Making the decision to purchase travel insurance should require little reflection. The simple fact is that your health can falter at any time, and accidents can happen to anyone in any part of the world. However, certain forms of travel insurance may be superfluous. For example, travelers are often conflicted over whether or not they should take out baggage loss travel insurance. If you find yourself in this situation, the following points will help you make a decision.
What is Covered by Baggage Loss Travel Insurance?
Baggage loss travel insurance comes in a few different forms. There are some policies that cover baggage lost during the flight to your destination, but not afterwards. A second set of policies covers your baggage during your flight, and while you are at your destination. Finally, a third set offers comprehensive coverage from the moment you board your flight to the moment you arrive home.
How Do You Decide if You Need Baggage Loss Travel Insurance?
There are several things you need to consider before you purchase a baggage loss travel insurance policy. First, figure out if you already have an insurance policy, travel or otherwise, that will cover your baggage. For example, in some cases, homeowners insurance will cover some amount of your possessions even if you are traveling with them.
For travelers that take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy, a baggage loss policy could also be unnecessary. In this case, a packaged policy may already feature baggage loss coverage. Of course, you should carefully review any packaged travel insurance policy to fully understand all aspects of the coverage.
If both your travel and homeowner's insurance do not offer baggage loss coverage, then you need to have a look at what kind of coverage is provided by the airlines in your flight itinerary. Some airlines provide extensive coverage that could potentially reimburse the value of all your traveling possessions. Other airlines place a strict limit on their coverage, and they may be slow in responding to claims.
In addition to looking at the information provided by the airline itself, do a search online and see if you can find testimony from other passengers who have lost bags on the airlines you will be taking. Their experience can help you make an informed decision as to whether you need to take out a baggage loss policy.
In most instances, a baggage loss travel insurance policy is unnecessary. However, in instances where your airline has poor baggage loss coverage, and you don't have overlapping coverage from another insurance policy, it may be a good idea to take out a policy. Finally, it is never a good idea to travel with irreplaceable valuables, but if you do, you should not hesitate to take out a baggage loss travel insurance policy.
