CFAR Travel Insurance Plans
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 a smart choice. 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 trip for any reason, including those not typically covered by standard policies.
With CFAR, U.S.-based travelers gain peace of mind, knowing they have a safety net to protect their travel investment. This benefit is ideal for those who want to be fully prepared 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.
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 a smart choice. 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 trip for any reason, including those not typically covered by standard policies.
With CFAR, U.S.-based travelers gain peace of mind, knowing they have a safety net to protect their travel investment. This benefit is ideal for those who want to be fully prepared 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.
Protect Your Travel Investment Today!
Secure a trip cancellation plan that offers a CFAR benefit to protect your non-refundable travel costs in case your plans change last minute.
What is CFAR Insurance?
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance is an optional upgrade that provides increased flexibility by allowing travelers to cancel their trip 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, CFAR covers up to 50-75% of non-refundable trip costs for cancellations due to any reason.
Eligibility Requirements
It is important to note that the optional CFAR upgrade offered in our trip cancellation plans is available exclusively to U.S. citizens and residents.
The eligibility requirements for CFAR insurance typically include the following:
- Time-Sensitive Purchase: CFAR must be added to your travel insurance plan within a specific period after the initial trip deposit.
- Trawick Safe Travels Voyager: Travelers must purchase CFAR coverage within 21 days of their initial trip deposit.
- IMG iTravelInsured: Travelers must purchase CFAR coverage within 20 days of their initial trip deposit.
- World Nomads Explorer and Epic: Travelers must purchase CFAR coverage within seven days of their initial trip deposit.
- Full Trip Cost Coverage: CFAR requires travelers to insure all non-refundable trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.
- Advance Cancellation Notice: To use the CFAR benefit, Trawick, IMG, and World Nomads require you to cancel your trip 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 coverage to New York residents.
These eligibility requirements highlight the importance of carefully reading the policy wording in your plan documents.
What Does Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Cover?
Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance benefit covers a percentage (usually 50-75%) of the non-refundable expenses you’ve paid. This includes flights, accommodations, tours, and other prepaid costs associated with the trip.
What's Not Covered?
CFAR reimburses only for non-refundable, prepaid expenses. It does not cover any portion of the trip cost that is refundable or can be rescheduled without penalty, such as flexible hotel bookings or airline credits.
To use your CFAR benefit, you must cancel your trip at least two days (48 hours) before your departure date. Cancellations made on or after the departure date are not eligible for reimbursement.
Understanding Cancel For Any Reason Wording
Trip cancellation plans with an optional CFAR upgrade may vary regarding coverage specifics and payment conditions. Therefore, it is important 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 CFAR.
Understanding Cancellation Penalties in CFAR Travel Insurance
CFAR usually requires that you cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you cancel within those last two days, the CFAR benefit will not apply.
The percentage of coverage you get from these plans will vary depending on the plan and, in some cases, are subject to cancellation penalties. A cancellation penalty is an amount the travel supplier will not refund you if you have to cancel.
Cancel For Any Reason vs. Trip Cancellation Insurance
CFAR coverage offers greater flexibility, allowing you to cancel for any reason, but 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 | Allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever, 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). | Standard benefit of a trip cancellation insurance plan, and the plan can often be purchased up 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. |
How Much Does Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of a trip cancellation plan generally falls between 4% and 10% of your total prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses. Adding the optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit usually increases the base premium by 40% to 60%, reflecting its extra flexibility.
Because of the added cost, we recommend CFAR only for travelers with specific concerns that are not typically covered by a standard trip cancellation benefit.
Example: The Cost of Trip Cancellation Insurance with CFAR for Travel to Costa Rica
Here's an example of how CFAR can offer peace of mind and financial protection when life's uncertainty arises. Maria, an avid traveler, added the CFAR upgrade to her Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan because her sister’s baby is due around the same time as her trip to Costa Rica. With the CFAR benefit, Maria can cancel her trip if her niece arrives before she departs, ensuring she won’t miss this special family moment.
Plan Purchased: Trawick Safe Travels Voyager
- Age of Traveler: 30
- Nationality Country: United States
- Destination Country: Costa Rica
- Trip Length: 10 days
- Trip Cost: $2,500
- Base Plan Cost: $107.22
- CFAR Benefit Cost: $116
- Grand Total: $223.22
Our Recommended Travel Plans with Optional CFAR
We recommend the Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan to U.S. citizens and residents because of its extensive trip cancellation, interruption, and medical coverage benefits. It also includes pre-existing condition coverage if purchased within 21 days of your deposit.
