If you’ve booked an expensive trip far in advance, buying a trip cancellation plan with an added Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance benefit (or CFAR) is smart.
Our trip cancellation insurance plans offer this optional benefit exclusively for U.S. citizens and residents making significant upfront investments in their travel plans.
This unique add-on provides enhanced flexibility, allowing travelers to cancel their plans for any reason, including those not typically covered by standard policies.
With this coverage, U.S.-based travelers gain peace of mind, knowing they have a safety net to protect their travel investment. This benefit is ideal for travelers who take proactive steps to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, from schedule shifts and family emergencies to simply reconsidering their plans.
CFAR provides financial protection and flexibility, ensuring travelers can adapt as needed without losing their travel expenses.
What is CFAR Travel Insurance?
Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance is an optional upgrade that provides increased flexibility by allowing travelers to cancel for reasons not typically covered under standard trip cancellation policies.
Unlike traditional trip cancellation coverage, which only reimburses travelers for specific events like illness or severe weather, it covers up to 50-75% of non-refundable costs for cancellations due to any reason.
Cancel For Any Reason vs Trip Cancellation Insurance
Cancel For Any Reason insurance offers greater flexibility, allowing you to terminate your trip for any reason. However, it comes with limitations on the reimbursement percentage, eligibility requirements, and cancellation timing.
In contrast, a trip cancellation insurance benefit is more limited, covering specific situations only, but it often provides full reimbursement for these covered reasons.
CFAR Benefit
Trip Cancellation Benefit
Covered Reasons for Cancellation
This allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, even if it’s not covered under the standard trip cancellation benefit (e.g., changing your mind, fear of travel, or personal reasons).
Only reimburses for cancellations due to specific, covered reasons listed in the policy, such as illness, injury, death of a family member, severe weather, or certain work-related emergencies.
Reimbursement Amount
Usually reimburses a percentage of the prepaid, non-refundable trip costs (typically 50–75%), regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Typically provides up to 100% reimbursement of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if the cancellation is for a covered reason.
Eligibility and Purchase Requirements
Must be added as an optional upgrade when you purchase the initial travel insurance policy, often within a specific “Time Sensitive Period” (e.g., 15-21 days after your first trip payment).
The standard benefit of a trip cancellation insurance plan is that the plan can often be purchased until the day before departure.
Timing of Cancellation
Typically requires you to cancel the trip at least 2 days (48 hours) before the scheduled departure date.
Can often be used up until the moment of departure for covered reasons.
Availability
Generally available only to U.S. citizens or residents and may not be offered by all travel insurance providers.
Available to most travelers, though specific details and covered reasons can vary by policy.
Key Benefits and Exclusions of CFAR Insurance
Knowing what CFAR travel insurance covers is key to getting the right protection and using your policy confidently. Here’s an overview to help you understand the essentials before you buy.
What’s Covered?
Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance benefit covers a percentage (usually 50-75%) of the non-refundable expenses you’ve paid, such as flights, accommodations, tours, and other relevant prepaid costs.
What’s Not Covered?
It reimburses only for non-refundable, prepaid expenses. It excludes any portion you can refund or reschedule without a penalty, such as flexible hotel bookings or airline credits.
To use your benefits, you must cancel your plans at least two days (48 hours) before your departure date. Cancellations made on or after the departure date are not eligible for reimbursement.
Understanding Wording
Trip cancellation plans with this optional upgrade may vary regarding coverage specifics and payment conditions. Therefore, it is essential to review the details of the benefit carefully.
After purchasing coverage, you’ll receive a policy certificate with additional information. If the terms don’t meet your expectations, you can cancel the policy and select another trip cancellation plan with additional coverage.
Understanding Cancellation Penalties in CFAR Travel Insurance
The coverage usually requires that you cancel your travel plans at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you cancel within those last two days, the benefit will not apply.
The percentage of coverage you get from these plans will vary depending on the plan and, in some cases, is subject to cancellation penalties. A cancellation penalty is an amount that the travel supplier will not refund you if you have to cancel.
