Whether you're jetting off on a summer holiday, embarking on a city break, or heading overseas for business, chances are your gadgets will be travelling with you.
From smartphones and tablets to laptops, smartwatches and wireless headphones, our devices have become essential travel companions. They help us navigate unfamiliar streets, access boarding passes, stay connected with loved ones and capture holiday memories.
In fact, research shows that 89% of people travel with gadgets, while nearly half take three or more devices on holiday. Nearly 60% of travellers say they would struggle to travel without their technology, demonstrating just how dependent we've become on our devices when away from home.
But while gadgets make travelling easier, they can also be vulnerable to theft, accidental damage, loss and liquid spills when you're away from home.
Why Are Gadgets More at Risk When Travelling?
Travelling exposes your devices to situations they wouldn't typically encounter at home.
Common travel risks include:
- Theft from hotel rooms or holiday accommodation
- Pickpocketing in crowded tourist hotspots
- Accidental drops while sightseeing
- Damage during airport transit
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Liquid damage from drinks, swimming pools or bad weather
Research suggests that almost one in five travellers has lost or damaged a device while on holiday, highlighting just how common travel-related gadget incidents can be.
The more frequently your gadgets move between locations, the greater the opportunity for accidents and theft to occur.
How Much Technology Do We Take Abroad?
Many travellers underestimate the total value of the gadgets they take on holiday.
According to UK travel research, the average holidaymaker carries approximately £692 worth of technology abroad, while travellers aged between 25 and 44 carry more than £800 worth of devices on average.
That figure can quickly add up when you consider the cost of modern technology:
- Premium smartphones can exceed £1,000
- Laptops regularly cost £800 or more
- Tablets often cost several hundred pounds
- Smartwatches can retail for £300+
- Premium headphones can cost £200+
If multiple devices are lost, stolen or damaged during a trip, replacing them could prove extremely costly.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Gadgets?
Many travel insurance policies include cover for personal belongings, including electronic devices.
However, cover can often be subject to:
- Single-item value limits
- Policy excesses
- Depreciation
- Theft reporting requirements
- Exclusions and restrictions
While travel insurance may provide some protection, it doesn't always cover the full replacement value of high-end gadgets.
Common Travel Insurance Limitations
Depending on the policy, exclusions may include:
- Accidental damage
- Cracked screens
- Liquid damage
- Unattended theft
- Lost items without evidence
- High-value devices exceeding policy limits
Always check your policy wording before travelling to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
What Is Gadget Insurance With Worldwide Cover?
Gadget insurance is designed specifically to protect your technology against everyday risks that can occur both at home and abroad.
Many gadget insurance policies include worldwide cover, allowing protection to continue while you're travelling overseas for a specified period.
Depending on the policy selected, cover may include:
- Accidental damage
- Theft
- Loss
- Liquid damage
- Worldwide usage
This can help bridge the protection gap left by travel insurance and manufacturer warranties.
Which Gadgets Are Most Vulnerable Abroad?
Mobile Phones
Smartphones are among the most commonly used and valuable items travellers carry.
Unfortunately, they're also among the most common targets for theft.
insurance2go research found that 41% of respondents who had experienced phone theft reported having their phone stolen whilst on holiday.
The most commonly reported destinations for phone theft included:
- Spain (18%)
- France (14%)
- Canada (10%)
- Italy (9%)
- United States (8%)
Phones are particularly vulnerable because they're frequently used in public spaces, making them attractive targets for opportunistic thieves.
Laptops
As hybrid and remote working continue to grow, more people are taking laptops abroad.
Research found that 26% of travellers take a laptop on holiday, often using them for work, entertainment or communication.
Common risks include:
- Theft from accommodation
- Damage during transit
- Accidental drops
- Liquid spills
- Damage in luggage
Tablets
Tablets are popular travel companions for flights, long journeys and entertainment while abroad.
Risks include:
- Cracked screens
- Theft
- Impact damage
- Loss during travel
Smartwatches and Headphones
Smaller gadgets are often easier to misplace while travelling between airports, hotels and public transport.
Although smaller than phones or laptops, replacing these devices can still be expensive.
Travel Insurance vs Gadget Insurance
|
Feature |
Travel Insurance |
Gadget Insurance |
|
Medical emergencies |
Yes |
No |
|
Trip cancellation |
Yes |
No |
|
Lost luggage |
Yes |
No |
|
Theft of gadgets |
Often limited |
Included on full policy |
|
Accidental damage |
Often limited |
Included |
|
Liquid damage |
Often excluded |
Included |
|
Device-specific cover |
Limited |
Yes |
|
Worldwide gadget use |
May vary |
Included |
The two products serve different purposes and can often complement one another.
Real-Life Travel Examples
Scenario 1 – Phone Stolen While Sightseeing
You're visiting a busy tourist attraction when your phone is stolen.
Travel Insurance: May provide limited cover, depending on policy conditions.
Gadget Insurance: Theft cover would apply, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Scenario 2 – Tablet Damaged at the Airport
Your tablet slips from your hands while boarding a flight and the screen shatters.
Travel Insurance: Accidental damage may not always be covered.
Gadget Insurance: Accidental damage cover would apply.
Scenario 3 – Laptop Damaged by a Drink Spill
A drink is knocked over your laptop in an airport lounge.
Travel Insurance: May be excluded.
Gadget Insurance: Liquid damage cover would apply.
Tips for Protecting Your Gadgets Abroad
Even with insurance in place, it's sensible to take precautions.
Keep Devices Secure
Avoid leaving gadgets unattended in public places, cafés, airports or hotel lobbies.
Back Up Important Data
Store photos, documents and other important files securely in the cloud before travelling.
Record Device Information
Keep a note of:
- IMEI numbers
- Serial numbers
- Device models
- Purchase receipts
This information can help speed up a claim if something goes wrong.
Carry Valuable Gadgets in Hand Luggage
Where possible, keep expensive electronics with you rather than placing them in checked baggage.
Why Choose insurance2go?
Insurance2go provides cover for a wide range of valuable technology, including:
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Games consoles
- Headphones
With worldwide cover available on selected policies, customers can travel with greater confidence knowing their devices are protected against many of the unexpected incidents that can occur both at home and abroad.
Final Thoughts
Today's travellers rarely leave home without their gadgets. In fact, nearly nine in ten people travel with technology, often carrying hundreds of pounds worth of devices with them.
While travel insurance may provide some protection, cover can be subject to limits and exclusions. Specialist gadget insurance can help offer broader protection against risks such as theft, accidental damage, loss and liquid spills, helping travellers stay connected wherever their journeys take them.