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This question was already asked here

How to insure checked luggage?

...but there were no satisfactory answers. However that was from a few years ago. Since that time we've had new restrictions put in on bringing laptop computers and cameras into the passenger cabin on flights from the ME to the US and UK, and there are heavy rumours that the US government is about to place such restrictions on all flights from Europe.

I travel for photography, so I routinely bring a pair of camera bodies (one for backup) and a bunch of lenses. (I also travel with a laptop) I've always brought them on board as carry-on. The total value of the gear I bring is typically $20K-30K, with maybe $6-10K of that my DSLR bodies. The travel insurance companies I've contacted won't sell me anywhere near that much insurance for checked luggage.

What do people currently do traveling on routes from the ME to the US and UK, for example?

Specifically in your case, you should look into an insurance plan specifically for photographers. This Petapixel article lists some of the options.

While some insurers will write policies for photographers on a per-trip basis, there are usually a lot more limitations and higher deductibles than for annual policies. It's important to read the fine print carefully to see exactly what is covered in terms of travel, but they typically can cover your gear at home and on the road, rental gear (this is particularly handy; want a $7,000 lens on a trip? Just email the rental house your certificate of insurance and you're covered), liability, and errors & omissions. Some of the big names, like Hill & Usher or TCP, will do custom quotes based on your specific needs starting around $400-$500/year, while PPA's Photo Care has a pre-determined package starting at $323/year for $15,000 of coverage, with more available as a supplement.

If it's that expensive, probably the only reasonable option (other than specialist insurance perhaps) is an "add-on" to your home contents insurance policy for personal effects (but make sure it covers items lost in transit, not all of them do!). You'll need to add it as a "declared item" to your policy, and the insurance company will ask for a brief description as possibly some photographs.

Expect to pay about 0.5-2% of the total value of the item per year added onto your premium, depending on what it is. Some things that are easier to steal like jewellery will cost more.

You could pre-ship your equipment to your destination, which would allow you to insure the package using parcel insurance provided by the carrier. This would meet your "separate policy" clause, and will (theoretically) compensate you for damage or loss.

I say theoretically because having worked in cargo claims, you have to be very mindful about the T&Cs under which they'll actually pay out. It varies by carrier. I've seen many, many customers burned by things like concealed damage or hidden water damage, or finding out after the fact that items like glass aren't covered "unless it's packaged with 2" styrofoam on all sides by one of our licensed agents and you pay extra for third-party insurance and it's shipped in a box that fits these dimensions and does not apply to international shipments" and so on.

Or the best one-- you note at the time of delivery that $20K of equipment was smashed, file a claim within the timeframe, you take pictures, provide receipts from 10 years ago, jump through all the hoops and basically do everything right...then 6 months later you receive a check for a whopping $3.00, because claims for the "insurance" you purchased are paid based on weight of the items lost, not their value.

It's an option, but it's risky. Tread carefully.