Essential steps to take when luggage is delayed, including tips on making a claim, and using your travel insurance.

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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.

1. Report it to your carrier

Once you realize that your luggage is missing, report it immediately to the carrier — your airline or tour operator, for example. Get a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as a confirmation of the delay.

2. Ask for compensation

Check with your carrier to see if you qualify for any compensation such as for the cost of basic personal items while you wait for your bags to be returned. You should keep a copy of the exchange with your carrier that confirms or denies any coverage. The travel insurance* claims department will need to see what was approved or denied before issuing any benefits.

3. Get Blue Ribbon Bags on the case

If you have World Nomads travel insurance, you’re in good hands. All plans include Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that finds and expedites the return of lost or delayed airline luggage so you can get on with your travels. The service covers every flight on every airline anywhere in the world, and you’ll be updated every step of the way. Simply report your lost bags after alerting the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags will take it from there. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report from the airline on hand.

4. Keep your receipts

If you're not compensated by the carrier and there’s no sign of your bags, you may qualify for travel insurance coverage should the delay be a minimum of 12 hours – and if it doesn't happen on your return flight home. Keep the original receipts for any basic personal items you purchase such as toothbrushes, prescription medication or a change of clothes.

Before you go shopping for designer jeans or a new ballgown, remember that your plan has limits on what's considered a reasonable expense, and on the amount of coverage allowed per day. Read your plan carefully and contact us if you have any questions on what might be covered. (You wouldn't believe some of the extravagant claims we've seen!)

5. Get a second report

Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming the length of the delay. In order to be eligible for benefits, the bags must have been delayed for at least 12 hours after the scheduled arrival time. You won't qualify for any reimbursements for less than that amount of time.

6. Prepare your claim

Read over your insurance plan to see what's covered and to check if any terms, conditions or exclusions apply. With World Nomads, you can file your claim online and, if necessary, send in any supporting documentation afterwards. You should make your claim no later than 20 days from the incident and provide documentation within 90 days.

If you have questions about coverage or the claims process, just ask us. We’re happy to help.

*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.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • 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.

  • Standard Plan: $125,500
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual 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.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

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

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Runway Health
  • FootprintID
  • Blue Ribbon Bags
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits 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