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6 Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Options

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U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Options.

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Allianz Travel Insurance

Travelex insurance services.

Even the best travel insurance policies don't cover every "what if." "If you buy travel insurance, there are covered reasons for cancellation or interruption. If your situation doesn't fit those covered reasons, there's no coverage," explains Angela Borden, product strategist with Seven Corners .

That's why cancel for any reason coverage, or CFAR, can be a valuable add-on. With this type of policy, you can cancel your trip for any reason at all and still get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back (typically around 50% to 80% of what you’ve already paid; percentages vary by provider).

Read on to see the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options and the main policy details you should know about, as well as answers to common questions around this type of coverage.

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Axa assistance usa, img travel insurance, squaremouth, best cfar insurance options in detail.

Reimburses up to 80% of prepaid travel arrangements

Allows you to cancel trip as late as day of departure

"Cancel Anytime" coverage may not be available in every state

Can cancel trip up to 48 hours before departure

Emergency medical coverage is only $50,000

CFAR add-on offers up to 75% reimbursement for prepaid travel costs

CFAR coverage can be purchased up to 20 days after initial trip payment

Benefit not available in all states

Get up to 75% of prepaid travel expenses back when you cancel for any reason

10-day money back guarantee if dissatisfied (prior to your trip)

Must purchase CFAR coverage within 14 days of initial trip deposit

Get back up to 75% of the full cost of nonrefundable travel expenses

CFAR coverage can be purchased within up to 20 days of the initial trip deposit

CFAR coverage does not apply if the travel supplier goes out of business or refuses to provide services

Compare multiple plans with CFAR coverage in one place

Comparison tool makes it easy to price shop

CFAR coverage reimbursements and fine print vary by company

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancel for any reason insurance (also called CFAR coverage) is a type of trip cancellation insurance that lets you cancel your trip for a reason not listed as a covered reason in your plan. For example, you may decide not to travel due to an illness in your extended family or a specific financial issue you're dealing with. In either case, this time-sensitive coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid trip payments you have made toward airfare, hotel stays, tours and more.

CFAR coverage typically needs to be purchased within a sensitive period of time after making a trip deposit (usually ranging from 14 to 20 days after). Travelers only get back between 50% and 80% of prepaid travel expenses, depending on your policy, so this coverage won't lead to a full refund.

If you're worried how COVID-19 might affect your travel plans, you can purchase travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage . That said, CFAR protection can also be a good investment, particularly if you want the option to cancel based on last-minute disinclination to travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

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Best Travel Insurance Policies With Cancel for Any Reason Coverage [2023]

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What Is Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?

Cancel for any reason travel insurance costs, is cancel for any reason coverage standard, what to look for in a cancel for any reason travel insurance policy, the best travel insurance plans with cancel for any reason coverage, denial of cfar coverage, final thoughts.

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Unexpected circumstances can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, which is where Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance comes in. With CFAR travel insurance, you can cancel your trip for almost any reason and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses.

While more costly than standard travel insurance or the travel coverage you might have on your credit card, CFAR offers value in peace of mind with a safety net that goes beyond the limits of what standard travel insurance policies offer. Whether you’ve had a change of heart, had unexpected obligations or emergencies pop up, or just want to stay as flexible as possible, CFAR coverage protects your travel investment.

Read this guide to learn what CFAR travel insurance entails, when you can use it, and how to add CFAR travel insurance to your existing travel insurance policy. You can also see some examples of travel insurance plans with CFAR options. 

CFAR travel insurance is a supplemental travel insurance policy that enhances trip cancellation coverage. While a standard travel insurance policy might cover specific trip cancellation reasons such as illness, injury, or death of a family member, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your trip for nearly any reason — and still receive partial reimbursement for your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses.

Here are a few important things to know about Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance:

• Coverage: CFAR insurance enhances the trip cancellation reasons not covered by standard travel insurance policies. This includes things such as personal reasons, work-related issues, or just changing your mind.
• Flexibility: Using CFAR insurance can give you exceptional flexibility if you’re concerned about plan changes or unforeseen events. You can cancel your trip and be eligible for reimbursement even if the reason doesn’t meet the criteria specified by regular travel insurance.
• Timeframe: You typically need to purchase CFAR insurance within a specified period of making the initial trip deposit, usually within 10 to 21 days, depending on the insurance provider. It’s typically available as an optional comprehensive travel insurance policy add-on.
• Reimbursement: While you’ll get reimbursed for prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel, you shouldn’t expect full reimbursement. Depending on the policy, CFAR travel insurance reimbursement typically offers 50% to 75%.
• Policy Conditions: Cancellation reasons are extremely flexible, but you’ll still need to meet policy requirements to avoid denying your claim. For example, you usually need to cancel within an allowable time frame, such as at least 2 days before your trip. You’ll need to read your policy carefully to understand limitations and exclusions.

Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance typically doesn’t cover points and miles reimbursement. However, the nonrefundable fees and taxes you must pay can be covered. You can also be reimbursed for fees associated with redepositing the miles or rebooking fees. But travel insurance, even Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance, generally does not insure the retail value of the ticket or your rewards — only your nonrefundable cash outlay.

Eligibility and Requirements for CFAR Coverage

Eligibility for CFAR coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and policy terms. But generally, you’ll need to purchase coverage within a certain timeframe, your trip must meet the criteria, and you must cancel within the allowed period, usually providing documentation to support the cancellation.

In addition to the cancellation timeframe, insurance providers may have other requirements that need to be met for CFAR coverage. These requirements can vary, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the policy carefully. Some examples of additional requirements specified by insurers may include:

• CFAR Purchase Timeframe: Depending on the insurer, you can typically only purchase CFAR coverage within a specific period of your initial trip deposit, usually between 10 to 21 days. It’s essential to check the policy details and ensure you meet the deadline for purchasing CFAR coverage.
• Coverage Criteria: Your trip must meet eligibility for CFAR coverage with eligibility factors such as your residency, age, trip duration, and the total trip cost. 
• Cancellation Timeframe: There’s usually a deadline you must cancel your trip by to be eligible for CFAR reimbursement, typically at least 48 hours from your scheduled departure. 
• Documentation: An insurer may require you to provide documentation supporting your trip cancellation, such as medical certificates, official letters, or other evidence related to the reason for cancellation. 

State regulations restrict CFAR travel insurance in New York, requiring that travel insurance policies provide coverage for specific enumerated risks — which usually excludes CFAR coverage. If you live in New York and want CFAR coverage, you may need to work with an out-of-state insurance provider.

Policy costs for CFAR vary depending on the insurance provider, specific policy, trip cost, and age of those being insured. You should expect CFAR coverage to cost about 10% to 50% more than the base travel insurance policy. For example, on a standard travel insurance policy that costs $200, you should expect to pay $20 to $100 more to add CFAR coverage.

Getting quotes for CFAR insurance from multiple insurance providers is a good idea to compare the costs and coverage based on your specific travel details and requirements.

CFAR travel coverage isn’t standard on most travel insurance policies and is usually offered as an add-on to a standard travel insurance policy.

With a standard travel insurance policy, you generally have specific allowed reasons for trip cancellation, such as illness, injury, or the death of a family member. There are typically predefined criteria and limitations for reimbursement. 

CFAR coverage enhances the reasons for cancellation, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason and still receive partial reimbursement. However, you should expect to pay more for this coverage than standard travel insurance. 

Some credit cards offer travel insurance as a cardholder benefit, especially travel credit cards. But don’t expect CFAR coverage with credit card travel insurance, as it doesn’t come standard, and you usually can’t customize credit card travel insurance coverage.

Consider these factors as you compare the best CFAR policy:

• Availability: CFAR travel insurance isn’t available with all providers. Ensure the policy you’re considering includes a CFAR option, either as a standalone policy or as an add-on to standard travel insurance plans.
• Eligibility Requirements: Some CFAR policies restrict age, trip duration, and preexisting conditions, so be sure you and your trip meet the requirements.
• Percentage of Reimbursement: Review the CFAR policy before you book to confirm how much you’ll be reimbursed if you need to cancel. CFAR policies usually reimburse 50% to 75% of the trip cost.
• Purchase Deadline: You’ll usually need to purchase your CFAR coverage within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Cancellation Window: Confirm how many days before your trip you need to cancel to be eligible for reimbursement, and be sure you understand the cancellation window the policy specifies. 
• Refund Method: Find out how the insurance company will refund you if you need to cancel your trip. You might get cash or travel credits.
• Exclusions: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded under CFAR coverage, such as reimbursement limitations related to terrorism, natural disasters, or preexisting conditions.
• Policy Cost: You should expect to pay more for CFAR than standard trip cancellation coverage. Always compare policy costs across at least a few providers. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Read customer reviews and ratings to understand what other customers think of the insurance provider and get insight into how claims and customer service work. 

