Trip Cancellation Insurance: Your Questions Answered
Life happens, plans change, weather turns bad, or someone gets sick right before your big trip. That’s where trip cancellation insurance can save the day. Think of it as your safety net for non-refundable travel expenses when you have to cancel for a covered reason.
Below are the most common questions travelers ask about travel cancellation insurance and what you need to know before you buy.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation?
Yes, most comprehensive travel insurance plans include trip cancellation coverage. If you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance helps protect your financial investment in your trip. It reimburses you for travel costs if you have to cancel before departure for an approved reason listed in your plan’s policy.
What does trip cancellation insurance cover?
Each plan lists its covered reasons – specific events your insurer considers valid for canceling a trip. Common examples include:
- Illness
- Injury
- Death in the family
- Natural disasters
- Your home becoming uninhabitable
Always review your policy’s list of covered reasons before purchasing.
If you’d prefer flexibility to cancel for almost any reason, you can upgrade to a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit, which provides broader protection.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness?
Yes, if you, a traveling companion, or a family member gets sick or injured before your trip, most plans cover cancellation. To qualify, the illness or injury typically must be serious enough to prevent travel, and you’ll need a doctor’s note.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to family death?
Yes, the death of a family member, traveling companion, or business partner is a covered reason under most policies. The definition of “family” varies by plan, so check your policy details to confirm who’s included.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to war?
Usually not. War or acts of war are excluded from most travel insurance plans, even if the conflict breaks out after you’ve booked your trip. However, you can find some specialty plans that offer limited coverage for political or security evacuations.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to strike?
Some plans may cover cancellation if a strike causes your carrier to stop operating for a certain number of hours or days. Review your plan for exact wording and requirements, as this coverage varies by provider.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to pet illness?
Some plans may cover trip cancellation due to a pet’s illness or injury. However, if this is a big concern, you may want to consider flexible cancellation options like Cancel for Any Reason.
Can you buy trip cancellation insurance after booking?
Yes, but don’t wait too long! You can usually buy a trip cancellation plan any time before your departure, but for the best protection, especially if you want pre-existing condition coverage or CFAR, it’s smart to buy right after you book your trip.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to weather?
Yes, many comprehensive plans cover cancellations caused by bad weather events like hurricanes or snowstorms, but timing matters. If a storm is already named or predicted, it’s too late to buy a policy to cover it. The event must be unforeseen when you purchase your plan.
If your home or destination becomes uninhabitable before departure, you may also qualify for reimbursement.
What may not be covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance plans include exclusions – events or situations not covered by your policy, like being detained by customs or illness linked to a pre-existing condition (unless a waiver applies).
Reading your plan details before you buy helps you understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
Should I buy trip cancellation insurance?
If you’ve prepaid for flights, hotels, or tours, trip cancellation insurance is often worth it. It offers peace of mind and protection against unexpected cancellations that could cost you thousands. Compare policies to find the best fit for your travel style, budget, and risk tolerance.
How much does travel cancellation insurance cost?
Costs vary based on your trip price, age, destination, and coverage level, but typically, travel cancellation insurance runs about 4% – 10% of your total trip cost. You can get a quote easily online to compare plans side by side.
Compare trip cancellation insurance plans today to find the best protection for your next vacation or international adventure. It only takes a few minutes, and it could save your trip (and your wallet) later.
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.
Ask a Question
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Question
I'm seeing under the policies after "Trip Cancellation" $2500 listed even though the cost of my trip is $10,000. Does this mean there's a $2500 deductible or I can only expect to be reimburse for $2500 of my non-refundable expenses?
By JoshF - January 4, 2018
Answer
The amounts displayed are per person amounts. If you had to cancel for a covered reason, that is the amount each traveler would be reimbursed.
By MattG - January 11, 2018
Question
I had to cancel my trip. Will i get the insurance fee back?
By Diane - May 26, 2018
Answer
Generally, the policy premium is only refundable within the 10-15 day review period from when the policy was purchased.
By MattG - May 26, 2018
Question
I am planning to purchase tickets for my family to attend the wedding of my niece in California. Does a travel insurance cover cancellation due to changes of wedding plans? Do I need to buy special coverage for such reasons.
By TonyH - September 3, 2018
Answer
For this concern, we suggest viewing policies that offer 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.
By MattG - September 4, 2018
Question
Is it possible to get trip cancellation coverage if you are past the 14-21 day window since the deposit was made
By JimP - May 9, 2019
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 - May 13, 2019
Question
Is the death or health emergency of a parent considered a valid reason for trip insurance reimbursement?
