The short answer
Airlines pay first (Montreal Convention / EU rules cap them around $1,700–$1,900 per passenger for international). Travel insurance fills the gap and adds delay benefits, but never duplicates what the airline already paid.
Per-item limits
Most policies cap individual items at $250–$500 — bad news for electronics. Higher per-item limits or a scheduled rider help.
- Get airline Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.
- Keep all receipts for delay-period purchases.
- Photograph remaining contents on return.
Frequently asked
- How much will I get for a delayed bag?
- Travel insurance typically pays $100–$200 per day after 12–24 hours of delay, up to a cap, for essentials.
- Are electronics covered if lost?
- Yes, but per-item limits often cap them at $500. High-value devices need a scheduled add-on.
- How long do I have to claim for lost luggage?
- Airlines usually need a report within 7–21 days; most travel insurers want the claim within 30 days of returning home.
- Are delayed bags covered?
- Many policies pay for essentials after a delay of 12+ hours. Keep every receipt.
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