Key Takeaways
- CFAR lets you cancel a trip for any reason, not just those listed in your travel insurance policy.
- There are caveats, such as needing to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip.
- This optional add-on will increase the cost of your travel insurance plan, and you typically only get up to 50% or 75% of your trip costs reimbursed.
What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is an optional upgrade you can add to a comprehensive travel insurance plan. It lets you cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard trip cancellation, with certain restrictions.
Standard trip cancellation only reimburses for specific covered reasons that are listed in your policy, like illness, severe weather, or certain job losses. CFAR gives you broader flexibility. If you cancel at least 48 hours before departure, you can typically recover 50% to 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs.
- Eligibility: To qualify for this optional travel insurance add-on, you must purchase CFAR within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment (the timeframe varies by policy) and insure 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
- Reimbursement: CFAR reimburses up 50% to 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs, depending on the plan.
- Cancellation timing: You must cancel at least 48 hours before departure. Some plans require 72 hours.
- State restrictions: CFAR is not available in all states, including New York and Washington.
- Cost: CFAR typically adds 40% to 50% to the cost of your travel insurance.
According to InsureMyTrip data, about 10% of travel insurance plans bought now include CFAR, reflecting how much travelers value flexibility.
Regulatory note: CFAR is a time-sensitive optional benefit attached to a comprehensive policy and must meet state insurance regulations.
Standard CFAR Rules
Across most travel insurance plans, CFAR works like this:
- Buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment
- Insure 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs
- Cancel at least 48 hours before departure
- Get reimbursed 50% to 75% of eligible nonrefundable costs
CFAR Vs. Standard Trip Cancellation
While comprehensive travel insurance will reimburse you for trip cancellation for specific covered reasons listed in the policy, CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason.
This table compares the standard coverage you might get in a base travel insurance policy with the expanded coverage you get by purchasing an optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) add-on.
| Feature | Standard trip cancellation | Cancel for any reason (CFAR) |
|---|---|---|
| What’s covered | Specific covered reasons only (illness, severe weather, jury duty, certain job losses) | Any reason, including fear of travel, changing your mind, work conflicts, or schedule inconvenience |
| What’s not covered | Fear of travel, change of mind, non-qualifying work conflicts, general anxiety | Refundable expenses, cancellations less than 48 hours before departure, amounts already refunded, points/miles |
| Reimbursement amount | Up to 100% of nonrefundable costs | Up to 50% to 75% of nonrefundable costs |
Read more: Trip cancellation vs. CFAR
What Does CFAR Cover And What’s Excluded?
If you want the option to pull the plug on your trip for any reason, including those travel insurance doesn’t cover, a CFAR add-on can give you peace of mind.
Here are things that are covered and not covered with a CFAR add-on to your travel insurance policy.
CFAR Covers
- Fear of travel
- Work conflict not otherwise covered
- Change of mind
- Family preference changes
- Schedule inconvenience
CFAR Doesn’t Cover
- Refundable expenses
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before departure
- Amounts already refunded by suppliers
- Points/miles (only unreimbursed taxes/fees may qualify, depending on plan)
- Partially refundable bookings (only the nonrefundable portion qualifies)
How Much Does CFAR Cost?
CFAR pricing is usually calculated as a multiplier on your base travel insurance cost.
- Travel insurance costs an average of 4% to 10% of your total trip value
- CFAR upgrade typically increases the base premium by 40% to 50%
For example, a $5,000 trip might cost about $300 to insure, or 6% of the trip cost. Adding cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage could raise the premium by about $120, or 40%, for a total of $420.
If the CFAR benefit reimburses 75% and you cancel, you could receive up to $3,750. After subtracting the $420 premium, your net loss would be $1,670 instead of $5,000. This is how CFAR can reduce financial risk on higher-value, nonrefundable trips.
States Where CFAR Is Not Available
CFAR coverage is restricted or unavailable in certain states due to state insurance regulations. These include:
- New York
- Washington
If you reside in one of these states, you will not be able to add CFAR to your travel insurance policy. Always confirm availability when comparing plans.
Can I Buy CFAR Now?
You can still add cancel for any reason coverage to your travel insurance plan if you:
- Buy CFAR within 14 to 21 days of the initial trip deposit, depending on the plan
- Insure 100% of prepaid, nonrefundable costs
- Live in a state where CFAR is available
InsureMyTrip tip: Compare travel insurance plans immediately after making your first trip payment, so you don’t miss the CFAR eligibility window.
How To File A Successful CFAR Claim
CFAR claims are usually simpler than standard cancellation claims because you don’t need to prove a covered reason. But you must follow the timing rules carefully.
