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  1. World Nomads
  2. Usa
  3. Travel Insurance
  4. Whats Covered
  5. Delayed Baggage

Travel Insurance Benefits for Delayed Bags

Learn how travel insurance benefits may help US Residents if an airline delays their bags

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At a glance

  • World Nomads Travel Insurance has four travel protection plans available for US residents, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage
  • Travel insurance benefits for delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans (per-day and maximum limits vary by plan)
  • If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes
  • A non-insurance service that’s included with all plans may help reunite you with lost checked baggage

Why should I consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for delayed bags?

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 5% of bags are lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered by US air carriers*. If your luggage goes missing, World Nomads Travel Insurance offers travel protection plans with two ways to help—first by helping track it down with an included non-insurance service perk, and second by helping cover essential purchases while you wait. The non-insurance service covers every flight, anywhere in the world. 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 missing, your next message should be to our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner. They will get on the case and may get your bag headed in the right direction, quickly.

If your checked-in bags are delayed or misdirected by your common carrier for more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may also reimburse you for essential items so you're not left wearing the same thing until your bags are found and returned. You may also be covered for other reasonable and necessary essential items, such as a warm coat if you’ve arrived at the ski slopes in Japan. (Per-day and maximum limits apply.)

Items You May Be Reimbursed For

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • A change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Pajamas
  • Reasonable essential items deemed necessary

Some exclusions that may not be covered

  • Eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses
  • Hearing aids
  • Orthodontic devices
  • Prescription medications
  • Credit cards**
  • Tickets**
  • Cash and documents**

**(except as otherwise specifically covered herein)

Maximum Benefit Amounts For Baggage Delay

Standard PlanExplorer PlanEpic PlanAnnual Plan
Up to $150 per day, up to a maximum of $750

Get a quote		 Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000

Get a quote		 Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $1,250

Get a quote		 Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 total

Get a quote
Compare all benefits and plans

What to Do If Your Bags Are Delayed

  • Report it to your airline or other common carrier.
  • Complete all documentation required by the carrier.
  • Contact our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner and provide them with the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
  • If your checked bags are delayed by your common carrier for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for essential items such as toiletries and a change of clothes. Review your plan documents to see what your per-item and maximum limits are.
  • Don’t go on a shopping spree and get a new wardrobe if your bags are delayed. Consider what can actually be considered ‘essential’ items versus ‘wants’. Call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you want to be sure (we highly suggest you do this so there won’t be surprises).
  • Save receipts for all items you purchase.
  • You’ll then need to file a claim online within 20 days after a loss occurs.
  • Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy as part of the claim process within 90 days.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed bags You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • What should I do if my bags aren’t at the airport when I land?

    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 message should be to our non-insurance Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner. They will get on the case and may get your bag headed in the right direction, quickly. 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 the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report. 

  • Can I get new clothes to wear until my bags are found?

    If your baggage is delayed for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bags are reunited.  Per-day and maximum benefit limits do apply though, so this doesn’t mean you should go on a shopping spree and buy expensive designer outfits.

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

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

    If you’re not sure what you can claim under your baggage delay travel insurance benefits, contact our team.

  • Can I be reimbursed for a new coat if my bag is delayed and I’m in a cold destination?

    If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for the essential items so you're not left wearing the same thing until your bags are found and returned. 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), you may be reimbursed for that.

    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.

  • What is the non-insurance delayed and lost baggage tracking and delivery service?

    This is an additional service that is included in your World Nomads Travel Insurance plan. If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, our partnership with a Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery Service may help. This non-insurance service 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 fill out the form. You’ll need the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.

20260317-5304672. *This website is not affiliated with United States Fire Insurance Company, World Nomads, or Trip Mate. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state 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. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

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 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.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • 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?
  • Medevac 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
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
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.