Media Release

New research reveals the most common items being lost or stolen

Aussies are losing more than their inhibitions while sightseeing abroad, with more than a quarter of globetrotters (27%) reporting lost or stolen luggage while on holiday, according to new research from travel insurance comparator iSelect.¹ iSelect commissioned Pureprofile to conduct an online survey in January 2026. The sample size is n=1,018 Australians, weighted to respondents the popular by age, state and gender and is representation of Australian adults 18+

Of those, the study found 14% admitted to losing the items, while 5% say they were targeted by pick-pocketers or thieves. 8% of those surveyed blamed airlines or transport services for lost luggage.1

iSelect’s Sophie Ryan said the top item misplaced was luggage contents, with 43% of respondents falling victim to perhaps their own forgetfulness, thieves or airline errors.

“Second on the list if items most often lost was electronics (e.g. phones, laptops and cameras) at 27%,” Sophie said.

“In close third was 25% of people saying they’d lost jewellery – items that could carry enormous sentimental value, and often irreplaceable.”

Sophie explained that things can be easily replaced but jewellery can be extremely personal, especially if the item was gifted or passed down through generations,” Sophie said. 

“Losing something like an engagement ring, even before popping the question, could be expensive and painful to replace.”

“It’s a good idea to take photos of particularly unique or expensive personal items before you head away on your holiday and be mindful of your policy limits – this way if the worst should happen, and you need to claim, you’ll have some evidence to pass on to your insurer.” 

While travel insurance could be a major money-saver in instances of theft or no-fault losses, Sophie warned that travelers should continue to practice due diligence to avoid things being left behind by mistake.  

“Travel insurance is a great safety net if your expensive or sentimental items are stolen, or if your luggage is lost in transit, but it won’t protect you from bad decisions,” Sophie said.   “If you leave something sitting on a park bench or behind in a hotel room after checkout, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered. Always have your wits about you while travelling to avoid disappointment.”

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[1]Source: iSelect commissioned Pureprofile to conduct an online survey in January 2026. The sample size is n=1,018 Australians, weighted to respondents the popular by age, state and gender and is representation of Australian adults 18+

iSelect’s top tips for finding suitable travel insurance

1. Consider the extras you might need – Most travel insurance policies will include a few low-risk activities, but not everything. If you’re planning on a cruise or something a little riskier, like a skiing trip or a jaunt on a scooter, it might mean taking out some extra coverage.

2. Make sure all your countries are covered – Even if you’re just passing through one country to get to another, it still needs to be listed on your policy. Skipping this step could leave you footing the bill if something goes wrong mid-stopover, like if your car gets some damage en route from Switzerland to Austria. If your insurer covers regions instead of individual countries, it’s important to double-check all the countries listed as well, to make sure you’re covered for 100% of your trip.

3. Declare any pre-existing conditions – If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s best to let your travel insurer know before taking out your policy. If it can be covered, it means you could claim for any related issues on your trip. And if you don’t declare it, any related claims could be knocked back.

4. Check the entry conditions for your destination – Some countries won’t let you in without a visa, while others need proof of insurance before entering. Make sure to check which requirements you need to tick off, like visas or certain levels of travel insurance coverage.

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