Does travel insurance cover lost passports?

After losing your passport, you need to invalidate the lost or stolen passport and apply for a new one at the nearest passport facility. If you’re already out of the country, that facility will be the nearest US embassy or consulate. While the normal processing time for passports takes several weeks even when expedited, you might receive a limited passport for upcoming travel.

Does travel insurance cover lost passports?

Yes, travel insurance can cover extra expenses if a lost or stolen passport causes trip interruptions or cancellations. Some credit card companies also offer limited coverage for this event. However for trip delays or interruptions, the cost of the lost passport fee itself may depend on the insurance company. Some companies may not consider it a reasonable and ordinary expense. Typical trip interruption coverage includes meals, hotel stays and the cost of re-routing your travel plans.

Also, trip cancellations may depend on the insurance company and the type of policy you chose. For example, you’ll likely get coverage if you bought a policy with trip cancellation for any reason. But many policies cover specific reasons for the cancellation — lost passports not being one of them.

How do I file a travel insurance claim after losing my passport?

You can file a travel insurance claim in a few steps:

1. Use your travel insurance or credit card website to file a report in the claims section. You might also call the company’s claims department.
2. Describe details about the incident leading to the lost or stolen passport.
3. Send or upload proof of the passport loss and extra expenses. That can include the receipt for passport fees, the police report and receipts for expenses.
4. Wait for the insurance company to contact you for further information. The process can take up to several weeks.
5. You may receive a direct deposit or check with the reimbursed expenses.

How do I replace a lost or stolen passport in the US?

If you lose your passport at home, you’ll need to replace the passport at your nearest passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Passport agencies are emergency centers for those traveling abroad within the next 14 days.

How long will it take to replace a lost or stolen passport?

The processing time for replacing your passport may depend upon your travel plans. You can expect:

• 6 to 8 weeks for standard processing
• 2 to 3 weeks for expedited processing
• 1 to 8 business days if you’re traveling within 2 weeks
• No passports can be issued on a weekend or holiday abroad.

How much does it cost to replace my passport?

You’ll pay the standard fee unless the passport was stolen or you were involved in a catastrophic event. Possible fees include:

• The application fee for a full-validity passport is $110 for the book or $30 for the card.
• An expedited passport attracts a priority processing fee of $60.
• An additional surcharge of $17 applies if you need 1- or 2-day delivery.

Consular officials may grant you an emergency passport for free if you can’t reasonably afford or access money for the replacement fee.

How do I report a lost or stolen passport in the US?

You can report your lost or stolen passport online using the US Department of State reporting system or by calling 1-877-487-2778.

If you’d prefer, you can also mail in the form DS-64 if you’re not planning to replace your passport. You can print the form from the Department of State website and mail it to:

ATTN: CLASP
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/L/LE
44132 Mercure Cir
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227

How do I report a lost or stolen passport abroad?

If you’re traveling in a different country, you’ll need to find the nearest US embassy or consulate to report the passport lost or stolen and replace it.

How to prepare before you leave for your trip

Reduce the stress and expense of potentially losing your passport before you even leave for your trip:

• Take a photo of your passport and store it on your mobile phone or email yourself a copy.
• Make a note of your passport number and email it to yourself.
• Email yourself important contact numbers for the US State Department, closest US embassy and your travel insurance company’s travel assistance services.
• Pack two recent passport photos in case you need them.
• Pack extra ID, credit cards or travelers checks. Make sure you store them separate from your other funds.
• Ensure a friend or relative has access to your birth or citizenship certificate if you need it.
• Consider taking a reloadable travel money card instead of a credit card.

Compare travel insurance policies for lost passports

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Name	Product	Trip Cancellation	Emergency Medical Expenses	Baggage Coverage	Trip Delay
Travelex Travel Basic		100%	$15,000	$500	$500	Essential travel coverage — with the option to customize — that can protect the cost of your trip.	Go to site View details		loading Fetching your data...
Travelex Flight Insure			$10,000	$1,000	$100	Protect the cost of your flight and choose the coverage amount that meets your needs — trip delay protection included.	Go to site View details		loading Fetching your data...
RoamRight Essential Travel Insurance Plan		100%	$15,000	$750	$500	Basic policy with coverage that includes trip cancellation insurance, tourist health insurance and baggage insurance.	Go to site View details		loading Fetching your data...
Travel Guard Silver		100%	$15,000	$750	$500	Budget-friendly coverage with basic travel protections that include trip cancellation and trip interruption.	Go to site View details		loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

While losing a passport can alarm you, you do have options for getting a new passport expedited for travel. If that lost passport leads to a delay or cancellation in your plans, your extra expenses may be covered by travel insurance under certain circumstances. If you’re planning for a trip ahead of time, make sure you have enough travel coverage for this kind of situation.

Frequently asked questions about lost passports

• What if I lost my visa along with my passport?

  If you had a visa in your passport when it was lost or stolen, you can contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the country that issued the visa. You’ll need to follow that country’s instructions for getting another visa.

  For US visas, you must replace the visa at a US embassy outside the United States. Include a police report, a photo of the visa if possible and a written statement that your visa was lost or stolen.

• My bags and wallet were stolen along with my passport. How can I apply for a new passport?

  If your bags and wallet were stolen with your passport, you may not have your ID or money. You could have friends or relatives back home send you money through a wire transfer and mail or email copies of your ID for your passport application. Clear this proof of ID with the US embassy before applying for a new passport. Also, you’ll need to freeze your bank or credit cards to ensure zero liability for identity fraud or money theft.

• How can I access my money if my wallet was stolen?

  Companies like WorldRemit and Western Union offer fast money transfers when you need money anywhere in the world. Your friends or family can transfer money by phone or Internet, and you can pick up the money in one of that company’s listed pick-up locations.

• What should I do if I find someone else's lost passport?

  If you find another person’s lost passport, you should mail it to prevent identity fraud. Mail it to:

  • U.S. Department of State
  • Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
  • CA/PPT/S/L/LE/CP
  • 44132 Mercure Circle
  • PO Box 1227
  • Sterling, VA 20166-1227