The Best CFAR Travel Insurance Plans
We recommend the Trawick Pathway Premier plan for U.S. citizens and residents who want comprehensive protection for trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking robust coverage for covered reasons, such as illness, injury, work obligations, or severe weather.
Purchasing the plan on or before your final trip deposit also includes coverage for pre-existing conditions. For extra flexibility, you can optionally add Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption for Any Reason benefits, though they come at an additional cost.
Pathway Premier
Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance
Available to U.S. residents traveling for up to 90 days within the U.S. and internationally
Optional CFAR, IFAR, Rental Car Damage, and Adventure Sports coverage
If you’re looking for built-in flexibility, Trawick Safe Travels AnyReason includes a Cancel for Any Reason benefit at no extra cost, as long as you purchase the plan within 7 days of your initial deposit.
This plan lets you cancel for reasons not typically covered and recover up to 75% of your non-refundable expenses. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who value peace of mind and want a simplified, flexible solution.
Safe Travels AnyReason
Available to U.S. residents traveling within the United States and abroad
100% Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
75% of Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is included within 7 days of trip deposit
The IMG iTravelInsured LX plan is an excellent choice for U.S. travelers with expensive, complex itineraries, such as cruises, safaris, or multi-destination journeys, as it covers a wide range of travel risks.
This plan also offers 24/7 non-insurance telehealth services if you need to connect with a medical professional while traveling.
iTravelInsured Trip Cancellation Insurance
Three tiers of trip protection for U.S. citizens and residents traveling overseas
Includes $500,000 Emergency Medical and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation coverage
Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available
The World Nomads Epic and Explorer plans are known for their flexibility. Travelers can extend coverage while on the road, making it ideal for more extended stays or flexible itineraries.
While the optional CFAR upgrade is only available to U.S. citizens, travelers of other nationalities still benefit from the plan’s comprehensive cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage.
World Nomads Trip Cancellation
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
Coverage for baggage and personal gear
Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for U.S. citizens and residents
The cost of a trip cancellation plan typically ranges from 4% to 10% of your total prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
Adding the optional benefit usually increases the base premium by 40% to 60%, reflecting its extra flexibility.
Because of the added cost, we recommend it only for travelers with specific concerns that are not typically covered by a standard trip cancellation benefit.
When You Should Consider CFAR Coverage
The benefit is ideal for travelers who want maximum flexibility in their travel plans.
Travelers Who Can Benefit
Those with Uncertain Plans: If you’re unsure about your plans due to work, personal circumstances, uncertain travel companion plans, or health concerns, you can cancel for any reason, even if it’s unrelated to the specific events covered by standard travel insurance, and get your money back.
Travelers Concerned About Changing Situations: It provides peace of mind for those who worry about unforeseen events that typical policies, such as shifts in political stability, weather concerns, natural disasters, or new travel advisories, may not cover.
People Sensitive to Health Risks: If you’re traveling during flu season or amid other health risks, you should cancel if you’re uncomfortable traveling, even without a specific health diagnosis.
Family and Group Travelers: If you’re traveling with family or in a group, it covers a broader range of cancellation reasons, making it easier to adapt if any group member decides not to go.
High-Cost Trip Travelers: For travel plans involving substantial non-refundable costs, such as prepaid excursions, luxury accommodations, or event tickets, the coverage safeguards against losing a significant amount of money if you need to cancel.
Eligibility Requirements
Please note that the optional upgrade offered in our cancellation plans is available exclusively to U.S. citizens and residents.
The eligibility requirements for this coverage typically include the following:
Time Frame: It must be added to your travel insurance plan within a specified timeframe after the initial trip deposit is made.
Trawick Pathway Premier: Travelers must purchase coverage on or before the final trip deposit date.
IMG iTravelInsured: Travelers must purchase coverage within 20 days of their initial deposit.
Full Trip Cost Coverage: This coverage requires travelers to insure all non-refundable costs subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.
Advance Cancellation Notice: To utilize the benefit, Trawick, IMG, and World Nomads travel insurance companies require you to cancel your plans at least two days before the scheduled departure date.