Steps For Canceling Your Trip With CFAR
- Cancel directly with suppliers at least 48 hours before departure
- Keep proof of cancellation
- File your claim promptly
- Provide receipts for all nonrefundable expenses
Note that only the nonrefundable portion qualifies for CFAR reimbursement. If a hotel refunds 30%, you can only claim the remaining 70%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CFAR Worth It?
If you’re booking an expensive, mostly nonrefundable trip and want maximum flexibility to cancel, CFAR can be worth it. When comparing travel insurance plans, filter for those offering CFAR coverage and note whether this optional add-on reimburses up to 50% or 75%.
Who Is Eligible For CFAR?
To qualify for optional CFAR coverage, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment (varies by plan).
- Insure 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
- Cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure (some plans require 72 hours).
- Reside in a state where CFAR coverage is available.
Does CFAR Cover Flights Booked With Points?
CFAR does not usually cover flights booked with points, but may reimburse you for any unreimbursed taxes and fees.
Can I Cancel The Day Before Departure?
No. You must cancel at least 48 hours before departure (some plans require 72 hours).
Can I Add CFAR Later?
No. If you miss the 14- to 21-day window after your first trip payment, you cannot CFAR later.
Does CFAR Cover Fear Of Travel Or Changing Your Mind?
Yes. With CFAR, you can cancel for any reason, including fear of travel, change of mind, or general anxiety about your destination.
Is CFAR Available In New York?
No. CFAR coverage is not currently available to residents of New York or Washington.
How Much Does CFAR Reimburse?
CFAR typically reimburses 50% to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs, depending on the plan.
What Happens If I Cancel Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure?
You will not be eligible for CFAR reimbursement. You must cancel at least 48 hours (or 72 hours, depending on your plan) before your scheduled departure.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Question
Hi! I'm planning a trip to the Philippines on Oct 11 to Nov. 3, 2018. I want to do a side trip to Japan from Oct 16 to 21, 2018 and return back to the Philippines. Will I be covered in 1 comprehensive Travel insurance or do I have to purchase a separate one for Japan? Will I be covered on local airlines as well? Thanks
By Susan - March 22, 2018
Answer
You can insure your entire trip from the time you leave home until the time you return to your home with one policy. We only ask to list one destination on the form. As long as your airfare is prepaid and non-refundable, you can insure the cost of the airfare as well.
By MattG - March 24, 2018
Question
I want to plan a cruise for Spring Break 2020. Our school district won't release the actual dates for Spring Break 2020 until probably March 2019. If I booked the cruise today (5/17/18) and the week I booked did not coincide with the school, would the CFAR cover what I had paid on the cruise?
By Marci - May 17, 2018
Answer
Yes, you can literally cancel for any reason whatsoever with this benefit, as long as you qualify. There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted.
By MattG - May 19, 2018
Question
Can I cancel for Coronavirus?
By PeterR - March 7, 2020
Answer
Standard comprehensive travel insurance policies do not cover fear of travel. If fear of travel is the main concern, you would want to purchase a comprehensive plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage selected. There are some eligibility requirements for this coverage, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company.
By Meghan - March 9, 2020
Question
Hi. I’m purchasing 8 tickets for flights to Bahamas from ny for August. 5 are for my own family. 3 are for friends. I’m concerned about needing to cancel due to corona virus. Even if it’s just my own fear. Please advise...
By Liz - March 7, 2020
Answer
Standard comprehensive travel insurance policies do not cover fear of travel. If fear of travel is the main concern, you would want to purchase a comprehensive plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage selected. There are some eligibility requirements for this coverage, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company.
By Meghan - March 10, 2020
Question
I am traveling to Russia in August /September 2020 and have paid the full amount already on 17 January. I would like an insurance policy that I can cancel for any reason especially if Australia bans travel to that country; or a world wide pandemic is called; or because I need to without reason. Would you answer all three questions and tell me if I get a policy that has "cancel for any reason" it will include the coronavirus.
By Robyn - March 7, 2020
Answer
Cancel For Any Reason is an option on some comprehensive travel insurance plans, which are only available to residents of the US. For those that reside in the US (in most states), Cancel for Any Reason is a time sensitive option, meaning that it must be typically be purchased within 10-21 days after making the initial payment/deposit for your trip. There are other eligibility requirements, such as having to insure the full pre-paid non-refundable cost of your trip and canceling your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased.Since coronavirus is a known event, Cancel For Any Reason would be the only option to cancel your trip for reasons such as travel bans, pandemics, and general fear of travel and be reimbursed a portion of your trip cost.