As you compare policy costs, make sure you’re looking at apples-to-apples policies. A policy that offers greater reimbursement might cost more but offer a better value if you need to cancel.

While not all travel insurance providers offer CFAR coverage, several reputable companies do. Here are some of the best travel insurance policies with CFAR coverage:

• Allianz Global Assistance : If you’ve purchased a OneTrip Prime or OneTrip Premier travel insurance policy, you can add Cancel Anytime to your policy as an upgrade. It reimburses up to 80% of your lost nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel your trip for a reason your plan doesn’t already cover. Allianz CFAR is unique as it allows you to cancel as late as your day of departure — as long as you haven’t left yet.
• AXA Assistance USA : When you buy a Platinum Plan travel insurance policy from AXA Assistance USA, you can get an optional benefit of Cancel for Any Reason with up to 75% of your trip cost reimbursed if you need to cancel. You must purchase coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : You can upgrade a Berkshire Hathaway ExactCare or LuxuryCare plan with a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade. It provides reimbursement for up to 50% of your nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for a reason not listed in the ExactCare description of coverages.
• IMG Global : Cancel for Any Reason coverage is available to IMG Global travel insurance policyholders. On the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan, you can purchase Cancel and Interruption for Any Reason coverage as an optional upgrade, which covers 75% of your nonrefundable insured trip cost.
• Seven Corners : You can add Cancel for Any Reason coverage to most Seven Corners Trip Protection plans. Seven Corners also offers Interruption for Any Reason coverage as an add-on. Both offer up to 75% reimbursement for your nonrefundable trip expenses.
• Tin Leg : Using Tin Leg Gold coverage, you can add Cancel for Any Reason as an upgrade to get partial — 75% — reimbursement for prepaid and nonrefundable trip payments if your trip is canceled for a reason not already covered by your main policy.
• Travelex Insurance Service : As long as you cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure date, you can get up to 75% of your insured trip costs — up to $7,500 — reimbursed with a Travelex Insurance Service Cancel for Any Reason upgrade.
• Travel Insured International : On Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protection policies, you can add Cancel for Any Reason coverage for up to 75% reimbursement on qualifying travel expenses. Travel Insured International also offers Interrupt for Any Reason coverage.
• USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services : With Travel Insurance Select plans from USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services, you can add Cancel for Any Reason or interruption for any reason coverage — with up to 75% reimbursement for qualifying expenses.

Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation

With CFAR travel insurance, you can cancel your trip and receive reimbursement for nearly any reason, even if standard travel insurance policies do not usually cover it. Your cancellation should be covered no matter your reason for cancellation as long as you meet policy requirements, such as canceling at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

These are some common examples of covered reasons for trip cancellation under CFAR insurance:

• Change of Heart: You can cancel your trip for personal reasons, such as no longer wanting to travel, fear, or choosing a different destination. 
• Work-related Issues: Whether you’ve lost your job, can’t take time off as scheduled, or have another work conflict, you can get reimbursed for trip cancellation using CFAR insurance.
• Family Events: Family obligations such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or a family member’s illness can be covered with CFAR insurance.
• Personal Health Issues: CFAR insurance can cover trip cancellation if you have an unexpected illness or injury that prevents you from traveling — though you’ll need to cancel your trip within the timeframe required by the policy.
• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes, or severe weather conditions that may make your destination unsafe or inaccessible are covered by CFAR insurance.
• Political Unrest: CFAR insurance may cover trip cancellation due to political instability or civil unrest at your destination.

While CFAR travel insurance covers almost any reason you might have to cancel your trip, you should review your policy details carefully to ensure you’re covered. Understand the conditions and limitations, such as cancellation deadlines and reimbursement packages.

While specific reasons for denial of Cancel for Any Reason coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms, here are a few examples of potential reasons for denial:

• Failure To Meet the Purchase Timeframe: If you fail to purchase CFAR coverage within the specified timeframe after making your initial trip deposit, the insurance provider may deny your claim. Make sure to review the policy details and adhere to the deadline for purchasing CFAR coverage.
• Preexisting Medical Conditions: Some insurance policies may exclude coverage for preexisting medical conditions. If you or a covered individual has a preexisting medical condition that leads to trip cancellation, the CFAR coverage may be denied. It’s essential to carefully review the policy terms to understand any exclusions related to preexisting conditions.
• Known Events: You’re typically not covered by CFAR if the reason for the cancellation was a “known event” when you purchased the policy. Known events are ones that are widely publicized and occurred before you bought the CFAR policy. For example, purchasing a policy after a hurricane was predicted to make landfall and then canceling for the storm may not be covered.
• Canceling Too Late: You must cancel your trip within a specific timeframe before your scheduled departure date and will be denied if you cancel after this date.
• Insufficient Documentation: You must provide the specific documentation required to support your claim, such as medical certificates or official letters. Your coverage may be denied without the necessary documentation. 
• Failure To Meet Policy Criteria: Some policies have specific criteria for CFAR coverage, such as residency, age, trip duration, and total trip cost. You may not qualify for a CFAR policy if your trip doesn’t meet the criteria, or your claim may be denied if you get a policy but don’t meet the criteria.

How To Add Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

You can often add CFAR travel insurance as an optional add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance policy — if your insurance carrier offers it. If you already have travel insurance for your trip, check with your insurance provider about the availability and cost of CFAR travel insurance. 

If your current travel insurance provider doesn’t offer CFAR coverage or you haven’t purchased travel insurance for your trip yet, you can look for a CFAR policy as standalone coverage. Research CFAR travel insurance providers and compare policies to find a policy that works for you. 

Let’s walk through adding CFAR coverage to a standard Seven Corners travel insurance policy.

First, I entered travel information to get travel insurance options. I was offered Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice. At the bottom, notice both have the option to add CFAR coverage.

I selected Trip Protection Basic and then went forward to the optional coverage option. I was offered both Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage. IFAR is far lower than CFAR , so it’s not a bad idea to add if you’re worried you might run into issues after your trip starts and can no longer use your CFAR coverage.

I added CFAR to my coverage, and the website explained in further detail the requirements for the plan.

CFAR coverage can offer flexibility and give you peace of mind that you can get money back for a canceled trip, no matter the reason. But CFAR travel insurance is more costly than standard trip cancellation insurance — and usually only reimburses up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip cost. Compare travel insurance policies offering Cancel for Any Reason add-ons that meet your needs for travel coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy cancel for any reason travel insurance after booking.

Yes, you should buy CFAR travel insurance after booking, but don’t wait too long. You usually need to purchase coverage within 10 to 21 days of the first payment on your trip. 

Read our guide on buying travel insurance after departure to find out more.

Do I need Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance?

Whether you need Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance depends on your risk tolerance and the likelihood you’ll need to cancel. If you’re concerned you’ll have a change of heart, have health, family, or work situations that might require you to reschedule your trip, or worry about conditions at your destination — such as traveling during hurricane season or to an area with political unrest — it’s wise to consider CFAR coverage for your trip.

Can I get Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance after 21 days?

You may find a travel insurance provider that offers Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance after 21 days of booking, but it’s not guaranteed, and your options will undoubtedly be limited. It’s best to purchase travel insurance shortly after you book your travel.

How much does Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance cost?

As with any travel insurance, Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance costs vary depending on factors including the insurance provider, your policy details, trip cost, and your age. You should expect to pay about 10% to 50% more than the base travel insurance policy. For example, on a standard travel insurance policy that costs $200, you should expect to pay $20 to $100 more to add CFAR coverage. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance providers and compare costs before you purchase a policy.

Can Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance be denied?

Just like regular travel insurance, your claim for Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance may be denied. While you have much more flexibility in the reasons you can cancel your trip and get reimbursement, you’ll still need to work within the policy’s requirements, such as canceling your trip at least 48 hours before departure. 

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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6 truths and myths about 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance

In the uncertainty of the pandemic-era travel world, purchasing travel insurance is becoming an essential part of any trip. In the past two years, people have purchased travel insurance policies in record numbers. Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth reported insuring 300% more travelers in 2021 than 2020, and 70% more than in 2019. With ever-changing travel rules and regulations, frequently delayed or canceled flights and cruises, border closures and the omnipresent risk of COVID-19, travel insurance should continue to be a consideration.

