What is cancel for any reason in travel insurance?
Cancel for any reason (also referred to as "CFAR") is an optional add-on benefit of travel insurance that lets you cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as "covered reasons" on a policy. So even if your reason for cancelling isn't included in your comprehensive plan, CFAR allows you to bypass that list, giving you greater flexibility when making travel decisions. It's offered as a part of certain comprehensive plans, is time-sensitive, and has other eligibility requirements. If you meet the requirements, reimbursement may be up to 50% to 75% of your insured pre-paid nonrefundable trip cost.
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How is cancel for any reason travel insurance different from trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation is a standard inclusion on most comprehensive travel insurance policies. It provides up to a full refund of your prepaid, nonrefundable costs if you need to cancel a trip for a specific, unforeseen covered reason. Common travel insurance plans will cover reasons such as a death in the family, common carrier-related issues, or an unforeseen natural disaster. Covered reasons do vary by plan, so be sure to review the details of your policy carefully. Unlike trip cancellation coverage, the optional travel insurance cancel for any reason benefit (CFAR) offers partial reimbursement on prepaid, nonrefundable costs if you cancel for any reason, even those not typically covered by your comprehensive travel insurance policy.
With Progressive travel insurance through InsureMyTrip, cancel for any reason coverage is time-sensitive and is usually only available within 10 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. Depending on the plan, cancellation with your travel supplier must occur at least 48 to 72 hours before your trip — the required timeframes vary by policy. Trip cancellation coverage included with your comprehensive policy may reimburse you up to 100% of prepaid, nonrefundable costs for which you are insured, but covered reasons for cancellation are limited. CFAR may reimburse you for 50% to 75% of prepaid nonrefundable trip costs, depending on the plan you choose, when you cancel for a reason not covered by your policy.
The optional cancel for any reason travel insurance benefit may be purchased as an add-on to certain comprehensive travel insurance policies. Usually, this benefit is an additional charge on the plan, but it comes with extended coverage that you may find worthwhile. Learn more about how travel insurance works.
What's covered by cancel for any reason?
You can use the cancel for any reason to cover flight and trip costs that are prepaid, nonrefundable, and not already included as a "covered reason" under trip cancellation coverage in your comprehensive travel insurance plan. When purchasing CFAR, you must insure 100% of your pre-paid nonrefundable trip costs. There are eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify. If all conditions are met, most of the policies will reimburse you 50% to 75% of your trip costs, unless otherwise noted. Times that CFAR travel insurance coverage may come in handy include:
- You don't feel comfortable traveling due to COVID-19 cases or quarantine recommendations.
- Your new passport didn't arrive on time.
- You have safety concerns about your destination. For example, wildfires, political unrest in the country you're visiting, or a forecasted hurricane. Unless one of these issues makes the destination uninhabitable, regular trip cancellation won't cover it.
- A family or work obligation prevents you from taking the trip.
- Your travel companion can no longer make the trip, and you don't want to travel alone.
- Your flight or itinerary was changed, and you don't love the new plan.
- You have a pre-existing condition that impedes your ability to travel. Basic trip cancellation coverage typically protects you in the case of unforeseen illness or injury, but anything related to a pre-existing condition is typically excluded.
- You're starting a new job and you can no longer take the trip.
- Travel guidelines for your destination changed, and it's recommended to not travel there.
Are there limits or exclusions to CFAR insurance coverage?
Each insurance policy is unique, so be sure to read through the specifics when adding cancel for any reason coverage to your travel insurance policy. While the timeframes may vary slightly, the following guidelines apply to InsureMyTrip's CFAR coverage:
- Time limit to purchase: Typically, a policy must be purchased within 10-21 days of making the initial trip payment to be eligible for CFAR benefits.
- Time limit to redeem: Many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify any and all travel suppliers at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Some travel insurance companies have a requirement of cancellation no less than 72 hours before departure. Beyond that window, any cancellation you make must be made for a stated "covered reason" under your policy details.
- Coverage amount: Most policies require travelers to insure 100% of their pre-paid, nonrefundable trip cost in order to be eligible for cancel for any reason. If you only want to insure certain aspects of your vacation but not all of it, you may not qualify for CFAR.
- Refund amount: Many CFAR plans offer a 75% refund on prepaid and nonrefundable expenses, while some only pay back 50%.
How to get CFAR travel insurance
Online
Browse travel insurance plans that cater to your itinerary, and then choose your coverages and start date.
Talk to a rep
Call 1-844-276-1214 to speak with a licensed travel representative about the options for your particular itinerary and needs.
Get a trip insurance quote online or call for expert advice
Learn more about travel insurance policies.
