Should You Buy Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?

By Krista DeKuyper | March 31, 2025 | Travel Insurance

Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance (CFAR) serves as a safety net for unexpected trip cancellations. This travel insurance cannot be purchased on its own, working as supplemental coverage for a pre-existing primary travel insurance plan. As a result, policyholders question if this optional add-on is worth it. The truth is, many will be able to travel freely without the need of supplemental CFAR travel coverage. This is the reason why knowing when to get CFAR insurance is difficult. This article will outline how CFAR travel insurance works, its benefits and drawbacks, and when purchasing it is necessary. Keep reading to find out whether you should purchase cancel for any reason travel insurance for your next trip. 

How Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Works

Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance works exactly as it sounds. This supplemental coverage is built to partially cover nonrefundable expenses associated with your travel in the event of cancellation. Any instance of cancellation is applicable for CFAR travel insurance. This includes avoidable reasons like a last minute decision not to travel. 

The only limitations of cancel for any reason travel insurance is the allowable timeline for cancellation coverage. Depending on the policy, you could be required to cancel anywhere between 2-days to 2-weeks in advance to receive coverage. Expenses that are refundable also do not qualify, only nonrefundable expenses will be covered. 

Benefits of CFAR Travel Insurance

  • Flexibility: Allows travelers to make a change to their travel plans easily and without significant financial repercussions. 
  • Broader Coverage: Standard travel insurance policies have strict definitions on what qualifies for cancellation. CFAR provides broader coverage, allowing for cancellations due to personal reasons. Work obligations, family issues, and fears about traveling are applicable for coverage.
  • Peace of Mind: Having the ability to cancel your trip for any reason provides peace of mind. CFAR travel insurance allows travelers to relax and enjoy their travel experience without financial anxiety. 
  • Protections for Emergencies: Unexpected obstacles arise during travel all the time. Whether you experience sudden health issues, or are simply needed elsewhere, CFAR travel insurance has you covered. It protects your investment when circumstances change suddenly.

Drawbacks of CFAR Travel Insurance

  • Cost: CFAR is an optional add-on that increases the overall cost of your travel insurance significantly. CFAR travel insurance is typically charged at a higher rate than other supplemental coverage options. 
  • Limitations on Reimbursement: You’ll find that most CFAR policies cover the nonrefundable costs of your trip partially. This means there are still out-of-pocket costs in play if you choose to cancel your trip. 
  • Not Always Necessary: Many travelers never end up needing cancel for any reason coverage. If your trip ends up going exactly as planned, CFAR insurance becomes an unnecessary travel expense. The cost may outweigh the benefits, especially if you never end up utilizing it. 
  • Specific Cancellation Timeline: Coverage will be voided if the trip is canceled outside of a specified timeline in the policy. If you need to cancel outside of the eligible timeline, you won’t receive any coverage at all. 
when to buy cancel for any reason travel insurance

When to Buy Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

When is the best time to invest in CFAR travel insurance? Should you invest in it at all? Below are scenarios where purchasing CFAR travel insurance is most advantageous:

  • Expensive Nonrefundable Trips: If your trip involves large nonrefundable payments, like destination weddings, luxury cruises, or long international vacations. CFAR insurance will play an important role in protecting your investment. It will lessen the financial strain of an unforeseen cancellation.
  • High Probability of Change: If you’re traveling during a period where you anticipate problems or unforeseen events to arise. You’ll be covered for academic obligations or any other personal factors that require cancellation.
  • Traveling with Multiple People: When coordinating travel with multiple people, plans are subject to change at any moment. The more people that are involved in the process, the more opportunities there are for circumstances to change. CFAR helps mitigate risks if any party backs out at the last minute.
  • Health Considerations: If you or someone you’re traveling with has health conditions that might lead to cancellation. 

Browse Travel Insurance Quotes Easily 

Are you considering travel insurance coverage? Navigating the complex world of supplemental coverage options can be stressful and take valuable time out of your travel planning. If you need additional guidance while evaluating travel insurance quotes, a HealthQuotes insurance agent is available. We take into account your specific circumstances while traveling. This allows us to recommend policy terms that protect your trip without unnecessary spending. Leave the complicated part of travel planning to us, contact our insurance agents today!