Given the amount of pandemic-related exceptions and exclusions in regular travel insurance policies, more travelers have been considering "cancel for any reason" travel insurance. CFAR policies allow travelers to get reimbursed in the event they choose to cancel their trip out of caution, fear or other personal reasons unrelated to illness or accident. The Seven Corners travel insurance company told TPG it had seen a 180% increase in CFAR product sales from 2019 to 2020 as the pandemic brought chaos into the travel world.

But is CFAR travel insurance right for you? How affordable and reliable are such policies? TPG spoke with industry experts about the truths and myths of CFAR travel insurance.

Want more travel tips and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

You can really cancel for any reason, at any time

Myth : This is insurance — of course there are exceptions. While CFAR travel insurance is much more comprehensive than regular travel insurance, every policy has particular rules (and some exclusions) around reimbursement for cancellation. As with all insurance policies, it's critical to review the details and read the policy fine print prior to purchase.

According to Angela Borden, product marketing strategist at Seven Corners, the company's CFAR policies do not refund trip expenses if a tour operator cancels a trip because the policyholders should be able to get their refunds from the operator. Also, most CFAR policies have specific required timing for purchase and cancellation, or the policy is invalid. Insurance companies typically require you to purchase the policy within a couple of weeks of booking the trip.

Also, a policy may only issue trip coverage if you cancel at least a certain number of days before a trip is set to begin (in Seven Corners' case, two days in advance). Every company's policy is going to be different, and many companies have several products within the CFAR category. Do your research in advance to be sure you get the coverage you're looking for. "CFAR policies have terms, conditions and exclusions just like any other insurance product," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at the Allianz Partners insurance company.

Related: Harsher cancellation policies return for cruises

CFAR is outrageously expensive

It depends : The value of CFAR depends on the style of your trip, your budget and your cost-benefit perspective. CFAR policies typically cost about 40-50% more than other standard travel insurance policies. A sample pricing search on the Travelers Insurance website generated a quote for $575 to cover a $10,000 trip value, while adding CFAR to the policy upped the rate to $828. (Note: Prices and coverage vary widely by firm and coverage.)

A survey of TPG readers revealed that many people don't mind the surcharge, as it provides peace of mind. Some travelers' personal situations may make it more likely they'll cancel a trip for a reason not covered under a typical policy, so the anticipated benefit matches the cost. However, several TPG readers consider CFAR policies "a big waste of money" and "way too expensive." Readers have reported satisfaction with the pricing and coverage of more traditional travel insurance policies that now include expanded health coverage.

Related: Key reasons you want to buy travel insurance

Anyone can buy CFAR insurance

Myth : While CFAR is widely available, it has historically been prohibited to residents of New York. The state's Department of Financial Services had declared that "CFAR benefits in the travel context do not technically qualify as insurance because the cancellation of a trip 'for any reason' does not depend on the occurrence of fortuitous event." However, in March 2020, the department issued an Insurance Circular Letter to revise the rule, stating that CFAR benefits can be sold by an insurer in New York if "necessary or incidental to its travel insurance business." The revision also mentions that non-insurers can sell CFAR benefits "if they are not sold as an insurance product."

At the time of the ruling, six insurance firms announced plans to issue CFAR policies in New York. However, Seven Corners and many other firms still do not offer CFAR policies in New York, and for those who might offer the product, their CFAR policy rules and structures may be different than those offered in other states. It is recommended to speak directly with an insurance agent if you're looking to buy CFAR insurance as a resident of New York.

Only CFAR covers COVID-19-related cancellations

Myth : Many new travel insurance products have been created specifically with COVID-19 in mind, and many older policies have been modified to include COVID-19 coverage. "We've found that the epidemic enhancements we've made have met most travelers' needs," Durazo said in regard to his company Allianz Partners. "Our standard products now cover cancellations and interruptions due to serious pandemic illnesses, as well as medical emergencies, denied boarding due to suspected illness and mandatory personal quarantines."

TPG readers have reported that they've found medical-only travel insurance to be "a cheap and wise option." Borden, from Seven Corners, added that although a medical policy includes coverage for travelers who contract COVID-19 and consequently cancel their trips, "it will not cover your cancellation of a trip due to your fear of catching COVID-19." Such a cancellation reason would require a CFAR policy.

Related: Airbnb ending refunds for guests who get COVID-19

CFAR insurance covers your trip expenses in full

Myth : CFAR policies typically cover 75% of the specifically insured trip cost, with some policies refunding just 50% of the initial travel booking. "CFAR policies only cover a portion of prepaid expenses, so consumers have considerable 'skin in the game' if they have to file a claim," Allianz's Durazo said. "Consumers should weigh the costs and benefits of purchasing a CFAR policy versus a standard travel insurance policy that may meet their needs for a lower cost." Still, many TPG readers reported feeling satisfied after receiving a bulk of their trip refunded thanks to CFAR policies.

'My dog is sick' is covered under CFAR

Truth: TPG reader Sally McCormack had to cancel a trip because her dog had a serious illness. She contacted her CFAR insurance company and it did indeed refund 75% of her trip cost. Borden, from Seven Corners, confirmed this would be an acceptable reason for someone to cancel a trip under her company's CFAR policies, and those customers would be entitled to the specific product's stated refund payout. Multiple TPG readers also said they had "no issues" getting refunds when using their CFAR policies, and most were thankful they didn't lose too much money after canceling trips due to personal reasons that would not have been covered under a typical travel insurance policy.

Bottom line

CFAR travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial coverage for travelers planning trips during these uncertain times. While CFAR does add costs (and does have certain exclusions, terms and conditions like any other insurance plan), many customers have been happy with the product. However, more travel insurance companies now offer affordable medical travel insurance products with pandemic-specific coverage, so many people have been selecting that option as a more cost-efficient alternative. Individual travelers should carefully review their anticipated risks and costs and always, always read the fine print on any insurance product.

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Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance of 2024

See which insurers are the best for affordability, coverage, and more

The best cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance provider is USI Affinity , which offers seven cancel for any reason plans and the cheapest premiums of all the companies we researched. To help you choose the best cancel for any reason travel insurance, we evaluated 18 companies based on 28 criteria. Some of the factors we looked at include the maximum CFAR reimbursement rates (20% of the score), premiums (17.5%), number of policy types available (7.5%), and trip cancellation coverage amounts (5%).

If you’re a frequent traveler, having travel insurance can be valuable. But if you need to cancel a trip, your policy will only refund your prepaid expenses due to certain circumstances. Adding cancel for any reason travel insurance to your policy covers many reasons for canceling that normally are not covered, like last-minute work obligations or safety concerns.

• Best Overall: USI Affinity
• Best Reimbursement Rate: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Most Affordable Premiums for Upgraded Plans: Tin Leg
• Best for Trip Interruption Reimbursement: HTH
• Best for Travel Delay Coverage: Trawick International

All premiums mentioned are based on a $3,500, 10-day trip from Florida to Costa Rica for two same-aged travelers. We gathered quotes for four different ages: 28, 40, 55, and 70.

• Our Top Picks
• USI Affinity

Allianz Travel Insurance

• Trawick International
• See More (2)
• The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology, best overall : usi affinity.

With seven cancel for any reason plans available and the cheapest CFAR plan premiums, USI Affinity is our top choice for travelers.

Lowest premiums for CFAR policies

Offers seven CFAR policy options

No pet medical coverage

Kids aren’t covered for free

USI Affinity offered the most CFAR policy options—seven—out of the 18 cancel for any reason travel insurance companies we reviewed.

Additionally, USI Affinity offered the lowest CFAR premium of any company we researched: $121. The company’s highest plan premium was $200, which is also among the lowest rates we found during our research.

CFAR plans from USI Affinity include 75% reimbursement, with a maximum trip cancellation reimbursement of $150,000 for covered events and up to $250,000 in medical coverage per person, per trip. 

• Lowest CFAR premium: $121
• Highest CFAR premium: $200

Best Reimbursement Rate : Allianz Travel Insurance

Cancel for any reason travel insurance from Allianz will provide up to 80% reimbursement for non-refundable travel costs. 

Maximum reimbursement of 80%

Kids under 17 are covered for free

$200,000 limit for covered cancellations

Low coverage limit for travel delays

Limited coverage for medical expenses

No missed connections coverage

If you spend a lot of money on trips, a CFAR plan from Allianz can be a good choice.

Allianz offers up to 80% reimbursement for eligible travel expenses if you need to cancel for uncovered reasons, which was the highest rate of any of the insurers we analyzed. Additionally, Allianz’s  $200,000 trip cancellation coverage (for covered cancellations) was among the highest we found during research.

