If you’re in the unfortunate position of having your luggage stolen, here’s what you need to do
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So, you’ve packed your sunnies, swimsuits, and a stack of holiday reads, departed the UK, and landed in sunny Spain, ready to soak up some rays. But there’s just one problem…your luggage has decided to take its own detour. No need to panic—World Nomads offers travel insurance for stolen or damaged baggage.
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having your luggage stolen, here’s what you need to do:
No matter where your luggage goes missing, reporting it as soon as possible is essential. Here’s what to do based on where you last had your belongings:
On public transport (plane, train, bus, or ferry):
Report the loss immediately to the transport provider. Request written evidence, like a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) if available. Keep hold of any tickets, baggage receipts, or relevant documentation useful for a claim. Also, ask about any compensation they can provide and get this in writing.
At Your Accommodation:
If your luggage is lost or stolen from a hotel or other accommodation, immediately report it to the staff. Request a written confirmation of the incident and any compensation they might offer.
During a Tour or at a Public Venue (museum, airport, sports stadium):
Notify the tour operator, venue management, or security team of the incident. Ask for written confirmation of the loss or theft and any details on possible compensation.
Your situation not on here? Get in contact, and we can help.
Tip for UK travellers: keep all supporting documents, like tickets and receipts, and scan copies or save photos in a secure location. These records will be essential if you need to make a claim, especially for any replacement items you purchase while waiting for your luggage.
Don’t skip this step: filing a police report is critical for making an insurance claim. Head to the nearest station to report your lost luggage and be sure to get a copy of the report or at least a reference number—you’ll need it to back up your claim.
Act quickly to protect your information if your phone, tablet, or credit cards are missing. First, try calling your device—it might just turn up! If not, use tracking features like Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile to locate it on a map. If the device can’t be found, contact your provider to block the service and ask for written confirmation.
Call your bank immediately to cancel any stolen credit or debit cards and prevent unauthorised charges. Keep records of all actions taken, as these can be helpful when filing a claim.
Keep all your paperwork handy—receipts for emergency buys, travel itineraries, booking confirmations, and any cancellations. Missing documents could mean a reduced or rejected claim, so make sure you’ve got a solid record of everything.
Ideally, provide original purchase receipts for lost or damaged items, but if these aren’t available (especially for older items), alternatives like bank statements, credit card statements, invoices, or a notarised statement (if the item was a gift) can work as proof. Having this documentation will help ensure a smoother claims process.
Lost, stolen, and damaged luggage incidents account for nearly half of all travel insurance claims, so if you’re dealing with stolen gear, you’re not alone. And if you’re reading this as part of your trip prep, good on you for being proactive.
World Nomads offers two flexible travel insurance plans for UK travellers —Standard and Explorer—both covering stolen belongings. The Standard Plan provides the basics (up to £1,500 cover for baggage), while the Explorer Plan provides higher coverage limits and extra benefits (up to £3,000 cover for baggage).
Remember, each travel insurance policy is unique. Check your policy wording for all terms, conditions, and exclusions for the full rundown.
Got questions about what’s covered? Just ask us. Or, if you're ready to roll, grab a quote today.
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You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.
For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.
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.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Here are our most frequently asked questions about digital nomads travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
World Nomads policies generally cover expenses for replacing a lost or stolen passport, as well as transportation to and from the nearest consulate. Just be sure to report the loss to local authorities and keep a copy of the police report.
If you’ve lost the original receipt for an item, other proof may be acceptable, like bank or credit card statements, photos, or packaging. Providing as much documentation as possible helps support your claim.
If your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hrs, World Nomads will reimburse you for essential items (think toiletries and jocks). Keep all receipts for these items, as they’ll be needed for your claim.
Choosing between Standard and Explorer plans depends on your travel plans. The Standard plan provides essential coverage for general trips, while the Explorer plan offers higher limits and coverage for more adventurous activities. Look over the benefits of each to find the best fit for your trip.
Electronics are fragile, and checked-in luggage can easily be damaged.
You can file a claim but still need to show proof of ownership. Read our Help Center article for more info on what to do if you don’t have documentation.
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.