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
The IMG iTravelInsured LX plan is an excellent choice for U.S. travelers with expensive, complex trips, such as cruises, safaris, or multi-destination journeys, as it covers a wide range of travel risks. This plan also offers access to 24/7 non-insurance telehealth services in case you need to connect with a medical professional during your trip.
iTravelInsured Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Three levels of trip protection for U.S. citizens and residents traveling abroad
- $500,000 in Emergency Medical and $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation cover included
- 100% Trip Cancellation and 150% Trip Interruption
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) optional upgrade available (LX Plan)
The World Nomads plan is known for its flexibility. It allows travelers to extend coverage while on the road, making it ideal for longer trips 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 trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage.
World Nomads Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation
- Trip cancellation and interruption benefits included
- Emergency medical transport and repatriation
- Baggage and gear cover
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage available for U.S. citizens/residents (Explorer and Epic Plans)
Do I Need CFAR Coverage?
The CFAR benefit is ideal for travelers who want maximum flexibility in their travel plans. It’s particularly recommended for:
- Those with Uncertain Plans: If you’re unsure about your trip due to work, personal circumstances, or health concerns, CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason, even if it’s unrelated to the specific events covered by standard travel insurance.
- Travelers Concerned About Changing Situations: CFAR provides peace of mind for those who worry about unforeseen events that may not be covered by typical policies, such as shifts in political stability, weather concerns, or new travel advisories.
- People Sensitive to Health Risks: If you’re traveling during flu season or amid other health risks, CFAR allows you to 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, CFAR 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 trips involving substantial non-refundable costs, such as prepaid excursions, luxury accommodations, or event tickets, CFAR safeguards against losing a significant amount of money if you need to cancel.
Is Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Worth It?
If you’re seeking comprehensive trip protection with maximum cancellation flexibility, Cancel for Any Reason may be a worthwhile investment.
Many travelers choose travel insurance with the CFAR upgrade for added peace of mind and financial protection. However, it’s essential to balance your budget with your coverage needs, so consider the additional costs of CFAR carefully.
We recommend reviewing the trip cancellation coverage in your policy certificate to understand what’s already covered. If your specific cancellation concerns aren’t addressed, adding CFAR could be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, with the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) 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 CFAR 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 scheduled departure to qualify.
You can buy Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance within a specific “Time Sensitive Period” after making your initial trip payment. This is usually within 15 to 21 days, depending on the insurance provider. For example, to include the CFAR benefit to your Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan, you must purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit and before the final payment.
After the Time-Sensitive period ends, CFAR is generally no longer available to add to your policy. Therefore, purchasing it soon after your first deposit is important if you want this added flexibility.
In most cases, you cannot add Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage if you’ve already purchased a travel insurance plan.
CFAR 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 trip payment.
If you’ve already purchased a travel insurance plan but are now interested in adding CFAR, 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 (CFAR) insurance but want to cancel your trip, your ability to get a refund will depend on the terms of your standard trip insurance policy.
Trip cancellation insurance plans cover cancellations only for specific reasons listed in the policy, such as illness, severe weather, or certain 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.
No, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is not sold as a standalone policy. It is an optional upgrade that can only be added to a standard trip cancellation insurance plan.
To get CFAR, you must purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy first and then include the CFAR option within the specific time frame required by the provider. This is usually within 15 to 21 days of your initial trip payment.
Yes, your trip cancellation insurance plan can include flight insurance if you have to cancel for any reason. The cost of your flight would be part of the total trip insured.
If you have already purchased trip 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 CFAR benefits.
Yes, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance can cover the costs of a cruise if you meet the policy’s requirements. When you add CFAR to your travel insurance plan, it typically applies to all prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses, including cruise fares, excursions, and other nonrefundable payments related to the cruise.
Yes, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) trip insurance can cover cancellations related to COVID-19, but with specific conditions. CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason not covered by standard trip insurance. This includes COVID-19 concerns, such as fear of travel due to rising cases, potential exposure, or new travel restrictions.
To use CFAR, you must:
- Purchase it within the required “Time Sensitive Period” (15 to 21 days after your initial trip payment).
- Cancel at least two days before your scheduled departure.
Check your policy for coverage of COVID-19-related illness or quarantine under standard trip cancellation insurance. Some plans may cover these events directly without needing CFAR.
Read More
About the Author:Mackenzie Manning, Director of User Experience at International Citizens Insurance, specializes in optimizing customer journeys and providing seamless experiences for clients seeking international insurance solutions. With expertise in global health, life, and travel insurance, she helps expatriates and global travelers find the right coverage, ensuring a smooth, informed decision-making process for their international needs.