Although Allianz offers the most coverage for trip reimbursement, its CFAR plans have some limitations worth noting. For example, there’s no coverage for missed connections or pet medical expenses.

Allianz will only provide CFAR insurance if you insure the full cost of your trip within 14 days of making your first trip payment.

• Lowest CFAR premium : $261
• Highest CFAR premium : $315

Most Affordable Premiums for Upgraded Plans : Tin Leg

If you want a cancel for any reason travel insurance policy with the best features and the most coverage, Tin Leg is a great choice because it offers the lowest premiums for its upgraded plans. 

Lowest premium for upgraded plans

Up to $500,000 in medical coverage

Doesn’t offer multi-trip coverage

No annual plans

Out of the best CFAR companies on our list, Tin Leg has the lowest premiums for its upgraded CFAR plans. The highest plan premium from Tin Leg is just under $200. 

Another thing we like about Tin Leg is that it has the highest amount of coverage for medical expenses. The maximum amount of medical coverage is $500,000 per person, per trip. There were only six insurers we reviewed that offered that much coverage.

Despite the benefits of Tin Leg, this CFAR insurance provider also has some downsides. The plans don’t include pet medical coverage, and kids aren’t covered for free. 

Berkshire Hathaway offered a slightly lower premium than Tin Leg for its top-tier plan. However, the company’s overall score was below average and higher than just five of the other 17 companies. Therefore, we kept the insurer out of our rankings. 

• Lowest CFAR premium: $145.55
• Highest CFAR premium: $199.50

Best for Trip Interruption Reimbursement : HTH

HTH’s cancel for any reason travel insurance plan reimburses up to 200% of your trip interruption costs, which is the highest reimbursement limit out of the “best” companies we reviewed.

Highest trip interruption reimbursement limit

Plan includes pet medical coverage

Provides up to $500,000 in medical coverage

Only one CFAR plan available

Only reimburses $50,000 for covered cancellations

No multi-trip coverage

HTH only offers one CFAR plan, but it provides excellent coverage, including 200% reimbursement for your trip interruption costs (covered interruptions include 14 scenarios, including sickness and natural disasters). Additionally, the plan includes $500,000 in medical coverage per person, per trip, as well as pet medical expenses coverage. HTH’s CFAR plan provides a maximum reimbursement of 75% for prepaid travel expenses, which is the typical rate.

Thirteen of the 18 companies we analyzed offered a 75% CFAR reimbursement rate.

HTH will only reimburse a maximum of $50,000 in trip cancellation costs for covered events, which is the lowest coverage limit out of the best companies on our list. In addition, it doesn’t offer annual plans, and the one CFAR travel insurance plan available doesn’t cover multiple trips. Additionally, the premium for HTH’s CFAR plan was  $301.82, which was around $31 more than the average for top-tier plans and nearly $80 more than the average for low-tier plans.

• Lowest CFAR premium : $301.82
• Highest CFAR premium : $301.82

Best for Travel Delay Coverage : Trawick International

Trawick International’s cancel for any reason travel insurance plans provide $3,000 in travel delay coverage, which is the highest amount of delay coverage out of the companies on this list.

Highest amount of travel delay coverage

Five CFAR plan options

Affordable premiums

Plans don’t include pet medical coverage

No free coverage for kids

Free-look period is only 10 days

Trawick International offers the most travel delay coverage out of the 18 CFAR travel insurance companies we evaluated. Plans include a maximum of $3,000 in travel delay coverage in case you need to get a hotel or rent a car due to unexpected travel delays.

Trawick International has five CFAR plans, and the premiums are pretty affordable. The lowest plan premium is $143.14, which is one of the cheapest premiums out of the companies we reviewed. You can also get annual plans and plans with multi-trip coverage.

Keep in mind that Trawick’s free look period is only 10 days, which is shorter than the typical 15-day period other insurers offer.

• Lowest CFAR premium: $143.14
• Highest CFAR premium: $302.94

The Bottom Line 

Cancel for any reason travel insurance can be worth the added cost, especially if you travel often or take expensive trips. However, the best CFAR travel insurance company is different for everyone. For instance, if you want the cheapest plan, USI Affinity is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a plan with a high CFAR reimbursement rate, Allianz is the top choice. 

What’s the Difference Between Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason?

Trip cancellation is a standard part of travel insurance that covers the cost of non-refundable travel if you have to cancel a trip for a specific reason, including illness, injury, or death. Cancel for any reason insurance is something you add to a policy to cover cancellations that don’t qualify for trip cancellation. For example, if you have to cancel a trip at the last second because your fear of flying overwhelms you a couple of days before your flight,  CFAR allows you to cancel, no questions asked. Another key difference is that trip cancellation insurance typically offers a maximum dollar amount your policy pays out, whereas CFAR reimbursements you a percentage of your non-refundable trip costs.

What Is Cancel for Any Reason Coverage?

Cancel for any reason coverage is a type of insurance coverage you can add to a travel insurance policy that will cover you for cancellation reasons that aren’t covered by your travel insurance. CFAR insurance reimburses you a percentage of your non-refundable travel costs, often 50% to 75%.

How Much Does Cancellation Insurance Cost?

Cancel for any reason insurance can cost you anywhere from 10% to 40% of your travel insurance premium. For example, during our research, we found adding CFAR to a Travel Guard policy that cost $169.29 would add an extra $38.08.

Can You Buy Cancel for Any Reason Insurance After 21 Days?

In most cases, travel insurance companies will require you to buy your CFAR insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first payment for the trip.

Narrowing down the best cancel for any reason travel insurance companies means analyzing aspects of travel insurance that are most important to travelers. 

With that in mind, we examined 18 top travel insurance companies across the following 16 categories:

• CFAR reimbursement rate (20% of score) : Companies with higher reimbursement rates for CFAR coverage received the highest scores.
• Premiums (17%) ; We analyzed the highest and lowest premiums offered by a company, weighting the two premiums equally. 
• Policy types available (7.5%) : Having a choice of plans to pick from can ensure you aren’t paying for coverage you don’t need. Companies with more options scored higher.
• Free look period length (5%) : A free-look period is an invaluable part of buying insurance. Companies with longer free-look periods received higher scores. 
• Pre-existing condition coverage (5%) : Companies that offered medical coverage for pre-existing conditions scored higher than those that didn’t. 
• Maximum coverage for emergency transportation (5%) : Evacuation out of a country for medical reasons can be costly, so we scored companies higher if they had higher emergency transportation limits. 
• Maximum baggage coverage (5%) : Companies that offer higher coverage limits for lost and damaged baggage score higher. 
• Maximum medical coverage (5%) : Medical coverage for injuries you sustain while traveling can offset potentially expensive hospital bills. 
• Adventure sports coverage (5%) : Provides coverage if you participate in adventure sports during your trip. 
• Sports and activity coverage (5%) : Because vacations typically include new activities or participation in sports, it can be helpful to have travel insurance that covers injuries you sustain during those activities. 
• Maximum travel delay coverage (5%) : Travel delay coverage can help you cover the cost of lodging and food if you’re stranded due to, for example, a canceled flight or train ride. 
• Maximum trip cancellation coverage (5%) : If you have to cancel a trip for covered reasons (CFAR insurance covers cancellations not otherwise covered by your insurance), a high coverage limit can help offset some or all of your non-refundable trip costs. 
• AM Best rating (2.5%) : A high AM Best rating means a company is very likely to pay out a claim in the near future, so companies with higher ratings scored higher. 
• Maximum trip interruption reimbursement rate (2.5%) : Companies that offered higher reimbursement amounts in the event of a trip interruption earned higher scores in this category. 
• Multi-trip coverage (2.5%) : Avid travelers can benefit from multi-trip coverage, and may be able to save money by booking one insurance package as opposed to a separate policy for each trip. 
• No extra charge for a child: (2.5%) : Companies that offered to include at least one child in their CFAR insurance policies received higher scores than those that didn’t. 

Oscar Wong / Getty Images

Allianz. “ How the Cancel Anytime Upgrade Works .”

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance. “ TripProtector Classic Benefits .”

SquareMouth. “ Your Guide to Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance .”

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14/03/2024 • knowledge, article details, table of contents , understanding your contract , package travel arranged by us , we act as agent only , prices & payment , payment by debit and credit card , payment by bank transfer , frequent flyer , travel documents , schedule changes , if you change your booking , if you transfer your package holiday , if you cancel your booking , if we change or cancel yo ur booking , passports & visas , travel insurance , flight centre travel clinics , special requirements , if you have a complaint , your peace of mind for package travel , your financial protection , our responsibility for your booking , individual services and third party packages , local regulations , your personal safety , money not held on trust , protecting your personal information , final provisions , emergency contact , captain's pack terms & conditions .

