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What is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)?
A customer reached out after deciding not to go through with a two-week trip to Southeast Asia she had planned with a friend. They had a falling out just days before departure, and she no longer felt comfortable continuing the trip alone. There was no covered reason under her travel insurance plan to cancel, but she had added Cancel For Any Reason when purchasing her Platinum travel protection.
This optional benefit provides partial reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs when the cancellation doesn’t meet the travel insurance plan's covered reasons. I helped her confirm she was within the required timeframe to use the benefit, reviewed what receipts and documentation she needed, and guided her through the steps to file a claim. Though the trip didn’t happen, she was relieved to recover part of her costs and appreciated having an option when travel plans changed for personal reasons.
~ Ernesto, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
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When and How CFAR Coverage Applies
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit is available as an optional upgrade to the Platinum Travel Protection plan for an additional cost. This benefit must be purchased at the same time as your plan or within the timeframe outlined in the plan documents. It cannot be added after your trip has begun.
To use CFAR, you must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you meet all eligibility requirements and submit your claim on time, CFAR may reimburse 50-75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.
Eligible costs may include:
Prepaid airfare
Hotel reservations
Tour or activity bookings
Nonrefundable deposits
State Availability: Cancel For Any Reason availability varies by state. Eligibility is determined based on your state of residence. You can check availability and eligibility when requesting a quote online or by phone.
How AXA Offers Cancel For Any Reason Coverage
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit is available as an optional upgrade with the Platinum Travel Protection plan.
What Does AXA Cancel For Any Reason Coverage Include?
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional benefit that can offer partial reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses when you cancel your plans for reasons not otherwise covered under your travel protection plan. To qualify, certain conditions must be met, including canceling at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
Here are some examples of scenarios that may be eligible for partial reimbursement through CFAR when all conditions are met:
COVID-19–Related Travel Concerns
You decide to cancel your trip due to recent COVID-19 exposure, quarantine requirements, or general concern about the current health environment.
Delayed Travel Documents
Your passport or travel visa does not arrive in time for your departure, and you need to cancel your trip as a result.
Political or Weather Concerns
You have concerns about political unrest or severe weather forecasts at your destination that are not covered reasons in your base plan.
Personal Commitments
Unexpected obligations at work or a change in family circumstances make it difficult for you to travel as planned.
Travel Companion Changes
The person you were traveling with is no longer able to join the trip, and your travel plans no longer make sense.
Personal Preference
You decide not to go because your interests or priorities have changed. This could include anything from a schedule conflict to a change of heart.
If you purchased the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit as an optional upgrade to the Platinum Travel Protection plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs when canceling for a reason not otherwise covered in your plan.
To file a CFAR claim :
Cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
Review your plan documents to confirm CFAR was included in your coverage.
Gather proof of your trip costs and cancellation, such as receipts and confirmation emails.
Submit a completed claim form along with the required documentation.
Wait for your claim to be reviewed and processed based on the terms of your plan.
Refer to your plan documents for specific timelines and requirements or contact AXA with questions.
What’s Not Covered by CFAR
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional benefit that can be added to the Platinum Travel Protection plan for an additional cost. It does not apply in every situation and includes certain conditions and limitations. Travelers should carefully review their travel insurance documents before purchasing.
Here are some common limitations that may affect eligibility for CFAR benefits:
Timing of Purchase: CFAR must be purchased within a specific window, often 10 to 21 days after your initial trip payment.
Trip Cancellation Timing: You must cancel your trip no later than 48 hours before the scheduled departure to qualify for reimbursement.
Coverage Requirements: To be eligible, your plan must include 100 percent of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.
Reimbursement Limits: CFAR does not provide full reimbursement. Depending on the plan, reimbursement may range from 50 percent to 75 percent of eligible expenses.
Always review your travel insurance plan documents to see the full list of exclusions and conditions. Understanding these limits can help set clear expectations before you travel.
Things to Know Before Using CFAR
Before using Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), it is important to understand the conditions that apply. This optional benefit is time-sensitive and subject to specific eligibility requirements.
Plan Payment Timing: The travel protection plan, including the CFAR upgrade, must be purchased within a specific period. In most cases, this is within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
Trip Cost Requirements: You must insure 100 percent of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. This includes any arrangements with cancellation penalties or restrictions, even those made within 14 days of your departure.
