Travel insurance can be a must-have for budding world travelers. This unique form of insurance policy can help you save money in the event of a life-altering event while you are traveling. Do these insurance plans cover smartphones and other tech-enabled gadgets? Read on to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Travel insurance does not typically cover mobile phones and high-priced pieces of tech, but plans offer gadget-specific tiers of coverage.
- If you have travel insurance that covers your phone or laptop, be aware of the deductible.
- Always seek out and hold on to paperwork from airlines or local authorities if your smartphone is lost, stolen, or damaged.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Generally speaking, a standard travel insurance plan covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, trip cancellations, trip delays, medical evaluations, lost luggage, and stolen luggage.
Insider Tip
A standard travel insurance plan covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, trip cancellations, trip delays, medical evaluations, lost luggage, and stolen luggage.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Smartphone Damage?
Many travel insurance plans do not offer coverage for smartphones and higher-priced tech gadgets. Some travel insurance companies do offer premium plans that cover phones, laptops, and other expensive pieces of technology. If you aren’t sure, call the company and ask to speak to a customer representative. Ask about phone and gadget insurance coverage. Be aware that you can also receive and activate a replacement phone through an insurance plan provided by MetroPCS.
Tips to Protect Phones and Gadgets During Travel
A lot of things can happen to your smartphone and related gadgets as you travel, including theft, hacking, and identity theft. Here are some tips to help keep your smartphone and laptop safe. And if you’ve recently bought a Galaxy tablet or phone, you will be interested in the Samsung insurance plans and warranties.
Insider Tip
Some travel insurance companies do offer premium plans that cover phones, laptops, and other expensive pieces of technology.
Practice Caution
The most important tip to consider before traveling is to practice caution during transit and once you arrive at your final destination. Keep an eye on your phone and other gadgets and do not loan them out to strangers. You should also make sure your phone is fitted into a high-quality case and boasts a screen protector. Laptops should rest in a computer-specific carrying case with plenty of cushioning.
Keep All Paperwork
If you experience theft or your smartphone is damaged during transit, be sure to acquire the appropriate paperwork with the airline, bus company, or local authorities. Hold on to this paperwork, as it is possible an airline could reimburse you for the cost of the lost gadget even if your travel insurance does not cover smartphones and related items. If you do have gadget-specific insurance, the provider is going to also want to take a look at this paperwork.
Be Aware of Deductibles
Even if your travel insurance covers lost or damaged smartphones, you should be aware of the deductible cost. An insurance deductible is the amount of money that you have to pay before the insurance claim kicks in and begins financial assistance. Lower deductibles typically mean a higher upfront cost for the plan, with the opposite also being true. In other words, low-priced insurance plans could feature a higher-than-average deductible.
Warning
Keep an eye on your phone and other gadgets and do not loan them out to strangers.
F.A.Q.S
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance plans vary wildly as to what they do and do not cover. Bare-bones plans typically cover medical emergencies and lost luggage.
Can I get travel insurance for an existing medical condition?
Yes, some travel insurance plans will cover medication and doctor visits to treat a pre-existing medical condition. Read the fine print.
When should I buy travel insurance?
You can purchase travel insurance up until the day of your trip, but most experts think it is prudent to purchase a plan two to three weeks in advance.
STAT: The average cost of travel insurance in the United States in 2019 was $148. (source)
