Travel Insurance for Mobile Phones

Protect your mobile phone during your holiday. Compare with Savvy and find the best travel insurance policy for your tech.

Written by , updated on September 4th, 2023

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It’s hard to imagine living without your mobile phone, especially when you’re on holiday. Whether you’re using it to call your loved ones back home or capturing special moments, having the right protection for your phone can give you peace of mind. If you're finding it tricky to choose between travel insurance providers, Savvy can help.

By doing a quick comparison with us, you can weigh up the different providers to see which provides the best coverage for your gadgets, including your smartphone. Start the process with Savvy today and get a quote.

Can I get travel insurance which covers my mobile phone?

Yes – many comprehensive travel insurance policies cover your mobile phone if it is lost, stolen or damaged while you’re on your holiday. Providers allow you to take out extra coverage if you want more protection for your personal items, or you can add your mobile phone to your existing coverage.

Insurance companies have limits on how much you can claim for a lost mobile phone which depends on both the provider you choose and the level of cover you purchase. While general personal effects cover can reach up to $15, 000, you’ll only be able to claim a limited amount for your phone. For example, some basic policies allow you to claim up to $1, 000 if you part ways with your phone while comprehensive policies allow you to claim up to $1, 500.

In most cases, your insurer will pay for the repair or replacement of your mobile phone up to a pre-agreed limit. As such, whether you’ve got a brand-new iPhone or an old reliable flip model, you have the peace of mind your means of communication is in safe hands.

However, travel insurance providers will require supporting documents to process your claim, which can include paperwork such as police reports, proof of purchase or a record of reporting your lost device with your hotel or airline. You may also need to get a quote on the cost of repairing your phone if it suffers some damage due to a covered incident.

What isn’t included under mobile phone cover on travel insurance?

Mobile phones can be invaluable gadgets, no matter the holiday you’re planning. Whether you’re taking a trip to France and wanting to grab some snaps of the Eiffel Tower or spending Christmas in New York and wanting to Facetime your family from Rockefeller Centre, it's important to understand that travel insurance can only cover so much. As such, providers have some exclusions around cover for mobiles. Some of these typically include:

Leaving your device unattended: if your mobile phone is stolen because you take your eyes off it, even for a few seconds, it won’t be covered by travel insurance companies. This is including if you leave your phone or other personal items inside your vehicle or on your motorcycle.
Electronics failure: if your phone simply stops working or goes on the blink, you’ll be required to cover the cost of the repairs yourself.
Forgetting your device: ever left your mobile phone behind in a restaurant or had it slip out of your pocket on a cab ride? Most insurance companies won’t cover you in the event you lose your mobile because you leave it behind.
Cracked screens: you’ll need to pay for the repair of your screen if your phone is damaged due to you dropping it on your holiday. It’s a good idea to make sure you have a case or cover on your device to ensure you’re not forking out for unexpected expenses.
No IMEI number: every mobile phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number, which you can find in your device’s settings or by looking at the back of your phone. If you don't have this 15-digit number, you won’t be able to make a claim.
Packed in your checked-in luggage: if you pack your phone inside your checked-in bags and it goes missing, insurers won’t cover the cost of replacing your device. Make sure your mobile phone is in your carry-on luggage or by your side at all times.
Not reported: smartphones that aren’t reported missing to local police, your hotel or airline won’t be able to be covered by your travel insurer. Certain providers require you to make a claim as soon as 24 hours after you suffer the loss.

How should I compare travel insurance mobile phone cover?

If you’re shopping around for the best travel insurance coverage for your mobile phone, finding the best deal comes down to looking at some of the variables that make up each policy. Make sure you consider the following when comparing with Savvy:

Type of coverage

While the majority of providers will only provide you coverage for your mobile phone if you take out top-level cover, some will give you limited coverage with basic policies (which you may need to add as an optional extra). Weigh up which of these best serves your travel plans, as there is a notable difference in the cost between the types of policies.

Limits and sub-limits

The claim limits and sub-limits for individual items offered by travel insurance companies vary depending on the provider you choose to purchase your policy through. For example, some providers allow you to claim up $1, 500 for a lost phone, while others only allow you to claim $750. If you’re worried about being separated by your phone on your holiday, compare with Savvy and find limits sufficient for your trip.

Extra coverage

If you’re travelling with an expensive iPhone or another type of smartphone, you can purchase optional add-on coverage to protect it. Compare the costs between providers and find extra cover that won’t break the bank.

Excesses

If you do need to make claim on your travel insurance, you’ll need to pay an excess. If you’re asking yourself what an excess is, it’s an out-of-pocket cost that you pay your insurer, who then pays the remainder up to a certain limit. These can vary between providers, ranging from $100 to $250, so it’s best to shop around and find an excess that’s suitable for you.

Types of travel insurance

International

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

Domestic

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

One-way

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

Cruise

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Seniors

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Ski

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Families

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

Couples

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Reputable insurance partners

We’re partnered with some of Australia’s most trusted travel insurance providers, enabling you to compare quality offers.

Fast and convenient online process

You can complete the quote, comparison and purchase process online through Savvy quickly and easily.

Competitive quote costs

Regardless of the type of insurance you’re looking for, we can help you compare between competitive quotes.

Frequently asked mobile phone travel insurance questions

Can I claim unauthorised usage on my mobile on my travel insurance?

Yes – most travel insurance which covers mobile phones will allow you to claim back up to $600 if you’re billed for unauthorised calls while you’re on holiday. For example, if you travelled to London and received an unauthorised call, your phone provider will charge you for taking it. However, travel insurance won’t cover you if you rack up a huge phone bill through the use of data or outgoing calls.

Do I need travel insurance for my phone if it’s already insured?

Yes – many home and contents insurance policies won’t cover you for belongings you take with you on holidays. Certain providers can offer you coverage for your mobile phone if you’re heading overseas for up to a month.

How long does it take to have a travel insurance claim approved?

Most travel insurance companies will quote you ten business days as the general turnaround time for a claim. It’s important to respond to any requests for additional information promptly, as this can reduce delays in the process.

Can I insure multiple phones under the same travel insurance policy?

Yes – however, you’ll likely have to take out extra coverage in the event you want coverage for another mobile phone.

Helpful travel insurance guides

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Disclaimer:
We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.