Travel insurance cancellation cover explained
What is travel insurance cancellation cover?
Cancellation cover reimburses your non-refundable travel costs - flights, accommodation and tours - if you have to cancel or cut short a trip for a covered reason, such as illness, injury or certain emergencies. It doesn't cover cancelling because you changed your mind. Cover is capped at a limit, an excess may apply, and you'll need proof such as a medical certificate.
Key takeaways
- Cancellation cover repays non-refundable costs for covered reasons.
- Covered reasons typically include illness, injury and certain emergencies.
- Changing your mind ('disinclination to travel') is not covered.
- There's a cover limit and often an excess per claim.
- Keep proof - medical certificates, receipts and cancellation invoices.
What's covered and what isn't
Cancellation cover responds when something outside your control forces you to cancel or curtail a trip - serious illness or injury, and other specified emergencies. It does not cover simply deciding not to go, cancelling due to a foreseeable event, or costs you can recover elsewhere (from the airline or a refund).
How to claim
Cancel with your travel providers as soon as you know, gather proof (medical certificate, death certificate, official notices), and keep all booking confirmations and receipts. The insurer pays the non-refundable portion up to your limit, minus the excess.
Frequently asked questions
Does travel insurance cover cancellation for any reason?
Can I claim if my flight is cancelled by the airline?
When should I buy cancellation cover?
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