Your most important travel essential might not be covered by insurance
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By this point, we all know that getting travel insurance is a good idea. From cancelled flights and delays to random injuries while on holiday, having the peace of mind to know you’re covered is always worth it.
Our phones are one of the most important things we can bring on holiday. iStock
But one of the most important things you pack in your suitcase isn’t always covered by your insurance.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s recent ‘Future of Travel’ research report revealed that Aussies ranked their phone and charger as their most important travel essentials – even more than their toothbrush.
But as important as your phone is, it’s also very susceptible to getting damaged or stolen while you’re on holiday.
From there, the costs of being overseas without a working phone can quickly add up – costs which aren’t always covered by your travel insurance.
It’s not just a way to keep in touch with people, but also stores much of our booking information while we’re on the road.
“Depending on your insurer and policy, specified items may require payment of an additional premium for extra cover,” Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at SCTI, said.
Before locking in your travel insurance, take a look at what items are covered and if there are any limits on your personal items that can be protected.
Accidents are common with phones on holiday. iStock
Jess said you should also consider the value of your phone.
“It’s important to understand how policy limits and depreciation apply before you leave home. Many people don’t realise insurance policies, including travel insurance, generally take into account the age, wear and tear of electronic items.
“So, if you’re travelling with a three-year-old phone, you may not receive the cash equivalent of a brand-new model if it is lost or damaged,” she added.
Most claims are about dropped phones. Getty
While most of SCTI’s claims for damaged phones while overseas are caused by simple drops, there are a few out-there scenarios which travellers could have never seen coming.
One traveller in Bali had a monkey snatch their phone from the dining table and then drop it into the ocean below.
Another slipped on rocks while taking a photo of the sunset in Fiji, dropping their phone and camera into the water.
What to do if you lose your phone overseas:
- Erase your data remotely. Remove personal information and restore the device to factory settings to protect yourself.
- Secure your accounts: Use another device to change your passwords for email, social media, banking and other key accounts. Also remove the lost phone as a trusted device for two-factor authentication.
- Report it quickly: If you think your phone was stolen, report it to the local authority and ask for a police report, as this is usually needed for insurance claims.
- Contact your provider: Give your service provider your IMEI and SIM numbers so they can blacklist the device and disable your number, helping prevent unauthorised use and a nasty long-distance bill.
- Let your key contacts know: Warn travel companions, friends and family that your phone is missing, ask them to watch for suspicious activity or calls from your number, and make sure they know how to reach you by email or through someone you’re travelling with.