Captain’s Pack can be purchased in-store or over-the-phone : For Captain’s Packs purchased in-store or over-the-phone, your Captain's Pack must be booked and paid for in full at the time of paying your initial deposit for your Captain’s Pack fare or holiday. Captain's Packs cannot be added to a booking and you cannot upgrade to a different Captain’s Pack after you have paid your deposit or once your fare or holiday has been ticketed. The Terms and Conditions set out on this webpage apply to all in-store and over-the-phone purchases of Captain’s Packs. There are 3 levels of Captain’s Pack, Essentials, Value and Plus and different features apply, please see below for details. Your Captain’s Pack only applies to the booking with which it was purchased and cannot be used for any other booking you may have with us. Each Captain’s Pack is per person and cannot be used by any other person on your booking. The Captain’s Pack is non-refundable should you cancel the booking or should we need to cancel the booking with which it was purchased. 1. Waive Flight Centre’s Change Fees If you purchase a Captain’s Pack Essentials, Value or Plus , and wish to make a change to your booking, we will waive Flight Centre’s change fee up to £75 per person which can only be redeemed once. You will still need to pay any additional travel service provider change or cancellation fees that may apply. 2. Waive Flight Centre’s Cancellation Fees If you purchase a Captain’s Pack Value or Plus , we will wave Flight Centre’s cancellation fee up to £125 per person which can only be redeemed once. This feature is not available with a Captain’s Pack Essentials.  If you cancel after the date we have notified you that your final balance is due the cancellation fee is not waived with any Captain’s Pack.

Irrespective of whether you have purchased a Captain’s Pack, you will still need to pay any additional travel service provider cancellation fees that may apply which can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced.

3. Lost Baggage Tracking Service All Captain’s Packs have this feature which is a Lost Baggage Service operated by Blue Ribbon Bags (BRB). This applies to checked bags only. If your bag does not arrive at your destination when you do and is not at that original destination airport within 96 hours of the arrival of your flight, you will receive compensation of £250 (per bag) if you have a Captain’s Pack Essentials £380 (per bag) if you have a Captain’s Pack Value or £500 (per bag) if you have a Captain’s Pack Plus.. There is a limit of 2 bags per claim.

After reporting your missing bag to the airline, you must also report your missing bag to BRB within 24 hours of that flight landing and include the unique identifier for their airline lost luggage claim (often called a file locator, reference or tracking number. To file a new Mishandled Baggage Report use call +44800 279 6221 (toll free), or online at  https://flightcentre.blueribbonbags.com  24 hours a day, 7 days a week. BRB will track and attempt to expedite the return of your missing bag for you and keep you informed of any progress. The Lost Baggage Service works alongside any travel insurance you might have. All Blue Ribbon Bags services are subject to their Service Agreement detailed   here .

FCTG will pass minimum necessary personal information to BRB to enable delivery of the Lost Baggage Tracking Service, if you want to find out more please see BRB privacy notice here. 4.Family Bonus If you have a Captain’s Pack Plus, kids included in the booking (under 12 years at the time of purchase) will also each individually receive the benefits of the Captain’s Pack Plus excluding Planting for the Planet. This feature is not available with a Captain’s Pack Essentials or Value. 5. Planting for the Planet

We have partnered with Reforest Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 89 629 970 467) to assist in tree planting projects in Morocco and Australia. Visit www.flightcentre.co.uk/captains-pack   for full project details).  If you have a Captain’s Pack Essentials we will pay for one tree to be planted in Morocco, if you have a Captain’s Pack Value we will pay for one tree to be planted in Morocco and one tree to be planted in Australia and if you have a Captain’s Pack Plus we will pay for two trees to be planted in Morocco and one tree in Australia.

Flight Centre’s usual Booking Terms & Conditions will also apply to your booking. 

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Travel blog

Travel Plans On Hold? Our Top Tips for Cancelling Your Trip

2.16min read

Published 11 May 2021

Crissandra Ayroso

Health and safety rules are still changing regularly around the world. If your 2021 travel plans are now on hold and you need to change or cancel your trip, use these tips to make the process smoother and faster.

Stay in the Know

Check Flight Centre's traveller resource hub and COVID-19 travel map for the latest information.

How to Cancel Your Flight Centre Booking

As straightforward as it seems, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators all actually have varying terms and conditions for making changes and cancellations, something your Expert can help you understand.

Your Expert is your best resource. With direct connections to airlines and tour operators, your Expert can spare you from being on hold for hours at a time, provide you with new options, and offer travel advice to help you choose.

For bookings made on FlightCentre.ca:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 1866 368 0396

For bookings made with a consultant:

• Contact your Travel Expert directly by email or phone
• Or submit your cancellation request using this form

Refunds vs. Future Travel Credits

Depending on your circumstances and when you begin the cancellation process, you may receive a future travel credit rather than a refund to your original form of payment. In some cases, travellers may not be eligible to receive any refund.

Many of Flight Centre Travel Group’s travel partners are volunteering to provide COVID-19 related refunds in the form of future travel credits, as a temporary measure. Others, such as Air Canada and Air Transat, are providing full refunds for eligible bookings.

Having travel insurance will greatly increase your chances of getting back 100% of what you paid and recuperate any losses, especially “Cancel For Any Reason” policies.  Check out how to make an insurance claim here or ask our Travel Experts for help.

Applying Your Future Travel Credits

The clock is ticking on your travel credits – make the most of them by booking with an Expert! At Flight Centre, we’ll help you put your travel credits to good use, even if you didn't make your original travel booking with us. For  better insight, value, service, and peace of mind , plan your next getaway with a  Travel Expert  beside you every step of the way.  

For Future Travel Credits issued by Flight Centre, please refer to our terms & conditions here or ask a Travel Expert for assistance.

Didn’t Book with Flight Centre? Here are some tips for cancelling your trip

If the circumstances can change, wait until you’re closer to your travel dates to cancel your booking.

Waiting until you’re within 72 hours of your travel plans can help save you from waiting for hours on phone queues. Flight Centre Travel Group, as well as many of our partners, are currently addressing your inquiries by departure date to ensure faster response times for travellers with urgent needs.

With longer than usual hold times, the quickest way to change or cancel your travel plans is by accessing your booking through your airline/tour operator’s app or website. Fees may be associated or temporarily waived as a response to COVID-19, so be sure to understand the full terms and conditions of making changes or cancellations to your booking.

Manage Your Flight Online:

Manage Your Vacation Online:

• Air Canada Vacations
• WestJet Vacations

Expert Tip: Select French while calling in and then be transferred to an English-speaking rep.

We’re not saying this always works, but it’s worth a shot. The reduced wait time can really pay off!

No one really ever expects to cancel a trip, but when the circumstances call for it, our Experts are here to help.

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Travel Insurance

Best ‘cancel for any reason’ travel insurance plans of 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Kara McGinley

Updated 4:18 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024

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Seven Corners and WorldTrips offer the best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance, according to our analysis of cost and coverage options. 

Top-rated “cancel for any reason” travel insurance plans of 2024

• Seven Corners .
• WorldTrips .
• John Hancock Ins Agency .
• Travel Insured .
• USI Affinity .

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 735 coverage details evaluated
• 105 rates reviewed
• 5 levels of fact-checking

Seven Corners

Top-scoring plan

Average cost for plan with cfar, cfar coverage, what you should know.

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic plan with CFAR coverage has the lowest average cost of our top-scoring plans.

Pros and cons

• Least expensive of the top-scoring plans with CFAR coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade reimburses up to 75% of prepaid expenses.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) upgrade reimburses 75% of trip cost, starting 48 hours after departure.
• No pre-existing health condition coverage.
• Emergency medical benefit is only $100,000 secondary coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage is only $250,000.

WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance offers the second-lowest average cost of all the CFAR plans we evaluated. You can choose CFAR coverage of 50% or 75% of your prepaid trip expenses, which will affect your price.

• Excellent $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Very good benefits for travel delays and missed connections
• Choice of 50% or 75% back for cancellation due to a non-covered reason.
• Emergency medical benefit is only $100,000 secondary coverage (optional upgrade to primary coverage).
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option (choose the Premier plan for this upgrade).

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades. These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrades.
• CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.

Go Ready Pandemic Plus by Aegis has low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 but good medical evacuation coverage of $500,000. “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% is available as an upgrade.

