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What Is Baggage Insurance?
A traveler contacted us after arriving overseas to find her checked bag missing at baggage claim. She had a connecting flight, and by the time she reached her final destination, her luggage was nowhere to be found. It’s never easy to lose your belongings while far from home, but baggage loss insurance was included in her travel protection plan and provides reimbursement for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during travel, based on the terms outlined in the travel insurance plan.
When she called, she was unsure where to begin. I walked her through how to report the loss to the airline, helped her list the contents of her bag, and reviewed which items might require receipts. I also guided her through the documentation needed to submit a claim. She told me the situation had felt overwhelming, but having step-by-step support helped her move forward with more confidence.
~ Roxanne, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
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What Warrants a Baggage Loss or Theft Claim?
A baggage loss or theft claim generally applies when your checked or carry-on luggage is permanently lost, stolen, or damaged during your covered trip. This includes situations such as:
Your checked baggage is not returned by the airline
Items are taken from your locked hotel room
Personal belongings are stolen during transit
To be eligible, the loss or theft must occur during your covered trip and meet the plan’s specific documentation and timing requirements.
How AXA Covers Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage and personal effects coverage is included in most AXA Travel Protection plans and can help reimburse you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. Coverage limits vary by plan level:
What Does Baggage Loss or Theft Insurance Include?
Unexpected baggage loss or theft can disrupt your travel plans and result in the loss of personal belongings. The baggage and personal effects coverage included in AXA Travel Protection plans may help reimburse you for eligible items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during your covered trip. Coverage is subject to plan limits, exclusions, and documentation requirements.
Eligible losses under this benefit may include:
Checked Baggage
Items not returned by your airline or other
carrier
Carry-On Items
Belongings taken during travel or while in your possession
Hotel or Accommodation Incidents
Losses occurring in secured areas like locked hotel rooms
High-Value Belongings
Some coverage for items like cameras and watches, subject to combined article limits
Reimbursement Basis
Coverage typically provides the actual cash value or cost to repair or replace items, whichever is less, up to the plan’s stated limits
Required Documentation
All claims must be supported by proper documentation, including reports from carriers or authorities. Reimbursements are based on plan terms and benefit limits.
How to File a Baggage Loss or Theft Insurance Claim
If your baggage or personal items are lost or stolen during your covered trip, it is important to report the incident and begin the claims process promptly. Here is how to file a claim for baggage loss or theft coverage:
Documents typically required for a travel medical insurance claim incldue:
Report the incident as soon as possible
Notify the appropriate party, such as the airline, hotel, or local police, depending on where the loss occurred. Obtain written reports or statements that document the incident. These are typically required for your claim.
Gather and organize required documents
Prepare documentation such as proof of ownership, receipts for the affected items, and the written report from the carrier or local authorities. Include a detailed list of what was lost or stolen.
Submit your claim with all supporting information
Follow the instructions provided in your plan documents to submit your claim. Be sure to include all required forms and documentation to help avoid delays in processing.
Claims are reviewed based on your plan’s terms
AXA will assess your claim using the terms and limits of your travel protection plan. Reimbursement may be based on the actual cash value or repair or replacement cost of the covered items, up to the specified limits.
What Are the Benefits of Personal Effects Coverage?
Reimbursment for Loss, Theft, or Damage
If your personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during your covered trip, you may receive reimbursement, depending on your plan’s benefit limits and exclusions.
Covers a Range of Personal Items
Covered items can include clothing, electronics, and other personal belongings you bring with you. Some high-value items may be subject to individual or combined article limits.
Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost
You can get reimbursed based on the actual cash value of your items at the time of loss or the cost to repair or replace them with similar items, up to the applicable plan limits.
Support with Claims annd Documentation
The claims process is designed to guide you through submitting required documentation. AXA’s team reviews claims based on clear criteria outlined in your travel protection plan.
