Does travel insurance cover stolen items? If your plan includes baggage benefits, you may be reimbursed for items stolen on your trip up to the maximum benefit listed in your plan. However, restrictions, limits and exclusions apply.

Yes, most comprehensive travel insurance policies in 2026 include Baggage and Personal Effects coverage, which protects you if your luggage is stolen during your trip. This coverage usually applies whether the theft occurs from your hotel room, a rental car (if there are signs of forced entry), or while the bags are in the custody of a common carrier like an airline. However, there are important limitations to keep in mind. Most policies have a "Per-Item Limit" (often $200–$500) and a total policy cap, meaning they may not fully cover high-value items like luxury jewelry, professional cameras, or designer watches unless you have a specialized rider. To make a successful claim, you are almost always required to obtain a police report within 24 hours of the theft and provide proof of ownership (receipts) for the stolen items. It is also worth noting that travel insurance is typically "secondary" coverage; if your bags were stolen while in the care of an airline, you must first seek compensation from the airline before the insurance company will cover the remaining shortfall.