• CFAR coverage of 75% available.
• Includes a benefit of $200 for airline ticket change fee.
• Low emergency medical limit of $50,000, with a $50 deductible.
• Low missed connection benefit of $250 per person.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.

John Hancock Insurance Agency

John Hancock Insurance Agency’s silver plan has solid coverage for baggage and personal item loss, baggage delay and travel delay.

• “Cancel for any reason” coverage upgrade of 75% available.
• Good extension of coverage that includes medical quarantine.
• High $1,000 specific items limit for personal item loss.
• No option to purchase “interruption for any reason” coverage.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

For the amount of coverage you get, Tin Leg’s Gold plan is competitively priced. It includes $500,000 in emergency medical benefits and another $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade of 75% available.
• Excellent $500,000 per person in primary emergency medical coverage.
• Very good emergency medical coverage of $500,000 per person.
• Eligible for pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if conditions are met.
• Hurricane and weather coverage kicks in only after a 48-hour delay.

Travel Insured

Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector travel insurance offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, consider the Worldwide Trip Protector plan.

• Best-in-class 75% “cancel for any reason” coverage.
• Optional 75% “interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Great coverage for both medical and non-medical evacuation.
• Emergency medical coverage of $100,000 could be better, but it is primary coverage.
• Optional “interruption for any reason” coverage takes 72 hours to kick in.
• Lost baggage and personal items coverage of $1,000 isn’t the best.

If you’re traveling with children age 17 or younger, you’ll appreciate not having to pay extra for their coverage when you buy a Travel Select plan from Travelex Insurance Services. You can add CFAR coverage to your plan for added financial protection.

• 75% coverage of prepaid expenses if you add CFAR coverage.
• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after five hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

USI Affinity

USI Affinity Travel Select travel insurance is the most expensive of our top-rated CFAR plans. It comes with solid emergency medical benefits of $250,000 per person and medical evacuation coverage up to $500,000 per person.

• 75% CFAR coverage available as an upgrade.
• Good emergency medical limit of $250,000 per person, primary coverage.
• Solid emergency evacuation benefit of $500,000 per person.
• Most expensive of top-rated CFAR plans.
• Missed connection benefit of $750 per person only for tours and cruises.
• Employment layoff benefit requires that you worked at the company for 3 years.

Compare the best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance plans

Methodology

Our insurance experts analyzed cost and coverage data to determine the best travel insurance plans with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that offer a CFAR upgrade.

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 80 points. We scored the average cost of each CFAR travel insurance policy for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

CFAR reimbursement level of trip cost: 20 points. Policies providing 75% reimbursement were awarded 20 points. Travel insurance plans offering CFAR coverage of 50% got 10 points.

What is "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) insurance?

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage picks up where basic trip cancellation benefits included with travel insurance leave off. 

It typically reimburses you for up to 75% of your nonrefundable travel costs when you decide to cancel your trip for a reason not listed in your policy. 

“While travel insurance will cover a wide array of travel situations, it won’t cover everything,” said Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com. 

“For trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance plans will only cover you for very specific covered reasons listed in a plan’s description of coverage. If an event is not listed as a covered reason, it won’t be covered unless the consumer opts for a ‘cancel for any reason’ policy,” Sandberg added.  

How does "cancel for any reason" coverage work?

“‘Cancel for any reason’ is typically sold as an upgrade to a regular travel insurance plan,” Sandberg said. 

Depending on the insurance company, you’ll typically need to buy CFAR travel insurance within one to three weeks of making your first trip payment. You’re also usually required to insure the full value of your nonrefundable trip expenses. 

How much does CFAR coverage typically cost?

Travel insurance with “cancel for any reason” coverage costs an average of $745 per trip, according to our analysis of travel insurance costs for plans with a CFAR upgrade. Our top-scoring CFAR travel insurance plans all have below-average rates.

CFAR coverage can increase the cost of your base travel insurance plan anywhere from 40% to 100%, depending on the company and the policy.

Average cost for travel insurance policies with CFAR

Average cost is based on travel insurance quotes for seven international trips taken by travelers of various ages. Plans have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.

Do you need “cancel for any reason” insurance?

If you want the flexibility to be able to cancel your trip for a reason the travel insurance plan doesn’t cover, you may want to spend the extra money to add CFAR coverage to your policy.

What to know about CFAR insurance

With “cancel for any reason” travel insurance, you typically need to cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure time. 

“To take advantage of the CFAR benefit, travelers must cancel their trip in its entirety two to three days before their departure to receive reimbursement,” said James Clark, a spokesperson for Squaremouth, the company behind Tin Leg travel insurance.

In other words, if you get nervous about your trip and want to cancel the morning your plane departs, it’s too late to use your CFAR coverage.

What is “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage?

Similar to CFAR travel insurance, an IFAR upgrade can reimburse up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs if you change your itinerary after departing for a reason your base policy doesn’t cover. 

Also similar to CFAR coverage, IFAR coverage is optional and costs extra. Not all travel insurance companies offer it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you get sick with COVID-19 before or during your trip, many travel insurance plans will cover losses due to your illness, such as having to cancel or reschedule your trip, provided you are diagnosed by a doctor or a third-party testing service. 

However, even with a comprehensive travel insurance policy, the base plan will not cover things like deciding you don’t want to travel because you’re worried about catching COVID. Purchasing optional CFAR coverage would allow you to cancel your trip for these reasons.

More: Best COVID travel insurance  

You’re unlikely to get “cancel for any reason” coverage through your credit card. If you charge a covered trip to your credit card , you may get some travel insurance benefits. 

For example, some credit cards provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel, and emergency assistance services, and trip delay reimbursement.

More : Best travel rewards credit cards

No, CFAR travel insurance will not give you a full refund if you cancel your trip. Most policies that offer an optional CFAR upgrade will refund 50% or 75% of your covered trip expenses, as long as you cancel within the required timeframe. You typically need to cancel at least 48 hours before you are scheduled to travel in order to file a CFAR claim.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.

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June 1, 2020

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Understanding Travel Insurance – A Guide for Travellers

Your phone, your keys, your passport… Your travel insurance. This often-overlooked documentation should be one of the most important parts of any trip, whether you’re embarking on an Aussie adventure or simply taking a continental sojourn. Looking to book? We’ve got a snazzy new insurance provider coming very soon – watch this space. For now, check out our guide to travel insurance and ensure you’re getting the best cover to suit you:

• Why travel insurance is essential
• Types of travel insurance coverage
• Choosing the right travel insurance
• How to make a travel insurance claim

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance

• Glossary of travel insurance terms
• Contact us about travel insurance

Why travel insurance is essential 

No matter where you go in the world, travel insurance is an absolute must. Indeed, in some destinations – such as Dubai or the Seychelles – having valid travel insurance is actually a legal requirement! Even when the cover isn’t mandatory, we recommend all our customers take out an appropriate policy as soon as they book any travel. Not only will it protect you against unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and flight delays, but it will also give you peace of mind during your travels.

Types of travel insurance coverage 

• Medical insurance:  Covers you for any medical or dental emergencies overseas. 
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance:  Reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses due to cancelled or interrupted trips. 
• Baggage insurance:  Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. 
• Flight insurance:  Coverage for flight accidents and related issues. 

Choosing the right travel insurance 

Choosing the right travel insurance is paramount to ensure you are covered for certain activities, destinations, medical conditions and the correct duration. You will need to assess the following:

Coverage needs

As mentioned above, certain activities – such as quad biking, skiing or skydiving – may require specific insurance. There are also different policies available dependant on where you’re travelling – i.e. UK, Europe, USA, or rest of the world. Most policies are good for 1-30 days, but anything more than that, it may be worth considering an annual policy, particularly if you travel regularly.

If you’re travelling to Europe, from a medical standpoint it’s also worth considering the coverage and limitations of the government-issued EHIC/GHIC cards, and what further travel insurance you may need to support these.

Policy review and comparison

Standard coverage varies from one insurer to another, so it’s important to read all your policy documentation before buying your travel insurance, and always compare multiple options and costs. When doing so, be sure to compare policy excesses and the amount of cover offered for each item – particularly looking at repatriation costs and cover for lost luggage and trip cancellation. Does the policy you’re looking at have all the add-ons you need, such as ski or snowboarding cover? Is it more economical to book a joint or family policy, as opposed to solo?

Read the fine print

As mentioned above, reading all your policy documentation – including the fine print – prior to committing is essential. This will give you an understanding of any exclusions, limitations or conditions that may apply to your policy, for example, the fact that preexisting medical conditions may not be covered.