How Baggage Loss or Theft Coverage Works
If your baggage or personal items are lost, stolen, or damaged during your covered trip, AXA Travel Protection could help reimburse you for eligible belongings, depending on your plan’s benefit limits and terms. Here is how the process generally works:
You identify a loss or theft
Report missing or stolen baggage as soon as possible to the appropriate party, such as the airline, hotel, or local authorities. Be sure to obtain written documentation of the report.
You submit a claim with the required documents
To start the claims process, provide a list of affected items, proof of ownership, and supporting documents like incident reports and original receipts when available.
We evaluate your claim
AXA’s claims team will assess the submitted information and determine what is covered based on your plan’s per-item and combined article limits, as well as applicable exclusions.
You may receive reimbursement
If your claim is approved, you may be reimbursed for the depreciated value of covered belongings, up to the maximum limits specified in your plan.
Assistance services can support you
In addition to insurance coverage, AXA provides non-insurance travel assistance services that may help locate lost luggage or assist with replacing essential items during your trip.
Need Coverage for Lost or Stolen Baggage?
AXA offers travel protection plans that include baggage and personal effects coverage, which may help reimburse you if your luggage or belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.
Personal effects are items you personally own and bring on your trip, such as clothing, toiletries, and other belongings used during travel. Under baggage and personal effects coverage, travel insurance may help reimburse you for the loss, theft, or damage of these items while you're away from home. Coverage is typically subject to specific limits and exclusions, and certain high-value items may not be fully reimbursable. Reviewing your travel insurance plan's terms can help you understand what is and isn't covered.
What are personal possessions in travel insurance?
Personal possessions are items you personally own and bring on your trip for daily use or comfort. This includes essentials like clothing, electronics, and toiletries. If these belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during a covered trip, travel insurance may help reimburse you, subject to your travel insurance plan's limits and exclusions.
What is the combined article limit in baggage coverage?
A combined article limit refers to the maximum reimbursement allowed for certain high-value items grouped together. This typically includes watches, jewelry, furs, and cameras with accessories. Even if multiple items are affected, reimbursement is capped at the combined limit listed in your plan. Reviewing these limits helps manage expectations.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Yes, travel insurance may include baggage and personal effects coverage, which can help reimburse you for belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged during a covered trip. Covered items may include clothing, electronics, and other personal belongings, subject to the limits, exclusions, and terms of your plan.
What should I do if my luggage is lost internationally?
If your luggage is lost while traveling internationally, report the loss immediately to local authorities and the transportation provider. If traveling with a tour group, notify your tour leader. You should also contact AXA's travel assistance provider to begin the claim process. Documentation is required for claims involving lost baggage.
Can I file a claim for delayed baggage with travel insurance?
Yes, if your AXA Travel Protection plan includes baggage delay coverage, you may file a claim if your bags are delayed beyond the minimum time period stated in your plan. This coverage may help reimburse you for essential items purchased during the delay, up to the applicable benefit limit.
My luggage has been lost or stolen. How do I file a claim?
Notify AXA or an authorized representative as soon as reasonably possible. Take steps to protect, recover, or document the property affected. Report the loss to the carrier, travel supplier, or property manager, and retain a copy of that report. If theft or robbery occurred, report it to local authorities within 24 hours and provide a copy of the police report with your claim.
Call AXA Claims Team:
(888) 957-5015
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time
Is baggage and personal effects coverage included in all AXA travel protection plans?
Yes, baggage and personal effects coverage is included in the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of AXA Travel Protection. Benefit limits and specific terms vary by plan. Refer to the plan documents to understand what is covered and the maximum benefit amounts available under each option.
Can I purchase baggage loss or theft coverage separately from a travel protection plan?
Baggage and personal effects coverage is available only as part of an AXA Travel Protection plan. This travel insurance benefit cannot be purchased separately. Each plan includes a combination of travel insurance benefits and travel assistance services designed to support you before and during your trip.
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With over 65 years of travel assistance experience, AXA supports millions of travelers across 164 countries. Our licensed representatives are available 24/7 to guide you through medical needs, trip concerns, or questions about your plan. You'll always speak with real people who are here to help, wherever you travel.
