Stolen or lost items abroad could cost Scots more than £1,500

Knowing what your insurance policy covers is one of the key things to be aware of when packing for your holidays, according to Tesco Insurance. It says it’s worth considering if people really need to take new smartphones, for example, with them and, if so, ensuring they have the right level of cover in place. Gadget cover can often prove a valuable add-on and will ensure people are only ever paying for what you need.

Meanwhile three in ten travellers (29 per cent) think ‘small issues’ aren’t worth claiming on insurance, and one in five (18 per cent) believe travel insurance is only necessary for expensive trips.

However, the worries often start well before arriving at the airport. With well over four-fifths (85 per cent) admitting they felt concerned before their trip. Specifically, a fifth (18 per cent) were worried about losing their luggage, while a similar number (21 per cent) fretted about having something stolen, such as a wallet, phone, or camera. An even larger proportion, a quarter, were worried about losing their passport or other important documents.

These worries are not just emotional, they're financial too - especially for those unfortunate enough to lose or have an item stolen abroad, says Tesco Insurance.

In fact, travellers who have had to replace items report that losing a phone abroad could cost up to £474 - and significantly more for newer models. For the especially unlucky, the total cost of replacing commonly lost belongings could soar past £1,500.

Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco Insurance, says: "Lost or missing items can quickly turn a dream holiday into a nightmare, so it’s no surprise this is a top concern for many travellers. The best way to stay protected is to plan ahead: invest in tracking devices like AirTags, secure your luggage properly, and ensure your travel insurance covers your belongings - including gadgets - from the moment you book.

“Travel insurance is an important consideration for any trip you take, even if it’s just a short city break. While it comes in handy for things like cancellations or damage to your luggage, it’s invaluable if the unexpected does happen and you need medical treatment. A few simple steps can help you travel with confidence and peace of mind."

To help travellers be prepared, Alex has shared his top tips:

1. Utilise tracking devices and secure luggage: Give yourself peace of mind by investing in small, battery-powered tracking devices like AirTags for your luggage, handbags, or even key valuables. These can often be located using your smartphone, potentially aiding in recovery if items go astray. Always use sturdy padlocks on your checked luggage, and for carry-on bags, ensure zips are secure. Consider keeping valuable items like passports, wallets, and electronics in a smaller, accessible bag that stays with you, rather than in an overhead locker if you're concerned.

2. Make sure you’re covered: To ensure continuous coverage and protect yourself financially, aim to purchase your travel insurance policy at the same time you book your holiday. This way, you're covered for unexpected events that might occur between booking and your departure date, such as illness, cancellation, or initial loss of items. Don't just buy insurance - read it. Familiarise yourself with your specific policy's terms and conditions, especially regarding what's covered in case of loss or theft, any single item limits, and the excess you might need to pay. Knowing these details beforehand can prevent unwelcome surprises if you need to make a claim.

3. Digitise important documents: Before you travel, take clear photographs of your passport, visa (if applicable), driver's license, and travel insurance policy details. Store these digital copies securely on your phone and consider emailing a copy to yourself or a trusted family member. This can significantly speed up replacement if physical documents are lost or stolen.

4. Keep emergency contacts handy: Have a list of essential emergency contact numbers readily accessible, separate from your phone. This includes your airline, hotel, travel insurance provider's 24-hour helpline, and the local embassy or consulate for reporting lost passports or stolen items quickly.

5. Do I need gadget cover? If you’re planning on taking multiple expensive items like phones, tablets, and cameras, then it’s worth taking this into account when considering insurance providers. You may find that opting for gadget cover is a great way to get cover for all your gizmos at just a small additional cost.

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