How to make a travel insurance claim 

In the unlikely even you need to make a travel insurance claim, it’s crucial that when you’re in-destination you keep hold of any and all documentation and receipts, as well make a note of dates and times of any relevant incidences. Once you have all your documentation together, you will need to file a claim by first contacting your insurer. Some companies have an online portal where you can do this, while others will require speaking to a customer service centre first.

After raising the request, you will then most likely need to submit any necessary documentation to support your claim. This is when the information you have gathered comes into play! From here your case will be reviewed, and your insurance monies paid out in accordance with your policy.

Remember, it’s crucial to report any incidents as soon as possible after they occur. Restrictions on the time you have to file a claim vary from insurer to insurer; it often varies from a few days to a few weeks, so do check your policy documentation thoroughly when you receive it.

Travel insurance typically covers unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost or stolen luggage, and flight delays. Coverage details vary by policy, so it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully. 

While travel insurance is not always mandatory, as mentioned above some countries do require visitors to have valid medical insurance coverage. Regardless of legal requirements, having travel insurance is highly recommended for financial protection against unforeseen events. 

Most travel insurance providers require you to purchase a policy before your trip begins. However, some companies offer policies that can be purchased while you are already traveling, albeit with certain limitations and conditions. 

That said, it is in your interests to get travel insurance as soon as possible, ideal prior to travel, in case of any cancellations or issues that may prevent your trip from going ahead.

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies between insurers. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions if they are declared and accepted by the insurer at the time of purchase, while others may exclude them. As always, check your policy wording carefully and, if in doubt, chat to your provider for clarification.<

To make a claim, you'll need to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident – before your return home if possible. Follow their claims process, which typically involves submitting a claim form along with any required documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, or receipts for incurred expenses.

Coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19 or ‘pandemic’ varies by policy and provider. Some insurers offer coverage for COVID-19 related cancellations, while others may exclude pandemics from their coverage. It's essential to check the specific terms of your policy.

Many insurance policies include a cooling-off period, typically around 14 days after purchase, during which you can cancel the policy for a full refund. You will not be able to cancel if your trip has already started or you’ve made a claim.

The cost of travel insurance depends on various factors, including the destination, duration of the trip, age and number of travellers, as well as the level of coverage selected. It's best to compare quotes from different providers to find the best price for your needs. You may also want to consider an annual policy if you travel regularly.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and additional expenses incurred due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Coverage details and exclusions vary, so review your policy carefully. 

Immediately report the loss to the airline, airport authorities, or local police, and obtain a written report. In the best scenarios, you should be reunited with any lost luggage within 24-48 hours. If not, your next step is to contact your travel insurance provider to report the incident and start the claims process, providing all required documentation. 

• Annual multi-trip insurance : A policy covering an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period. There are usually restrictions on the length of each trip, typically 30 days.
• Excess (deductible) : The amount you must pay towards any claim. This can be applied per policy or per claim, depending on the insurer's terms. For example, if your excess is £100 and your claim is £300, you will receive £200 back.
• Exclusion(s) : Specific conditions or circumstances that are not covered by the insurance policy. 
• Policy limit : The maximum an insurer will pay under a policy for a covered loss. 
• Pre-existing condition : Any medical condition or health issue that was known and existed before the start of the insurance policy. Coverage for such conditions varies by insurer. 
• Primary coverage : Insurance that pays claims directly and does not require you to first submit them to any other source of insurance you may have. 
• Secondary coverage : Insurance that only pays claims after any other available source of insurance or recovery has been exhausted. 
• Single trip insurance : A policy designed to cover one specific trip, with set departure and return dates. 
• Travel advisory : Official advice issued by government bodies (specifically the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)) regarding the safety of travel to specific destinations, which can affect the validity or coverage of your travel insurance. 
• Trip cancellation insurance : Coverage for expenses if you need to cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason, as defined in the policy. 
• Trip interruption insurance : Coverage for expenses if you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency or a covered reason, as defined in the policy. 
• Medical evacuation insurance (Medevac) : Covers the costs of transporting you to a suitable medical facility in case of a medical emergency while traveling. 
• Repatriation : Coverage for returning you to your home country in case of death or a medical emergency. 
• Baggage and personal effects cover : Insurance for loss, theft, or damage to your personal belongings during your trip. 
• Civil unrest : Cover when there is unrest or instability in a country or region that can affect travel plans. Coverage for travel to areas with known/preexisting civil unrest is often limited or excluded. 
• Direct billing : Arrangements made between the insurer and service providers (such as hospitals) to pay bills directly, so you won’t need to be out of pocket or seek reimbursement later (excluding any excesses).

More information

As we’ve mentioned above, Flight Centre UK is in the process of setting up a new travel insurance provider to help support trips booked with our experts, so keep checking back here and on our social media for updates. In the meantime, should you need any further help or advice, or have concerns about what cover you need, chat with one of our experts on 0208 127 4273 , or complete the form below.

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How to Use Travel Insurance to Cancel a Flight

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Table of Contents

Basic process for travel insurance flight cancellation

Additional tips for travel insurance flight cancellation, if you need to cancel a flight with travel insurance.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for the nonrefundable portion of your flight expenses when you have to cancel a trip due to serious illness, a death in the immediate family, natural disaster or other reason specifically covered by your policy. But to make sure your claim is processed, you need to cancel your flight and file your claim the right way.

If you’ve been wondering how to cancel a flight with travel insurance — here's what you need to do.

The steps necessary to cancel a flight with travel insurance vary by travel insurance company, but many have the same basic process for submitting a claim.

1. Cancel your flight with the airline

Contact the airline to cancel your flight. For most airlines, this can be done online, through its app or by calling customer service. The airline isn't concerned about whether or not you have travel insurance protections.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

2. Determine the amount of your claim

When you cancel a plane ticket, you may be entitled to a refund of some or all of your ticket price. Travel insurance reimburses you for the nonrefundable portions of your affected travel plans; your claim amount is the price of your nonrefundable travel plans minus refunds that you have received, up to your eligible limits.

3. Start your claim

Claims can be started online or over the telephone with most travel insurance providers. Some allow you to submit your claim through their mobile app. To get started, have your policy information and travel details handy.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

4. Review the claim documentation checklist

Travel insurance companies often provide a checklist of documents you’ll need to process your claim. Gather all of the documents required by the insurance company, even if you don't understand why it is asking for them.

5. Submit your supporting documents

Once you have the documents, submit them to the travel insurance company for its review. It's best to submit all of the information at once, rather than piecemeal, so that the claims adjuster can quickly make a decision.

6. Respond to additional requests right away

If the insurance company requests additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. If too much time passes, your claim could be denied.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Here are tips for dealing with a trip cancellation to make the process as smooth as possible.

Determine if you're canceling for a covered reason. A common question travelers have when they need to cancel a trip is: Can I cancel my flight with travel insurance? Depending on your policy, the answer may be yes. With many trip insurance policies, you can expect to get reimbursed only if you cancel for a covered reason, like serious illness, terrorist attack or death in the immediate family. Review your policy to determine what reasons are eligible for coverage.

Document everything and save all receipts. Save all of your receipts, emails and other items related to the trip. Keep a journal of all communications with the airlines, your doctor (if applicable), the insurance agency and anyone else related to your claim. Consider scanning and backing up your documents in case they are lost.

Call your doctor if you’re sick. You may not be feeling well, but can you prove you are sick enough that a reasonable person would need to cancel the flight? A doctor’s advice that you cancel your trip can help prove that your travel insurance claim is valid.

Contact your travel insurance company right away. You should start your travel insurance claim as quickly as possible. If you don't submit your claim and supporting documentation within the required timeframe, your claim will be denied.

Consider rescheduling your flight. After the pandemic struck, many airlines dropped the fees for changing flights . If you are planning to make this trip in the near future, contact the airline to ask about rescheduling your flight. This could be quicker and easier than trying to get reimbursed through insurance.

Remember that travel companions might be covered, too. Review your travel policy to see if it covers travel companions as well.

Buy the right insurance coverage from the get-go. The most flexible types of plans are Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR plans; you can avoid a lot of phone calls and proof-of-coverage demands by purchasing CFAR policies.

Travel insurance offers protection in case you need to cancel a flight. Follow the steps carefully and document everything to prevent the insurance company from denying your claim.

Before canceling, discuss your situation with the airline to see if you can cancel or reschedule your flight without incurring a fee. This may be quicker and easier than submitting a claim through your travel insurance provider.

To file a trip cancellation claim on travel insurance, contact your insurance provider online, through its app or by phone. They will provide detailed instructions on how to submit your claim, including what documentation they'll need based on your reason for filing a claim.