State Limitations: Cancel For Any Reason coverage may not be available in certain U.S. states due to state insurance regulations. For example, Trawick, IMG, and World Nomads cannot offer CFAR travel insurance coverage to New York residents.
These eligibility requirements highlight the importance of carefully reading the policy wording in your plan documents.
All three plans are subject to limitations, exclusions, and conditions; however, they remain the best trip protection insurance policies available.
Is CFAR Travel Insurance Worth It?
If you’re seeking comprehensive protection with maximum cancellation flexibility, CFAR coverage may be a worthwhile investment.
Many travelers opt for travel insurance with this upgrade for added peace of mind and comprehensive travel protection. However, it’s essential to balance your budget with your coverage needs, so consider the additional costs carefully.
We recommend reviewing the trip cancellation coverage in your policy certificate to understand coverage limits. If your specific cancellation concerns aren’t addressed, adding it could be beneficial.
Consider the coverage limits for last-minute trip cancellations, interruptions, and emergency medical insurance.
Another way to determine if the coverage is worth the investment is to compare the cost of your CFAR protection plan with the price of the insured trip.
Example: The Cost of Trip Cancellation Insurance with CFAR for Travel to Costa Rica
Here’s an example of how it can provide peace of mind and financial protection when uncertainty arises.
An avid traveler, Maria added the upgrade to her Trawick Pathway Premier plan because her sister’s baby is due around the same time as her vacation to Costa Rica.
With the CFAR add-on benefit, Maria can cancel her vacation plans if her niece arrives before she departs, ensuring she won’t miss this special family moment.
Yes, with the Cancel for Any Reason benefit, you can cancel your trip for any reason, even if it’s not covered under the standard trip cancellation policy. This includes changing your mind, fear of travel, or unexpected personal obligations.
However, it’s important to remember that it typically reimburses only a portion (usually 50-75%) of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, and you must cancel at least two days before your covered trip’s scheduled departure to qualify.
After making your initial payment, you can buy the add-on coverage within a specific “Time Sensitive Period.” The period varies from 15 to 21 days, depending on the insurance provider.
For example, Trawick Pathway Premier’s pre-existing condition benefit is included if your premium is received before or on your final trip payment due date.
After the Time-Sensitive period ends, it is generally no longer available to add to your policy. Therefore, purchasing it soon after your first deposit is crucial if you want this added flexibility.
In most cases, you cannot add Cancel for Any Reason coverage if you’ve already purchased a travel insurance plan.
It must typically be included at the time of purchase or within a specific “Time Sensitive Period.” This is usually 15 to 21 days after your initial payment.
If you’ve already purchased a travel insurance plan but are now interested in adding the coverage, you may need to buy a new policy that includes this benefit, provided you are still within that initial time frame.
If you don’t have Cancel for Any Reason insurance but want to cancel, your ability to get a refund will depend on the terms of your standard travel insurance policy.
Trip cancellation insurance services cover cancellations only for specific reasons listed in the policy, such as illness, severe weather, or specific work obligations.
If your reason for canceling isn’t covered, you likely won’t receive reimbursement through your insurance. However, you can check with your travel suppliers (like airlines and hotels), as some may offer partial refunds, credits, or rescheduling options.
Yes, your trip cancellation insurance plan can include flight insurance if you have to cancel for any reason. The cost of your airfare would be part of the total insured.
If you have already purchased travel insurance through your airline, you won’t need to include those costs in any additional policy you buy. However, it is important to note that most airline trip cancellation plans do not offer benefits for cancellation coverage.
Yes, Cancel for Any Reason insurance can cover the costs of a cruise if you meet the policy’s requirements.
When you add it to your travel insurance plan, it typically applies to all prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses, including cruise fares, rental cars, excursions, and other nonrefundable payments related to the cruise.
Mackenzie is the Director of User Experience at ICI, creating intuitive, user-centered digital solutions for global insurance clients. With expertise in UX design and content strategy, she simplifies complex offerings to improve accessibility for expatriates, travelers, and international employers.
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