged, we may cover you for reasonable and necessary additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to replace these items. You can find more information in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please carefully read your Policy Document for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.