By Ramesh - September 28, 2019
Answer
Yes. 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 all comprehensive policies and extends to non traveling Family Members.
By MattG - September 30, 2019
Question
I am purchasing a trip to Mexico. I have to pay for the nonrefundable hotel now but won't purchase the airline ticket for a few more months. If I purchase coverage before I have the airline tickets but have the hotel reservation, will the airline ticket be covered as well once I purchase them in a couple months?
By Rick - October 18, 2019
Answer
Yes. You can insure what you have paid for to date and any known costs, and once you make subsequent payments towards the trip prior to departure such as purchasing airfare, you can contact us and update your existing policy accordingly.
By MattG - October 19, 2019
Question
I am worried about the cornovirus and not being allowed to travel Will travel insurance cover this
By shelleyF - March 9, 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 airline bankruptcies covered?
By Noah - March 9, 2020
Answer
Many Comprehensive travel insurance policies will include financial default coverage, if all eligibility requirements are met, which typically covers cancellation or interruption if a travel supplier has stopped business operations due to a financial reason. Coverage for financial default may be time sensitive on some plans, meaning you have to be purchasing coverage within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment/deposit. Also, there is a waiting period for financial default coverage to go into effect after the effective date of the policy, usually 10-14 days. This means that if you purchase a plan today and it goes into effect tomorrow, financial default coverage would be available 10-14 days after tomorrow (depending on the plan). Plans typically do not cover the default of the agency that you purchased your travel arrangements through. Also, coverage has to be purchased prior to any announcement of financial issues for a travel supplier. Finally, some companies only offer coverage for the financial default of select travel suppliers. You can obtain the complete list from your provider if you have any questions about your travel supplier’s eligibility.
By Meghan - March 11, 2020
Question
We had a house booked in Florida starting 3/23/2020. My husband has been recently diagnosed with a health issue that we need to get immediate attention. We have cancelled the trip. What is the process for filing a claim?
By Sheri - March 11, 2020
Answer
If you are looking to file a claim, you will need to contact the insurance company that provided your coverage. You should be able to find the contact information for the claims department within the policy documents that you received when the plan was purchased. The claims department will be able to advise you on the process and any information needed.
By Meghan - March 12, 2020
Question
Do we get a refund of our insurance cost if the cruise line cancels the trip?
By ShariW - March 12, 2020
Answer
Generally, the policy can only be cancelled within the 10 - 15 day review period from when it was purchased.
By MattG - March 16, 2020
Question
We have reserved a house in San Diego for a family get together for 6 days. However, my husband and I are 80 years old and are now advised not to travel at this time because of the Coronavirus. Will our CSA policy refund our prepaid rental fee?
By BrendaC - March 13, 2020
Answer
Although Coronavirus is now a prevalent topic, and there are many questions related to travel insurance coverage, it looks like you may have purchased a travel insurance plan from a company not offered through InsureMyTrip.com. If that is the case, you will need to contact that company directly to discuss coverage or file a claim. You should be able to find this contact info on any confirmations or policy documents that you received. Although our Customer Care agents would love to help, they can only view and discuss policies that were purchased through InsureMyTrip.com.
By Meghan - March 13, 2020
Question
My wife and I are going on a trip together. If one of us gets sick, can I cancel the trip for both of us?
By RobertG - March 27, 2020
Answer
If one traveler has to cancel for a covered reason, all travelers who are insured are also covered to cancel as well. Trip Cancellation extends to traveling companions and Family Members. 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. 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. Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - April 2, 2020
Question
Does travel insurance cover pandemics
By Marie - April 16, 2020
Answer
Some standard comprehensive travel insurance plans do exclude pandemics, and on others you may only be covered if you contract the virus after coverage goes into effect and a physician says you can't travel. It is important to read the policy document to see what is covered and what is excluded. If fear of travel or government shutdowns/boarder closings are your 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 - April 22, 2020
Question
I book a trip and the company cancels the trip due to lack of enrollment. They will only refund the cost of the trip, not independently purchased airfare. Can I get a policy to insure trip and airfare?
By PauletteW - May 8, 2020
Answer
Standard comprehensive travel insurance plans will not cover cancellation due to lack of enrollment. In this instance, you would want to look at a policy with optional Cancel For Any Reason protection 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 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 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 still have to apply for Schengen visa, if not approved can I get a refund?
By Lottie - August 3, 2023
Answer
If your visa is denied or your trip is cancelled prior to the effective date of the medical policy, you can request to have it cancelled. You are fully refunded the premium paid if you cancel prior to the effective date.
By MattG - August 5, 2023