Situations
Insuring a laptop and belongings as a student
For most students, the most expensive things they own are a laptop and a phone. Health insurance does not cover them.
Where cover can come from
- Contents insurance arranged by university halls, which is sometimes included in the rent.
- A family home insurance policy, which may cover a student's belongings away from home. Check whether this applies abroad.
- A separate gadget policy.
- A travel insurance policy, which may cover belongings while travelling, usually with a low limit for each item.
What to check
- Is accidental damage covered, or only theft?
- Is there a limit for each item, and is it high enough for your laptop?
- Is theft from an unlocked room or a bag left unattended covered? Often it is not.
- Does the policy pay the cost of a new device or the current value of your old one?
- Do you need receipts to claim? Keep them, or photos of them.
Back up
No policy recovers your work. Back up your coursework to a second place every week.