When your passport is lost or stolen and you’re getting ready to leave or already on your trip, that loss could spell disaster for your travel plans – not to mention your wallet and credit card bill! Getting a replacement passport isn’t nearly as quick or easy as it was before 9/11 either.
If you cannot get a replacement in time for your trip departure or your trip home, you could be facing a big loss.
Here’s how travel insurance covers lost passports:
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Pre-departure trip cancellation benefits will reimburse you for your pre-paid and non-refundable trip expenses if your lost or stolen passport cannot be replaced in time for your trip.
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Post-departure trip interruption benefits will reimburse you for unused travel arrangements plus additional transportation costs to catch up to your covered trip.
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Trip delay benefits will be paid to include unexpected expenses incurred while you’re waiting for your passport to be replaced.
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Reimbursement of the fees required to get a replacement passport is usually included in travel insurance cover for lost passports too, but only up to a certain amount (usually $50 to $100).
Travel insurance companies are also very helpful when your passport is lost or stolen and you need to secure a replacement – and quick! Insured travelers should call their travel insurance assistance services hotline (listed in your plan documents) for advice and help getting a passport replacement either before they leave or while they’re on their trip.
Tips to make a travel insurance claim for lost or stolen passport
As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to follow the rules listed in your plan to ensure that the claim process goes smoothly. Essentially, there are two rules to be aware of when making a claim due to a lost or stolen passport:
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A claim for a stolen passport must be substantiated by a police report.
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A claim to be reimbursed for the fees to replace your lost or stolen passport must be accompanied with a paid receipt to substantiate the claim.
If you’re already on your trip and your passport is stolen, call your travel insurance company and let them know the situation. The travel assistance services representatives will help you find local law enforcement so you can make a report (be sure to get a copy!) if it was stolen. They’ll also help you find a local embassy where you can get your lost or stolen passport replaced.