Will insurance cover my bag if I leave it unattended?

No. Almost all travel insurance policies have a 'reasonable care' clause. If you leave your bag in an unlocked room or unattended at a cafe, they will deny the claim for negligence.

Do I need receipts for everything?

It helps, but isn't always mandatory. However, without receipts, expect the insurer to offer 'depreciated value' (what the item is worth today) rather than 'replacement value' (what it costs to buy a new one).

Choosing travel insurance that actually covers lost luggage

To get real coverage, look for plans with 'Primary' luggage protection rather than 'Secondary,' and ensure the per-item limit covers your most expensive piece of gear. Always prioritize policies that explicitly define coverage for theft, damage, and airline-delayed baggage separately.

Verify Primary vs. Secondary coverage. Look for 'Primary' coverage. If a plan is 'Secondary,' you must file a claim with the airline first, then wait for their rejection or partial payment before the insurance kicks in. Primary coverage lets you skip the airline headache and go straight to the insurer.
Check the per-item limit. Policies often have a 'per-item' cap (e.g., $250). If your laptop or camera costs $1,500, a $250 cap leaves you underinsured. Ensure the per-item limit matches the actual replacement value of your expensive gear.
Look for specific 'Delay' clauses. Distinguish between 'lost' luggage and 'delayed' luggage. Good plans trigger a payout for essentials (toiletries, change of clothes) if your bag is delayed for more than 12-24 hours, without requiring you to prove the bag is permanently lost.
Check the exclusions list. Almost all policies exclude 'high-value items' like jewelry, cash, and specialized electronics unless you pay a specific rider or upgrade. Check the fine print under 'General Exclusions' to see what they refuse to cover entirely.

Will insurance cover my bag if I leave it unattended?: No. Almost all travel insurance policies have a 'reasonable care' clause. If you leave your bag in an unlocked room or unattended at a cafe, they will deny the claim for negligence.
Do I need receipts for everything?: It helps, but isn't always mandatory. However, without receipts, expect the insurer to offer 'depreciated value' (what the item is worth today) rather than 'replacement value' (what it costs to buy a new one).