Missing something important from your suitcase or carry-on? Almost one in two Australian travellers has lost luggage contents abroad – and most are high-value items.
New iSelect travel insurance data found 43 per cent of Aussies have lost luggage contents and more than a quarter (27%) have reported their luggage lost or stolen on overseas holidays.
Of those surveyed, 14 per cent admitted losing their luggage, eight per cent blamed airlines or transport services and five per cent reported being targeted by pickpockets or thieves.
The findings show how common it is for belongings to go missing and that many of these frequently lost items have either high or sentimental value.
While the top misplaced item was luggage contents (43%), almost one-third of Aussies (27%) have lost electronics, such as smartphones, laptops and cameras, while 25 per cent have lost jewellery, which is often irreplaceable and of high or sentimental value.
iSelect’s Sophie Ryan said the findings highlight how easily everyday travel mishaps can turn into costly or emotional losses.
“Electronics and jewellery are among the most commonly lost items and often the hardest to replace, particularly when there’s sentimental value attached,” she said.
“It’s a good idea to take photos of particularly unique or expensive personal items before you head away on your holiday – this way, if the worst should happen, and you need to claim, you’ll have some evidence to pass on to your insurer. And be mindful of policy limits.”
Ryan said that while travel insurance can provide peace of mind, prevention remains key.
“Travel insurance is a great safety net if your expensive or sentimental items are stolen, or if your luggage is lost in transit, but it won’t protect you from bad decisions,” she said.
“If you leave something sitting on a park bench or behind in a hotel room after checkout, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered. Always have your wits about you while travelling to avoid disappointment.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: For advisors, the findings offer a useful prompt to remind clients to understand policy limits, document high-value belongings before departure and take practical steps to protect personal items while overseas.
