• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
International Citizens Insurance
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    ▼
    • International Health Insurance
      ▼
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • International Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      ▼
      • Travel Health Insurance
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Annual Travel Insurance
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • International Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
      ▼
      • International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
      • The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
  • Group Plans
    ▼
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Group Global Medical Insurance
    • Group Travel Insurance
    • Group Life Insurance
    • Foreign General Liability for Organizations
    • Missionary Groups
    • School & Student Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
  • Insurance Companies
    ▼
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      ▼
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
    • GeoBlue
      ▼
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Voyager Travel Medical Plan
      • Navigator Health Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • International Medical Group
      ▼
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • Global Prima Medical Insurance
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      ▼
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners Travel Insurance
    • Trawick International
      ▼
      • Trawick Safe Travels USA
    • Unisure International Insurance
    • William Russell Insurance
      ▼
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      ▼
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    ▼
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    ▼
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Health Insurance in South America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      ▼
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      ▼
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      ▼
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      ▼
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Travel Insurance for Mexico
  • Resources
    ▼
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      ▼
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Request a free international health care quote

Or call for a quote:
877-758-4881
+44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical, Life and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Request a Quote
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    • International Health Insurance
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • International Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Health Insurance
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Annual Travel Insurance
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • International Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
      • International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
      • The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
  • Group Plans
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Group Global Medical Insurance
    • Group Travel Insurance
    • Group Life Insurance
    • Foreign General Liability for Organizations
    • Missionary Groups
    • School & Student Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
  • Insurance Companies
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
    • GeoBlue
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Voyager Travel Medical Plan
      • Navigator Health Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • International Medical Group
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • Global Prima Medical Insurance
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners Travel Insurance
    • Trawick International
      • Trawick Safe Travels USA
    • Unisure International Insurance
    • William Russell Insurance
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Health Insurance in South America
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Travel Insurance for Mexico
  • Resources
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Home > News > Traveler’s Guide to Personal Property Insurance

Traveler’s Guide to Personal Property Insurance

Every Frequent Traveler Fears a Personal Property Disaster

a suited man sitting at the airport without his luggage, wishing he had bought international personal property insuranceThe news is often filled with scary travel stories. But if you ask travelers what they fear most, they say losing their luggage tops the list. Everyone can relate to that sinking feeling. You’re waiting around the luggage carousel, willing your suitcase to appear to no avail. And just about everyone has heard a horror story about their lost personal property that was woefully under-compensated. To protect your belongings, consider international personal property insurance, which can provide adequate coverage for lost or damaged luggage while traveling. Here’s what you need to know to ensure reasonable coverage and sound peace of mind.

Homeowner’s Insurance Helps with Personal Property

There are different forms of insurance that offer different levels of coverage for personal property. The homeowner’s insurance that covers your property and its contents also protects you during travel. Your personal property is just that – it’s yours. And your insurance covers it, whether you’re at home or on the road.

But, as with any insurance, it pays to know the finer points. Valuable items, like expensive jewelry, may require their policy for full coverage. Many homeowners’ insurance plans are structured so that there is a premium increase after filing a claim. A separate travel policy will protect you, so your homeowner’s premiums are unaffected.

Renters, You’re Covered With Rental Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance isn’t just for people who own a home. Its counterpart, rental insurance, is one of the most affordable types of insurance that exist. There are extremely affordable plans for everyone, from students sharing a dorm room to busy families renting a townhouse.

Just like homeowners’ insurance, renters insurance also covers your personal property when you travel. (And, just like homeowners’ insurance, there may be pros and cons to filing a claim.) Don’t delay in applying for renter’s insurance. Even young people with small budgets will reap large rewards.

Car Insurance is Really Just For Cars

Most car insurance offers very little protection for the loss of your personal property that was located inside your vehicle. Should your car or jeep be stolen with your camera bag inside, chances are you’ll have to file claims both for the vehicle and for your equipment.

Credit Cards Versus Airlines

Credit card travel insurance may help with lost personal property, depending on the policy and the nature of the problem. You might be entitled to compensation if you used your credit card to purchase your airline tickets. However, you may have to wait until the airline has concluded its investigation. Your credit card coverage typically pays out a portion of the difference between your total loss and what the airline will cover.

Read More: Credit Cards and Travel Insurance

Protect Your Receipts

Remember: airlines have a capped maximum they will pay out for lost luggage. That cap may be calculated on the size or weight of the bag, not the contents. Replacing contents may also depend on being able to provide proof of purchase. Today’s the day to set up a special folder for travel receipts! Read your policy carefully to learn what coverage you can expect in different circumstances.

Baggage Insurance is Travel Reassurance

Baggage insurance (often called “lost luggage” insurance) offers peace of mind regardless of whether your luggage is permanently lost or just temporarily delayed. It can offset the cost of replacing essentials while you wait to be reunited with your bag.

Often, this is what travelers love the most about these policies. Replacing toothpaste, lotion, and body wash doesn’t seem expensive until you have to buy them all at once – from a hotel gift shop. Add in some basic yet pricey items like contact lens solution, and that bill can add up!

