LifestyleTravelTravelPeople are being urged to take one quick picture before arriving at the airport08:16, 09 Jul 2026People are being urged to do one thing before closing their suitcases this summer in a security alert. Taking this simple step could make it easier to claim on travel insurance should the worst happen, according to experts.‌Preparing in advance can help things go more smoothly if something goes wrong on your trip. A few simple steps before you travel, while you’re away, and when you return home can make dealing with unexpected events quicker and easier. Travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, has compiled a checklist to help travellers ensure they have everything they need should they need to make a claim for missing luggage.‌The team at the insurance provider recommends spending a few minutes before leaving the house to make a few final checks, as they can "make all the difference". The team says: "Before closing your suitcase, take a photo of what’s inside."‌They explain: "It takes seconds and provides a useful record if you later need to claim for lost or stolen belongings." Taking a picture of your packed suitcase provides solid visual evidence of what you own and what's inside.If an airline loses your bag or if something gets stolen, this quick photo helps you avoid the hassle of remembering every single item. It significantly accelerates the process of finding lost luggage and makes filing travel insurance or compensation claims much easier.‌Another tip is to keep receipts for valuables. The team say: "This will provide vital proof for the value of items that you may be claiming for."A third tip involves checking your travel insurance cover is right for your trip. Multitrip says: "Make sure your cancellation limit covers the full cost of your holiday and that your baggage limit reflects the value of your luggage and its contents. Some trips and activities, such as cruises and winter sports, may require additional cover."Always declare any pre-existing medical conditions and let your travel insurance provider know if anything changes with your health before departure, including if you have seen a doctor, attended a hospital, received a diagnosis or started new treatment or medication."‌Before you go away, the team at Multitrip also recommends keeping your policy details handy. They say: "Save your policy number, insurance provider details and emergency assistance number on your phone and keep a paper copy as a backup."What to do while you're away if you think you need to make a claimContact your travel insurance provider early. If you experience a medical emergency, theft or a major travel delay, call the emergency assistance line as soon as possible. They can help guide you through the next steps, from finding appropriate medical treatment to locating the nearest police station. You don’t have to deal with it alone.Keep a record of what happened. Note the date, time and location of any incident and keep all receipts, medical reports, cancellation notices and other paperwork.Get a police report for any theft or loss. Most insurers require this, and it needs to be done within 24 hours where possible.If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline first. Airlines are generally responsible for providing refunds or alternative transport and may also be required to provide meals or accommodation, depending on the circumstances.Article continues belowWhat to do when you're back homeClaim promptly. Check your policy for time limits and submit your claim quickly.Send everything asked for. Read the document checklist carefully and send everything. Missing information is one of the most common causes of delays.Christian Bennett at Multitrip.com said: "If something goes wrong on your holiday, making a claim shouldn’t be stressful. We work hard to resolve claims as quickly and smoothly as possible, but a few simple habits can make the process easy. Keeping receipts, taking photos before you travel and holding on to important paperwork means you'll have everything you need at your fingertips if you do need to make a claim."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HospitalsTravel insuranceTravelTravel TipsTravel moneyHouse insuranceLife insuranceSave moneyMoney MattersHoliday moneyHolidaysUK holidays