By Meghan - March 10, 2020
Question
Will this cover the coronavirus spread?
By TerenceH - March 10, 2020
Answer
We do understand your concern as news of Coronavirus develops daily. It is recommended that you contact your travel agent and/or travel suppliers to see if they are offering the ability to cancel and receive a refund or rebook travel to a later date. Generally, travel insurance does not cover trip cancellation due fear of travel. Also, since travel warnings are now foreseen, coverage would not be available to cancel your trip due to your destination being inaccessible because of Coronavirus. The only way to have any coverage to cancel your trip, would be to purchase a comprehensive plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage selected. There are some eligibility requirements for this coverage, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company.
By Meghan - March 11, 2020
Question
Is your company Travel Insured approved for NYS Coverage for any reason travel insurance? Whether/not, how does it work when you are seeking coverage for an individual (soon to be 18 year old son) but paying a high school for a group trip? Are documents needed from the school like group payment receipts for their payments made for air/hotel/etc or do we need receipts from the school for our payments?
By Libby - March 12, 2020
Answer
We are aware of the press release quoting the Governor of New York's statement about offering Cancel For Any Reason coverage to residents of NY. Although it did mention some companies that offer plans on our site, InsureMyTrip.com, we have not received any new products at this time. Currently, standard comprehensive travel insurance plans (without Cancel For Any Reason) are available to residents of NY, but cancellation of your trip would need to be due to one of the covered reasons listed in the policy. Fear of travel and travel warnings are not covered reasons for cancelling a trip. Also, because Coronavirus is now a known event, related issues are not likely to be covered. It is important to read the policy document to be aware of what is covered and what may be excluded. You can quote plans on InsureMyTrip.com by entering some simple information such as your destination, travel dates, residence, citizenship, age, trip cost. More in-depth information would be needed at the time of a claim. If your concerns focus around cancellation due to Coronavirus related issues, it may also be a good idea to reach out to travel suppliers/hotels to see if any refunds are being offered.
By Meghan - March 13, 2020
Question
I bought Wimbledon tickets in December. Can I insure those? Event is July 4th
By Cory - March 12, 2020
Answer
Event tickets are insurable if they are prepaid and non-refundable prior to departure. You can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons.
By MattG - March 16, 2020
Question
I am planning a trip in Feb 2021 to Florida for my family. I would like to insure the entire trip with comprehensive policy. However I will be booking the lodging this week, and plane tickets at a later date as well as car and Disney tickets. Can I get the insurance now for just the lodging and add other expenses as I schedule and purchase them?
By Emily - April 14, 2020
Answer
Yes, you can purchase a policy now and insure the amount that you have currently paid toward your trip. If you are looking to purchase a plan that offers optional Cancel For Any Reason or any other time sensitive benefits, you want to make sure that you insure any subsequent payments right as you make them so you do not risk becoming ineligible for those benefits. It is important to read your policy as it will list the time-frame required to insure your initial deposit/payment and any subsequent payments (as well as any other requirements) to be eligible for time sensitive benefits.
By Meghan - April 21, 2020
Question
I plan to buy flights for May 2021. If the pandemic is a problem then at my destination (i.e. Hawaii requires any visitor to enter 14 day quarantine and I dont want to spend a vacation in quarantine), will cancel for any reason insurance cover my airfare should I choose not to fly?
By ScottJ - May 8, 2020
Answer
In this instance, you would want to look at a policy with optional Cancel For Any Reason protection selected as fear of quarantine is not a covered reason to cancel a trip on any standard comprehensive travel insurance plan. You would want to insure your flights and any other prepaid, non-refundable expenses that you may be paying prior to departure. There are some eligibility requirements for Cancel For Any Reason protection, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment/deposit, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason selected can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company. If you would like assistance finding a plan that best fits your needs, you can call our Customer Care department at 800-487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance representative.
By Meghan - May 12, 2020
Question
I booked and paid for flight package in March 2020. Can i purchase a CFAR policy today January 2021?
By MichaelB - January 11, 2021
Answer
Unfortunately, Cancel for Any Reason is a time sensitive benefit and must be purchased within 10-21 days from the initial trip payment date. If your initial trip payment date was more than 21 days ago, in this case it being back in March of 2020, this benefit will no longer be available.
By MattG - January 13, 2021
Question
I have a trip to Israel in April for the 16-27 which may get postponed to September. If I bought insurance now but the trip got postponed until Sept would it still be effective?
