Our guide to gadget insurance

Now more than ever, are we reliant on our electronic devices to help us capture our holiday moments or help us to pass the time whilst travelling. And, these devices are not cheap. One easy way to protect your expensive electronic devices, from unexpected risks like theft or loss while cruising, is by adding gadget insurance to your travel insurance policy. But what exactly is gadget insurance? And how can it help give you peace of mind while cruising around the world? 

In this post we discuss all these essential questions and more, helping you decide whether purchasing extra protection for your gadgets is right for your next cruise!

What is gadget insurance?

Gadgets have become an integral part of our lives, from smartphones to laptops, but with the increasing reliance on these devices also comes an increased risk of damage, loss, or theft. This is where gadget insurance steps in, by providing cover should the worst happen to your device.

Additionally, some gadget insurance also provides cover for unauthorised use – meaning that if your device was stolen; any calls, messages or downloads made, could also be covered too. Let's face it; you're likely to want to use a good majority of your devices whilst away and gadget insurance can remove your potential worry and stress of them being damaged!

Gadget insurance is an add-on that can be applied to your travel insurance. This extension of cover, provides you protection, solely aimed at protecting your gadgets. Here are some examples of gadgets: 

• Mobile Phone/Smart Phone
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Digital Camera/Camera Lenses
• MP3 Players
• Games Consoles
• E-readers
• Sat Nav
• Headphones

Whilst you could assume that ‘gadgets’ fall in to the ‘Personal Possessions’ category of your travel insurance – in most instances, this is not the case and are usually excluded from this section. Additionally, you may also feel that it could also be classed as a ‘Valuable Item’ – but this is more directed towards jewellery or musical instruments.

Always make sure to check your policy documents to see what is deemed as a gadget!

What are the key benefits of gadget insurance?

Gadget insurance offers several key benefits, primarily providing a safeguard for your valuable devices. It is important to note that, gadget protection benefits do vary between providers. However, the key benefits of most gadget insurance policies can include: 

• Accidental Damage: Repair or replacement of your gadget.
• Theft: Replacement of a stolen device.
• Loss: If your device is accidently lost.
• Malicious Damage: Intentional or deliberate damage (from a non-family/party member).
• Unauthorised Use: If your gadget is stolen, the cost of unauthorised calls, messages or downloads. 

Gadget insurance gives you the confidence to take your gadgets out and about with you – allowing you to capture your memories of your cruise! 

Other factors to consider

When planning a cruise, it's important to consider all the potential risks and protect yourself with the right insurance. Before opting for gadget insurance as part of your cruise travel insurance, you should take the time to assess the value and necessity of your devices.

There are many important factors to consider when deciding whether to add gadget insurance to your Cruise Travel Insurance: 

• Are you planning to take expensive equipment that could be costly to replace if lost or damaged? 
• Will you be using your gadgets frequently while on the cruise? 

Including gadget insurance will increase the overall cost of your cruise travel insurance and may not provide cover that is comprehensive enough to protect all of your devices. There is usually an item limit (per device) in place – meaning that the protection may not provide you with enough cover for your device.

For instance, if you have a very expensive camera that cost you £2,000 to purchase, that was unfortunately stolen, yet the item limit on your gadget insurance is £1,000, you will only receive the maximum amount (minus the excess). In these instances, you may need to locate specialist insurance that is tailored for that specific device.  

Additionally, being on a cruise can feel like a home away from home, meaning you may think that you need to take everything with you – bar the kitchen sink! Remember to prioritise what you really need versus what is a nice to have. This way of thinking should also be extended to your gadgets as well.

Check out our guide on packing for your cruise for help on what to take.