Numerous organizations worldwide offer travelers passport insurance policies. These include travel agencies, travel insurance companies and professional visa and passport businesses.
In the United States, passport insurance policies range in price from $99 to $300 USD. In exchange for this fee, the policy provider agrees to provide a replacement passport for the policy holder in the event that the policy holder's passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
A large number of European Union countries require citizens to obtain travel insurance, which includes passport protections, prior to traveling abroad. Requirements vary by country and are often contingent upon the length of stay abroad.
Passport insurance policies help traveler's avoid the expenses and time commitments associated with the application process necessary to procure a new passport document in the event that the original is lost, damaged, or stolen. In the U.S., replacement fees can surpass $300 USD and processing time can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Travel agencies recommend that those who are traveling for extended periods of time procure passport or travel insurance. Carry the passport in a front pocket where it is hidden but easily accessible. Travelers should know where their passport is at all times and allow it to be handled only by immigration officials or authorized airport personnel.