By BarbarL - January 20, 2021
Answer
If you are insuring a trip and it gets cancelled or postponed, you can request to have the policy cover you on your rescheduled trip. To request an exception to transfer the policy to cover you on a new trip, please click on “Contact Us” in the upper right-hand corner of our website. From there, you will see a blue box with two “Click here” options. You would want to click on the SECOND option: “Click here to complete the Policy Change Request Form” Please answer each prompt and any documents requested you must upload using the form.
By MattG - January 20, 2021
Question
Is there any cancel for any reason policy that you can get in NY?
By Jan - April 12, 2021
Answer
Unfortunately, we do not have any policies that include "Cancel for Any Reason" for New York residents at this time.
By MattG - April 14, 2021
Question
My son just graduated and doesn’t have a job yet. He will be coming to England with us. If he gets a job can we use insurance to get the money back ?
By Erika - April 26, 2021
Answer
This is not a covered reason to cancel the trip with Trip Cancellation. For this concern, you will need a policy that has "cancel for any reason". There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted. Please do not hesitate to call us for assistance with a quote over the telephone.
By MattG - April 27, 2021
Question
Is there any way to purchase travel insurance for international airline expense? Airline tickets were purchased in December of 2020 for a trip scheduled for October 2021. The airline tickets have been paid in full, while the land tour has only required a $200 deposit to date. That final payment is due in August 2021.
By StuartE - June 3, 2021
Answer
You can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons.
By MattG - June 5, 2021
Question
What if my expedited passport doesn’t come in time before the flight?
By KristaL - June 6, 2021
Answer
This isn't something that is covered with Trip Cancellation. You would need "Cancel for Any Reason" for this concern. There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted.
By MattG - June 7, 2021
Question
Hello- If I purchase CFAR insurance will it cover pet illness or death?
By Mary - December 18, 2021
Answer
Yes, with "cancel for any reason" you can literally cancel the trip for any reason whatsoever, as long as you qualify. There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted.
By MattG - December 20, 2021
Question
Does CFAR cover changing your mind in general?
By WayneT - January 29, 2022
Answer
Yes, you can literally cancel for any reason whatsoever with this benefit. This can include simply changing your mind and deciding not to take the trip anymore. There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted.
By MattG - February 1, 2022
Question
What if someone dies before travel?
By Penny - September 18, 2022
Answer
The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. This applies to non-traveling family members as well. Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - September 21, 2022
Question
We are 2 couples living in 2 different U.S. states & we have just put a deposit down on a chartered French barge cruise. Will all of us be covered if one of our party needs to cancel due to illness, injury or death of themselves or their covered family members? And if it does, does this mean we 4 would need to purchase one policy together at the same time?
By LisaS - February 5, 2023
Answer
If you live in different states or travel on different dates, you will need separate policies. You are all still covered if one traveler has to cancel for a covered reason, the same as you would be if you were all listed on the same policy together. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote.
By MattG - February 7, 2023
Question
If I cancel the whole trip and do not go, can I receive a refund back of the premium I paid? Is there a time frame in which I need to make this request? Do I need to call to make the request?
By KathyV - April 11, 2023
Answer
The policy can only be cancelled within the 10-15 day review period from when the policy was purchased. The review period will be listed on each quote on our website and in the policy certificate. Any requests that are submitted outside of the review period are considered an exception and viewed on a case by case basis.
By MattG - April 11, 2023
Question
Am I able to make a claim if there is an algae bloom at the lake cabin I’m renting and the water is unsafe?
By Sarah T - July 27, 2023
Answer
This is not something specifically covered with Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption, unfortunately. We can suggest looking into "Cancel for Any Reason" and "Interruption for Any Reason". These are time sensitive benefits though, please keep in mind. best time to purchaseYou can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons.
By MattG - August 3, 2023
Question
Are there comprehensive annual travel insurance plans that cover the financial default of the operator (i.e. cruise line)?
By Lorraine - June 6, 2024
Answer
Unfortunately, we do not offer any annual comprehensive policies. We do provide annual medical policies for trips that take place outside of your home country. Typically, each trip cannot be longer than 70 days, depending on the policy.
By MatthewG - June 13, 2024
Question
One roundtrip airline ticket from Newark to Paris was bought early in 2024. The second ticket was bought last week. We are booking both round trip flights from New Orleans to Newark today as well as hotel in Paris. Can we buy cancel for any reason insurance? Or does buying the first ticket months ago (and changing the date recently) prevent that?
By Millie - August 20, 2024
Answer
You can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons. If the initial trip payment date was more than 21 days ago, cancel for any reason will not be available, unfortunately.
By MatthewG - August 20, 2024