In many cases, yes, you can cancel your flight and be reimbursed if you have an eligible reason for canceling. You may not cancel the flight because you've changed your mind. You must have a valid reason that is detailed in your travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance reimburses the cost of nonrefundable travel plans if you need to cancel your flight for a covered reason. To receive reimbursement, you must file a claim and submit supporting documentation that validates your eligibility to receive reimbursement.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Protect Your Trip »

What to do if your flight is canceled.

Follow these steps in the event your flight is canceled.

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

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Key Takeaways

• If your flight has been canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund per federal law.
• Using the airline's app or calling an international airline number is often the quickest way to get help.
• The DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows what each major domestic airline will or will not provide in the event of a cancellation or delay.

If your flight has been canceled, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to rearrange your travel plans and/or claim compensation.

What to do if your flight is canceled

1. get on the airline's app – or make an international call.

First, pull up the airline's app on your phone. Most airline apps allow you to easily rebook your flight for free, provided you can supply your six-character reservation code. Getting in line to speak with an agent and calling the airline while you wait is also a good idea (albeit slower than using an app), and social media messaging, texting or WhatsApp may prove helpful. "During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help," says Nick Ewen, director of content at The Points Guy.

Ewen also recommends a lesser-known tactic: calling the airline's international numbers. Airlines have offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and more. "While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly," Ewen says.

Note that, depending on why your flight was canceled, finding seats on a new flight may alter your travel plans considerably.

2. Book a hotel

Next, determine if you need overnight accommodations. "If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options, grab a hotel room near the airport before they're all taken," Ewen advises.

3. Ask for a refund

If the airline cancels your flight or it's "significantly delayed" (a term currently defined on a case-by-case basis) and you're forced to change your travel plans, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund. Unfortunately, getting a refund can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Most airlines will instead offer a credit for future travel, but be wary of these, since they often come with limitations such as blackout and expiration dates.

When you're able to get a refund, note that it covers the total cost of airfare only and does not include other expenses associated with your trip.

If you believe you're entitled to a refund and the airline denies it to you, you can and should file a complaint with the DOT .

4. Reference the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard

While you're entitled to a full refund, other flight cancellation policies may vary by airline. Go to the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each major airline will and will not offer in the event of a controllable cancellation.

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What to do if your flight is delayed

In the event your flight is delayed, airlines are not legally obligated to give you a refund unless the DOT determines the delay to be "significant." But here's what you can do:

Research other flights

Investigate what other flights on that airline are headed to your destination and ask an agent if they can get you on one of them (without charging change fees). Also be sure to look into what's available on other airlines: If your original airline doesn't have any flights available on your departure date, an agent may be able to book you on a flight with a different carrier at no additional cost to you. Note, however, that airlines are not legally required to do this.

Inquire about other compensation

If you've been stranded at the airport for several hours, check in with an agent and reference the Commitments for Controllable Delays section on the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard – regardless of whether you're able to get on another flight. Some airlines may provide amenities such as vouchers for meals or overnight accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

"The main causes for flight disruptions are bad weather, understaffed air traffic control, and factors within the airline’s control,"  says Katy Nastro, a spokesperson at Going.com, formerly Scott's Cheap Flights. She explains the following:

• Weather:  This is outside of the airline's control and is the single biggest reason for why we see flight disruptions. We saw this play out over the winter holidays in 2022, and even to some extent during the 2023 holiday season. Even if the weather is accurately predicted, it cannot be controlled, which means at times flight disruptions are unavoidable.
• Understaffed air traffic control:  The U.S. air travel industry has made strides in pilot hiring year over year, but when it comes to air traffic control, we are still down roughly 1,000 fewer air traffic controllers from a decade ago. New York metro area airports specifically have felt the brunt of this deficit, so much so that airlines were permitted to reduce schedules without penalty from the summer until the end of Q4 in 2023. At its lowest, the decrease in flights in the New York metro area resulted in about 11% fewer flights per day. With less trained staff, current air traffic controllers are stretched to the limit, and schedule reductions only temporarily solve this problem. Even with aggressive hiring efforts, training takes time and will not be a quick fix.

It's almost impossible to avoid canceled or delayed flights these days. But there are a few things you can do when booking flights to lessen your chances for travel disruptions.

Keep tabs on your aircraft: On your departure date, check your flight information before heading to the airport. You can keep a watchful eye on the flight's status – including the aircraft scheduled to operate your flight – using the airline's app or a third-party app such as FlightAware Flight Tracker (which also offers a website ), FlightRadar24 or TripIt Pro.

"As an example, if you're flying from Orlando to New York, and your plane is flying in from Chicago, the initial flight from Chicago to Orlando might be delayed (or canceled) before yours is," Ewen explains. "Airlines will try to find replacement aircraft in that case, but if you can identify a potential cancellation before it officially happens, you may be able to get rebooked ahead of the other 100-plus passengers on your flight."

Consider an alternate airport: When booking your flight, you may consider flying out of a different airport than the one you typically depart from. For example, a small regional airport with limited routes may mean less travel delays and hassle overall – or it may be worth driving further to another international airport for a nonstop flight to your destination rather than opting for a connecting flight close to home.

Fly in the morning: While flight disruptions are unpredictable, historically fewer cancellations and delays occur in the morning.

Avoid weekend travel: Fly on off-peak days like Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll often find cheaper flights on these days, too.

Opt for longer layovers: If you need to take more than one flight to reach your destination, book a flight with a longer layover to provide enough time to make your connecting flight. Keep in mind that at some airports you may need to go through security or customs for your connection. For longer journeys, you can reduce the risk of missing connecting flights by planning a city stopover. For example, Icelandair offers Iceland stopovers for no additional airfare.

Consider a credit card with travel protections: You don't need to be a frequent traveler to take advantage of credit card travel protections and perks. Here are a couple options to consider:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred :  This travel credit card ($95 annually) provides coverage for delays and cancellations when used to book flights. It also provides other travel protections such as delayed baggage coverage. "Even someone who travels just once or twice a year can still get phenomenal value from this card," Ewen says.
• American Express Platinum Card :  This card ($695 annually) offers travel insurance that reimburses some nonrefundable expenses like hotel accommodations, meals and other essentials as long as the trip was purchased using the card.

When choosing a travel credit card, you should also pay attention to other benefits. Even the most basic airline credit cards can offer travel perks like discounts on in-flight purchases and waived baggage fees, while premium travel credit cards (which require a higher annual fee) can include access to an airport lounge with food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Some also provide a concierge service to rebook flights or built-in trip insurance to cover unforeseen expenses.

Purchase travel insurance: If your credit card doesn't include travel protections, consider purchasing insurance with flight coverages – even a cheap travel policy can help protect your investment. Covered reasons include a travel carrier delay and loss or theft of travel documents, among other scenarios. If you're interested in purchasing a policy, you can browse the best travel insurance companies here .

Talk to a travel advisor: "Booking directly with your travel advisor provides more leverage and support if something goes wrong," explains Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer . "We can advocate for a better outcome should there be cancellations or hiccups in the itinerary."

Charlotte French, owner of Cavatica Luxury Travel , agrees, sharing this recent example: "My clients were booked on a nonstop United Flight from Tokyo (HND) to EWR (Newark) in business class, when it was canceled (due to technical issues). The clients were waiting in line to find other options for their return flight home; however, these were very limited. In parallel, I was able to speak to the United Airlines corporate desk (as a travel advisor) and was able to secure them in business class on a flight out of Tokyo the same day."

Avoid checking luggage: Travelers who only travel with a carry-on bag and/or personal item (such as a backpack or purse) that meet carry-on size restrictions will have the most flexibility in rebooking – and will also avoid the chance of lost luggage, another common issue. Some carriers will try to move checked luggage to a later flight for you and will make every effort to keep you and your belongings together. However, when airlines don't have interline agreements with other carriers, you'll have to allow enough time to retrieve and recheck your own luggage.

The number of canceled flights recently fell to its lowest rate in at least a decade — a welcome change for air travelers, especially following COVID-19-era travel disruptions.

Still, flight cancellations will always be inevitable, especially during the busy summer travel season. Summer 2024 is shaping up to be especially busy. "It was the busiest March on record for air travel according to the TSA," explains Nastro. "It also had the tenth busiest day on record, which is pretty significant since it is not a 'peak period' and is generally considered off-season in the Northern Hemisphere. If this trend continues, we are likely in for the busiest summer on record when it comes to air travel."

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Luggage Trackers
• Is a Travel Agent Worth It? The Pros and Cons
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seatbelt Extender?
• How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance
• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways

Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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