The cost of forgetting things on holiday

Going on holiday is one of life's great pleasures - but leaving your belongings behind can turn a dream trip into an expensive headache.

What items do people most commonly leave behind on holiday?

It happens - we've all forgotten something on holiday. Our research shows Brits most often leave behind clothing, chargers, sunglasses, and toiletries.

While these are cheap to replace, losing a phone or laptop could cost hundreds.

The table below reveals what UK holidaymakers are forgetting and the average cost to replace:

What to do if you lose belongings on holiday

Having something stolen on holiday can quickly turn a trip upside down - especially when you’re far from home.

It’s more common than many people think. Over 1 in 5* (21%) Brits have experienced theft while abroad. Of those, almost half (49%) lost money as a result, and for 34%*, it significantly impacted their holiday.

Despite this, only 39%* reported the theft to the police. This is important because most travel insurance policies require a police report before they’ll process a claim - without it, you may not be able to claim.

Here's your action plan:

• Retrace your steps. Think where you last saw it. Check with your hotel, restaurant, or any attractions you visited.
• Tell your accommodation. Hotels often keep lost items safe. A record of your report helps with any insurance claim.
• Report theft to the local police immediately. Most insurers need a police report within 24 hours - without one, your claim might not be valid.
• Contact your insurer. Tell them what happened. Ask about the next steps for your claim.
• Check your policy. Confirm if the item's covered and what documents you'll need.

Sorting this fast means a better chance of recovering your belongings or getting reimbursed.

How to avoid losing your belongings on holiday

Losing something valuable can ruin your holiday. Keep your belongings safe with these simple steps:.

• Keep your bags locked, especially in shared spaces.
• Carry valuables such as passports, electronics and jewellery in your hand luggage.
• Use your hotel safe for important documents and expensive items.
• Avoid leaving bags unattended in public places.
• Stay alert in busy areas such as airports, train stations and tourist attractions.
• Take photos of valuable items before you travel in case you need to make a claim.
• Create a packing checklist so it's easier to spot if something is missing.

What happens if my belongings are stolen on holiday?

Having something stolen on holiday can quickly turn a trip upside down - especially when you’re far from home.

It’s more common than many people think. Over 1 in 5* (21%) Brits have experienced theft while abroad. Of those, almost half (49%) lost money as a result, and for 34%*, it significantly impacted their holiday.

Despite this, only 39%* reported the theft to the police. This is important because most travel insurance policies require a police report before they’ll process a claim - without it, you may not be able to claim.

If something is stolen, act quickly:

How to make a claim

• Report the theft to the local police and get a crime reference number
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible
• Gather any evidence, such as receipts, booking confirmations, photos or proof of ownership
• Complete any claim forms your insurer requests
• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence

The faster you act and the more evidence you have, the smoother the claims process is likely to be.

Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?

Yes, it often does. Travel insurance can cover your luggage if it's lost, stolen, or damaged while you're away.

Every policy is different, so always check your details before you go. Most insurers set limits on how much they'll pay for individual items and the total value of your belongings.

Taking expensive tech like phones, tablets, or laptops? Make sure your policy covers them adequately. If it doesn't, you might be able to add gadget insurance for an extra cost to boost your protection.

Travel insurance can protect items such as:

• Luggage and suitcases
• Clothing and footwear
• Phones and tablets
• Laptops and other electronics
• Jewellery and watches

A quick check of your policy means no surprises later - you'll know exactly what's covered and if your gadgets need extra protection.

When might travel insurance not cover you?

Travel insurance covers a lot, but not everything. Here's what's usually not included:

• Items left unattended in public places
• Belongings left in an unlocked or unattended vehicle
• Theft you didn't report to the local police
• Items worth more than your policy's single-item limit (unless you added extra cover)
• High-value items you didn't declare separately
• Damage from normal wear and tear

Always check your policy before you go. You'll know what's covered and avoid any nasty surprises if you need to claim.

Why travel insurance matters for your belongings

Travel insurance sorts out the costs if things go wrong on your trip. It protects your wallet from unexpected problems, so you can focus on enjoying your break.

What your policy could cover:

• Lost, stolen or damaged belongings
• Emergency medical treatment and repatriation
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Travel delays and missed departures
• Personal liability

But it's not just about your stuff.

Travel insurance covers much more when plans go sideways. It means you won't be out of pocket if your trip hits a snag, saving you from huge bills if your holiday goes wrong.

^{*Research carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK adults who have ever been on holiday abroad or in the UK, conducted between 18th and 20th May 2026.}

 

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