Your Travel Gear is More Valuable Than You Think

It’s up to the individual traveler to determine how much coverage they need to offset the potential loss of their personal property while traveling. Many of us travel with inexpensive items. Costume jewelry, old t-shirts for the beach, and a tattered paperback don’t add up to much!

However, even the most modest of travelers have items that represent a high replacement value. Consider the cost of buying a new technical backpack, replacing an iPhone, or getting a new prescription snorkel mask. Just because your travel gear is older or a bit beat up doesn’t mean you won’t face high replacement costs.

Smart Coverage for Smart Phones

In particular, consider the electronics on your list. Specialty policies covering smartphones, laptops, and cameras are very affordable, and they allow you to use your baggage insurance allotment for everything else.

Travel Insurance with Personal Property Protection

We recommend one plan for international travelers who want to protect their personal property and cover lost luggage or their laptops.

For US citizens, the plan would be Trawick Trip Protection, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage for personal items. Print the brochure and make sure you understand the full details of what is covered and any associated limitations.

Trawick

Safe Travels Voyager

  • Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
  • Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
  • Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

An Ounce of Prevention…

Of course, the best insurance is always good preventative measures. Here are some tested and true travel tips to keep your personal property safe on the road.

  • Travel with less. Every spare camera lens and the pair of shoes you leave at home is one less item to worry about on the road.
  • Travel modestly. Gorgeous gems will make you feel glamorous in Paris – and also paranoid, as you suspect everyone is planning a jewel heist. Don’t pack your treasures.
  • Tone it down and zip it up. Thieves love sparkly items that are easy to access. Scuff up that brand-new suitcase, and never use an open-style tote bag.
  • Organize and streamline your kit. Old suitcases with strained seams and broken straps are a behind-the-scenes disaster waiting to happen.
  • Speaking of suitcases, avoid black luggage if you can. It looks like everyone else’s bag and is easily misplaced or stolen.
  • Label your items like a fiend. One of the leading causes of travelers losing their luggage is because external tags rip off. Apply sturdy luggage tags on the outside AND the inside of your luggage. Even add labels to your packing cubes. Make it as easy as possible for wayward items to find their way home.
  • Prepare your carry-on bag for possible separation. You never know when an agent will insist on checking it. It should have the same labels and protection as a larger suitcase.
  • Before your trip, take photos of the outside and inside of your bag. Grab snapshots of all your gear. Then email the photos to yourself and a friend. When you file a report, they’ll be invaluable memory aids.
  • Speaking of photos… take photos of everything. Include the forms you fill out and the business card of the agent who helped you. When you’re jet-lagged and in a new country, tiny bits of paper with important information tend to go missing.
  • And should you be packing for your own destination wedding, never, ever check your wedding dress. It’s tempting fate too much!


Written by: Andrew Blomberg Categories: Travel Insurance News Tags: advice, airports, baggage, insurance, lost luggage, luggage, Packing, property, stolen, travel, trip insurance

Primary Sidebar

Search Website

Recent Posts

  • Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA
  • Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?
  • The Best Countries for Women's Healthcare
  • Insurance Advice for Retiring Abroad
  • Traveling Internationally with Prescription Medication

Categories

  • Expatriate News (72)
  • Global Medical News (30)
  • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips (172)
  • Student Plans (14)
  • Travel Insurance News (64)
  • Travel Medical News (43)
  • Trip Insurance (46)
  • Visa Updates (3)

International Plans

You may also want to review our International Health Insurance, Expat Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance or Global Group Benefits Plans.

International Citizens Insurance

Offering the best international health and travel insurance plans.

Pick a Plan


We Contact You

One of our expert international insurance brokers will respond to you promptly.

Request a Quote Today

Get a fast, free, international insurance quote.

Request a Quote

Footer

Global Medical Plans

International Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier
IMG Global Medical
William Russell
Expatriate Plans
Travel Medical Plans

Specialty Coverage

Overseas Health Insurance
US Citizens Abroad
US Health Insurance
Senior Travel Insurance
Visitors Insurance Coverage
Nomad Travel Insurance
Annual Multi Trip

Company Info

About Us
The Team
International Brokers
Testimonials
Agents / Affiliates
Group Services

Customer Service

United States 877-758-4881
US Direct 617-500-6738
International +44 (20) 35450909
US Travel Insurance Association Member International Citizens Insurance Business Review

18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 USA | info@internationalinsurance.com

Contact US | Privacy Policy | Licensing | Sitemap

Copyright © 2025, International Citizens Insurance, an International Citizens Group, Inc. company


International Citizens Insurance is a licensed agency providing guidance on international insurance plans. Select products and services listed on this site may not be available to citizens or residents of certain countries.
This site provides consolidated and summary descriptions of insurance plans, benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. A certificate containing the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions, and exclusions will be provided at the time of purchase or upon request. For additional advice and guidance, contact us for assistance.
International Citizens Insurance is a subsidiary of International Citizens Group, Inc. In the State of California, operating as International Citizens Insurance Agency. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 6005545.

By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.