Cancellation Timing: To be eligible for CFAR reimbursement, your trip must be canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Plan Cost : CFAR is an optional benefit that adds to the total cost of your travel protection plan. This may increase the price by approximately 3 percent of your total trip cost.
Ready to Add Cancel For Any Reason to Your Travel Protection?
Get more flexibility for your trip with AXA’s Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit, available as an optional upgrade to the AXA Platinum Travel Protection plan.
How is CFAR different from trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is typically included in travel protection plans and may reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel for a covered reason listed in the plan. Covered reasons often include illness, injury, or severe weather, among others.
Trip cancellation insurance may reimburse up to the full amount of your prepaid costs, but only if the cancellation meets the criteria outlined in the plan.
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit may reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible prepaid costs, depending on the plan. Unlike trip cancellation insurance, CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not listed in your plan, provided the cancellation occurs within the required time period before departure, typically between 48 to 72 hours.
Refundable expenses, such as airline tickets that can be fully refunded or travel credits issued by airlines or hotels, are not eligible for reimbursement under CFAR.
How is CFAR different from regular travel insurance?
Regular trip cancellation insurance may reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable expenses when you cancel your trip for a reason listed in your plan, such as illness or severe weather. These covered reasons are defined in the policy and must meet specific criteria.
The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit offers an additional option to cancel for reasons not listed in your plan. When added to the Platinum Travel Protection plan, CFAR can reimburse a portion of your eligible prepaid expenses if all conditions are met.
To qualify for CFAR, you typically need to purchase the benefit within a specific timeframe after your initial trip payment, often 14 to 21 days. You must also cancel your trip at least 48 to 72 hours before the scheduled departure to be eligible for reimbursement.
How can I get CFAR coverage?
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is available as an optional upgrade to the Platinum Travel Protection plan. To qualify, it must be purchased within the timeframe specified in your plan, typically shortly after your initial trip payment. To learn more about your options, visit our Compare Travel Plans page or call us at 855-327-1441 to speak with a representative. You can also request a quote online to view plan pricing and availability.
Is Cancel For Any Reason coverage a good option?
CFAR may be a helpful addition if your plans are uncertain or subject to change. If you're considering canceling for personal, work-related, or other reasons not typically covered by standard trip cancellation insurance, CFAR could offer more flexibility. Whether it's a suitable choice depends on your specific needs and risk tolerance.
Does CFAR cover cancellations due to fear of traveling?
The CFAR benefit may apply when you cancel due to personal concerns such as travel anxiety, health risks, or uncertainty about travel restrictions. If all eligibility requirements are met, CFAR can offer partial reimbursement even when the reason for canceling is not listed as a covered reason under standard trip cancellation insurance.
Is CFAR valid for cancellations related to pre-existing conditions?
CFAR may be used to cancel a trip for any reason, including concerns related to health. However, CFAR is not designed to provide coverage for cancellations specifically due to a medical condition unless the plan includes a waiver for pre-existing conditions. Refer to your plan documents to determine what coverage and exclusions apply.
What are the timing requirements for using CFAR?
To be eligible for CFAR reimbursement, you typically must cancel your trip no later than 48 to 72 hours before your scheduled departure. Cancellations made after that window generally do not qualify.
Can I buy CFAR after I've already purchased travel protection?
No. The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit is only available as an optional upgrade to the Platinum Travel Protection plan. It must be purchased at the same time as your plan or within the timeframe specified in your plan documents, typically within a few days of your initial trip payment.
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Does Travel Insurance Cover Cancellation Due to Illness?
Trip cancellation due to illness is one of the most common reasons people buy travel insurance but also one of the most misunderstood. So, let's go into the details of how travel insurance with cancellation coverage can help when illness ruins your trip.
Travel insurance can be of significant help to deter potential risks, such as travel-related disruptions, healthcare emergencies, and baggage loss and delay. However, the coverage may be subject to time when you purchase your policy with respect to your travel.
So, you've decided to purchase travel insurance for your upcoming trip. You know that travel insurance offers coverage for baggage loss or emergency medical care - but is that all? Or isn't it? Do you need unique add-ons? What isn't covered?
With over 65 years of travel assistance experience, AXA supports millions of travelers across 164 countries. Our licensed representatives are available 24/7 to guide you through medical needs, trip concerns, or questions about your plan. You'll always speak with real people who are here to help, wherever you travel.
