TL;DR: Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR)
What is IFAR?
IFAR (Interrupt for Any Reason) is an optional upgrade available on select comprehensive travel insurance plans (often bundled with CFAR). It lets you end your trip early for a reason not covered by standard trip interruption and get reimbursed for part of your unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
Who qualifies?
You may qualify if you:
- Buy a comprehensive plan that offers IFAR (often with CFAR)
- Add the upgrade within the plan’s time-sensitive window (varies by plan)
- Insure 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs (when required)
- Interrupt your trip at least 48-72 hours after departure (varies by plan)
- Live in a state where the coverage is available
(Exact eligibility rules vary by plan.)
When do I have to buy it?
Usually within 14–21 days of your first trip payment (varies by plan).
When can I use it?
You must typically interrupt your trip at least 48-72 hours after departure for coverage to apply. Some plans may have different timing requirements.
How much does it reimburse?
Typically, 50%–75% of your unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs depending on the plan.
FAQ: Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR)
What is Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage?
IFAR is an add-on benefit available on select travel insurance plans that can reimburse you if you cut your trip short for a reason not otherwise covered by your policy’s standard trip interruption benefit.
Instead of requiring a specific “covered reason,” IFAR is designed for situations where you still need to go home early, but your plan’s built-in interruption coverage doesn’t apply.
What does IFAR cover?
IFAR typically reimburses part of your unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs after you end your trip early.
Examples of costs that may be considered (depending on the plan) include:
- Unused hotel nights
- Prepaid tours or excursions you can’t take
- Prepaid transportation or activities you won’t use
Coverage details vary by plan, so always check the plan’s certificate for exact definitions and limits.
How much does IFAR reimburse?
Most IFAR benefits reimburse 50%–75% of eligible unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs (varies by plan).
This is different from standard trip interruption coverage, which may reimburse more (or even up to the full amount) when the reason qualifies as “covered” under the plan.
When can I use IFAR?
In general, IFAR requires that you interrupt your trip at least 48-72 hours after departure for coverage to apply.
Some plans may have different timing rules, so it’s important to confirm the requirement on the specific plan you’re considering.
What’s the difference between Trip Interruption and IFAR?
Both benefits help when you end your trip early, but they work differently:
- Trip Interruption (standard coverage): Applies only when you interrupt your trip for reasons listed as “covered” in the policy (like certain illnesses, injuries, or other qualifying events, depending on the plan).
- IFAR (upgrade): Helps when you interrupt your trip for a reason not covered by the plan’s standard interruption benefit and typically pays only a partial reimbursement.
Think of IFAR as extra flexibility when your situation doesn’t match the plan’s covered reasons.
Is IFAR the same as Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)?
They’re related, but they’re not the same.
- CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason): Applies before you leave; it can reimburse part of your costs if you decide not to take the trip.
- IFAR (Interrupt for Any Reason): Applies after you leave; it can reimburse part of your costs if you need to end the trip early.
In some cases, IFAR is included when you select CFAR (when offered), so they can work to provide flexibility either before or during your trip.
Do all travel insurance plans include IFAR?
No. IFAR is typically only available on certain comprehensive plans, often as an optional upgrade (or bundled with CFAR when offered).
If you’re shopping for this benefit, comparing plans side-by-side is the fastest way to see which options include IFAR.
How much does IFAR cost?
Adding CFAR/IFAR usually increases the total plan cost.
When IFAR is bundled with CFAR on certain plans, it may cost a little more than 50% of the base policy price. For example, if a plan costs around $100, adding CFAR/IFAR might cost around $55.
(Exact pricing varies by trip details, traveler ages, plan, and provider.)
Is IFAR worth it?
It can be worth it if you want more flexibility to leave early even when your reason wouldn’t qualify under standard trip interruption coverage.
IFAR may be a good fit if you:
- Want extra peace of mind for “gray area” situations
- Prefer flexibility and partial reimbursement over strict covered-reason rules
- Are already considering CFAR and want protection during the trip, too
If you’re primarily worried about common unexpected events, standard trip interruption coverage may be enough, especially if your plan already has strong benefits.
What are the main requirements to qualify for IFAR?
Requirements vary by plan, but common rules include:
- You must buy a plan that offers IFAR (often tied to selecting CFAR)
- You must interrupt the trip at least 48-72 hours after departure (typical rule)
- Reimbursement is usually limited to a percentage of eligible unused, prepaid, nonrefundable costs
Always confirm the requirements on the specific plan.
How do I find plans that include IFAR?
The easiest way is to compare plans and look specifically for CFAR/IFAR availability in the plan details. If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, InsureMyTrip’s licensed travel insurance agents can help you identify which plans offer the flexibility you want.
Bottom line
IFAR is a niche travel insurance upgrade that can reimburse 50%–75% of eligible unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you need to end your trip early for a reason not otherwise covered, usually at least 48-72 hours after 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.