From your mobile phone to your tablet, laptop or e-reader, we’re taking more tech with us when we go away than ever before.

Entertaining yourself on flights, catching up on your reading list or keeping in touch with family can all be important when travelling, but you’ll likely want some peace of mind around protecting gadgets you’re taking with you just in case something happens.

What is Gadget Cover?

Gadget cover is an optional extra you can get on your policy to ensure whatever tech you have is protected against incidents like accidental damage and theft – things which can just as easily occur at home as they can when travelling.

Usually, you’ll take out a gadget cover policy which covers your mobile phone – something that practically everyone carries on them at all times – and other gadgets like your laptop or smartwatch against things like:

• Accidental damage
• Liquid damage
• Breakdowns
• Theft
• Lost gadgets
• Unauthorised usage (when lost or stolen)
• Replacing lost or stolen accessories

There can be limitations applied to each type of incident when it comes to travel insurance gadget cover, such as lost gadget cover only applying to certain types of gadgets, but these limitations vary from policy to policy.

What is included in gadget cover?

Gadget cover protects you from the accidental damage, theft, breakdown, and replacement of your valuable gadgets whilst you are travelling abroad. Gadgets that are typically included in this type of cover can be:

• Laptops
• Mobiles
• Tablets
• Cameras
• Portable games consoles
• Smartwatches
• Headphones

You may be able to get cover for other specialist gadgets or devices, but you will have to check with your insurer to see if they will provide any cover for it.

Does all travel insurance cover gadgets?

Practically all travel insurance policies will have an amount given for replacing valuables (including bits of tech), but this will likely have a number of limitations and have a combined limit for all of your bits of tech.

This can make it difficult to cover all your gadgets if you’re planning on taking a number of different things with you, especially if you have other things which would come under valuables, as the policy limit may not cover the total it would cost to replace most modern phones and tablets should they get lost or stolen.

While you can get standalone gadget cover which can include gadget cover abroad, you can also find travel insurance including gadget cover as a policy. We offer an optional valuables extension as a policy add-on for all tiers of our travel insurance so you can ensure you have cover for all the gadgets you plan on taking with you on your travels.

This can be especially handy as it means you don’t have to take out a separate gadget cover policy for your trip, as your travel insurance policy will take care of any mishaps that might happen.

What types of gadget cover are available?

When it comes to gadget cover travel insurance, there a couple of options for you to choose from. These include:

• Standalone gadget-only travel insurance, which is one of the best options if you want to cover valuable devices
• Adding gadget insurance for travel as an optional extra to your existing travel insurance policy for an extra cost
• Insure your valuables with a specific gadget insurance policy that covers you whilst abroad
• Look for home contents insurance that includes cover for personal possessions whilst travelling

Do you need gadget cover on travel insurance?

You’ll usually find that gadget cover is an optional extra with most travel insurance policies. While gadget cover isn’t an essential part of your travel insurance, it can be an extremely useful thing to include within your travel insurance policy if you don’t already have standalone gadget cover. Choosing gadget insurance abroad as an add-on means you can also ensure you have a high enough limit to cover the total amount it would cost to replace your gadgets, should you need to claim.

The small fee it can cost to add gadget cover is normally a lot lower than it would set you back if you have to pay for any repairs or a replacement for your gadget, so it can be a smart option to have when considering the financial side of things.

Holidays are for enjoying yourself and leaving your worries behind, so giving your valuables proper cover and means that unfortunate accidents don’t completely ruin your trip. You have the reassurance that your tech is protected and can fixed or replaced as soon as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your time away.

What travel insurance products cover mobile phones?

Practically all forms of gadget insurance will include valuables cover as standard. However, the limit on valuables cover may not cover the amount it would cost to replace a modern mobile phone.

Choosing gadget cover as an add-on to your travel insurance policy means you can have a higher claim limit to cover your mobile phone (plus any additional gadgets), so would offer more sufficient cover. You can also get travel insurance with mobile phone cover as an add on.

Gadget Travel Insurance Limitations and Exclusions

It’s important to keep in mind that there are some limitations and exclusions when it comes to gadget cover travel insurance. These include:

• The number of gadgets that can be insured – this will be different for each insurer, but bear in mind that any devices that take you over the limit that your insurer covers won’t be protected.
• Number of claims – you can only make a certain amount of claims during any given period. Check with your insurer how many times you may be able to claim.
• UK specific cover – gadgets that are bought outside of the UK may not be protected.
• Age of your gadgets
• Wear and tear or damage due to your own carelessness and lack of maintenance is not covered by holiday gadget insurance
• Manufacturer defects will not be covered by your insurer
• Virus damage is not covered by gadget travel insurance
• Your gadgets won’t be protected if you travel to any restricted countries

FAQs

Is it worth getting gadget cover on travel insurance?

If you’re looking to take any expensive or valuable gadgets or devices abroad with you, then gadget cover is definitely worth looking into to make sure your valuables are protected and to cover the cost of any damages or replacements.

Are mobile phones covered under travel insurance?

Yes, you can get phone travel insurance that will cover your mobile phone/s whilst you are travelling abroad.

Can I claim lost items on travel insurance?

If you lost personal items due to your own negligence, this will not be covered by your insurance. However, if the insurer can see that you took reasonable care of your belongings they cover part (or all) of the payment required.

How soon can you claim on gadget insurance?

How soon you can claim on gadget insurance depends on the rules set out by your insurance company – some let you claim as soon as the cover is set up, whilst others do not let you claim within the first 14 days. Always check the terms of your policy carefully so you are aware of when exactly you can make a claim.

Can I get travel insurance for my laptop?

Yes – you can get laptop travel insurance or gadget cover which will protect your laptop whilst you are travelling.

How long does gadget insurance last?

Your gadget cover will usually last as long as the travel insurance policy it is linked to.