Traveling abroad can be exciting, offering a chance to explore new cultures, foods, languages and people. While most trips can take place without any hiccups, unexpected situations can occur, like losing a passport. A lost or stolen passport can turn an enjoyable trip into one of stress and anxiety. In such a scenario, travel insurance can offer a peace of mind when it is most needed.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- How travel insurance offers coverage for passports
- Limitations of travel insurance coverage for passports
- If travel insurance covers a lost passport prior to travel
- Steps to take if a passport is lost while abroad
Does Travel Insurance Cover a Lost or Stolen Passport?
If you are traveling overseas and your passport is lost or stolen, travel insurance may:
- Assist you with scheduling an appointment for a replacement passport
- Offer reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable costs if you must cancel your trip or extend your stay (if it was stolen and documented)
- Connect you with the local US Embassy
Travel insurance won’t:
- Issue you a new passport
- Expedite the process for receiving a new passport
- Pay entirely for a new passport
- Offer coverage if your passport expires during your trip
- Provide coverage if your passport is stolen without a police report
Benefits for lost or stolen items may vary depending on your travel insurance plan. Be sure to check details and plan documents prior to traveling.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Me If I Lose My Passport Before My Trip?
If you lose your passport prior to traveling, travel insurance will likely not offer coverage unless it is stolen and documented.
However, if you have trip insurance with an added Cancel For Any Reason benefit, you can cancel your flight and be reimbursed for any non-fundable, prepaid expenses.
What To Do If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen While Abroad
When traveling to new destinations around the world, there is a chance that your personal items may be left behind, especially in busier areas. Whether it is because of pickpockets or simply being in awe of your surroundings, valuables may be lost or taken.
Here are some steps you can take if you encounter this issue when abroad:
- Report the incident to the local authorities to establish a legal record. This is essential for insurance claims, embassy processing, and proof of theft.
- Report the lost or stolen passport to your government. For the U.S., use the State Department’s online form (Form DS-64).
- Locate the nearest US Embassy. Apply in person for an emergency / replacement passport (Form DS-11 for U.S. citizens). Be sure to bring in your police report, documentation to prove your identity / citizenship (ex: photo ID, birth certificate, copy of passport, etc.), a 2×2 passport photo, and your travel itinerary.
How Can I Get the Help I Need?
Losing an item as valuable as a passport can create quite a stressful situation during your travels. Selecting the right travel insurance plan can give you a peace of mind, so you can stay focused on what really matters, whether it is spending time with family, adventuring with your partner, or reuniting with those you love.
If you have any questions or need help choosing the right policy, our Customer Success Team of licensed travel insurance experts is more than happy to help.
- Travel insurance may help schedule a replacement passport appointment, reimburse pre-paid costs, and connect you to the U.S. Embassy if your passport is lost abroad.
- Travel insurance may not issue or pay for a new passport, speed up the process for a new passport, or cover a passport that has expired.
- If your passport is lost before your scheduled departure, travel insurance will likely not provide coverage unless it is stolen and documented.
- If you lose your passport, report it to local authorities, fill out required forms (DS-64 and DS-11), and locate the nearest US Embassy for an emergency passport.
Frequently Asked Questions About If Travel Insurance Covers a Lost Passport
How fast can I get a new passport if it is lost overseas?
If your passport is lost or stolen during your trip abroad, you can usually get an emergency replacement from a U.S. embassy or consulate the same day or next business day. Once you return home under the emergency passport, apply for a full passport replacement (4–6 weeks).
Is a police report required if I lose my passport abroad?
While a police report may not be mandatory if you lose your passport abroad, it is highly recommended. In most cases, proof of a report is required for insurance claims, theft cases, and certain embassies.
What documents are required for an emergency passport?
For an emergency passport, a DS-64 form (for reporting your lost / stolen passport), a DS-11 form (new passport application), documentation to prove your identity and citizenship (ex: photo ID, birth certificate, copy of passport, etc), and a 2×2 passport photo are required. Travel documents, like itineraries or airline tickets, may also be required.
What if I don’t have the necessary documents for a replacement passport?
If you do not have the necessary documents for proof of identity and citizenship (ex: birth certificate with government seal or stamp, old passport or photocopy of lost passport, certificate of citizenship, etc.), you can use your driver’s license, state or government-issued ID, or previous passport.
If you do not have any of these documents, you can request the Department of State (DOS) to search official records for a previous passport or proof of citizenship. Secondary documents like school transcripts, diplomas, tax returns, or W-2 forms may also be accepted.
Will travel insurance cover me if I need to extend my stay because of a missing passport?
If your travel plans are delayed or you must extend your stay because of a lost or stolen passport, your trip delay benefits may offer reimbursement for your pre-paid expenses during a covered travel delay (up to plan limits).
Can I fly home without my passport?
Once you’ve reported your passport as missing and schedule an appointment with the nearest US embassy, you will be issued an emergency passport for your return home. The emergency passport should be shown to local immigration authorities when it is time for your return, along with proof of citizenship. Once you have returned to the U.S., you should immediately begin the process for a replacement passport, as the emergency one is temporary.
How long are emergency passports valid?
Emergency passports are typically only valid for up to a year. Once you return home, you can begin the process of replacing your fully valid passport.
Will travel insurance cover passport delays?
No, travel insurance will not offer coverage if your passport arrival is delayed prior to your trip. However, travel insurance may cover delays caused by a lost or stolen passport during your trip under trip delay/interruption benefits.
