Trip Cancellation Insurance
We help you travel with confidence, wherever you go.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
A traveler reached out just three days before her scheduled flight to Italy after coming down with a severe case of the flu. She had been planning the trip for months and had already paid for her flights, hotel, and pre-booked activities. Trip cancellation insurance was included in her travel insurance plan, which provides reimbursement for prepaid, non‑refundable costs when a trip is canceled for a covered reason such as illness, injury, or other qualifying events listed in the travel insurance plan.
I helped her understand what portions of her arrangements were covered, organized the medical documents and receipts needed for her claim, and guided her through each step. Although canceling the trip was disappointing, she was grateful that her plan addressed the eligible expenses she could not use and that she did not have to handle everything on her own.
~ Ernesto, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
What Qualifies as a Trip Cancellation?
Trip cancellation generally applies when an unforeseen event occurs before your scheduled departure and meets the covered reasons listed in your policy. These reasons must be unexpected and beyond your control.
Some examples of covered reasons for trip cancellation may include:
Illness or injury affecting you, a traveling companion, or a family member, as certified by a physician
Severe weather that prevents you from starting or continuing your trip
A serious medical event involving a traveling companion or family member that prevents travel
Involuntary job loss after the plan is purchased and before the trip begins
A legal obligation, such as being called for jury duty or required to appear in court
To be eligible for reimbursement, the cancellation reason must be listed as a covered event in your travel protection plan and meet all applicable terms and conditions.
How AXA Covers Trip Cancellations?
Three of AXA’s Travel Protection plans include Trip Cancellation coverage. Maximum coverage per person is up to the total insured trip cost.
Silver plan
Maximum Benefit: 100% of Insured Trip Cost
Airline Reissue or Cancelation Fees: $100
Gold plan
Maximum Benefit:100% of Insured Trip Cost
Airline Reissue or Cancelation Fees: $100
Platinum plan
Maximum Benefit: 100% of Insured Trip Cost
Airline Reissue or Cancelation Fees: $100
What Does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover?
Trip cancellation insurance, included in AXA Travel Protection plans, can reimburse non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason listed in your policy.
Covered reasons vary by plan but may include:
Health-Related Events
Illness or injury affecting you, a travel companion, or family member
Work and Military Duty
Involuntary job loss, required work, or active military reassignment
Severe Weather
Weather delays or damaged lodging at your travel destination
Travel Disruptions
Home damage, jury duty, or a traffic accident en route
Terrorism and Strikes
Terrorist event or strike causing delay or service disruption
Travel Supplier Disruption
Travel supplier bankruptcy or default affecting your trip plans
How to File a Trip Cancellation Insurance Claim
If your trip is canceled for a covered reason listed in your AXA Travel Protection plan, we encourage you to submit your claim as soon as reasonably possible. AXA requires notification within the timeframe outlined in your policy to begin the review process.
To help avoid delays, gather all required documents and follow the submission instructions provided in your plan documents. Your claim will be reviewed based on the terms of your travel insurance coverage, and eligible expenses may be reimbursed up to the applicable benefit limit.
Here are the general documents to support your travel medical insurance claim
Proof of non-refundable trip costs, such as airline tickets or hotel reservations
A cancellation notice or refund breakdown from your travel supplier
A physician’s note, employer letter, or legal document explaining the cancellation reason
Invoices, receipts, or credit card statements showing the amounts you were charged
If your trip was impacted by a third-party event such as a strike, natural disaster, or supplier bankruptcy, additional documentation may be needed, including news articles or confirmations from providers.
For documents not in English, translated copies may be requested to verify eligibility. Be sure to keep your AXA policy number on hand when submitting your claim or contacting our support team.
Exclusive Benefits With AXA Platinum Travel Protection
AXA Platinum Travel Protection Plan holders can enjoy some exclusive benefits with their Trip cancellation coverage.
Workplace Disruption
If your workplace becomes unusable due to events like fire or flood, and you're directly involved in recovery operations, your AXA Platinum plan may provide cancellation coverage for your trip.
Required to Work during Your Trip
If your employer requires you to work during your planned travel dates, and this is confirmed in writing, your Platinum plan may include coverage. Exclusions apply to certain job types.
Direct Involvment in a Company Event
Your trip may be covered if you're actively involved in a merger, acquisition, recall, or bankruptcy at your company, and this is documented and supported by your employer.
Schedule Changes by Your Employer
If your employer changes your schedule in a way that prevents travel, and you're not self-employed or a contractor, cancellation coverage may be available under your Platinum plan.
These benefits apply only to covered situations as defined in the Platinum Travel Protection plan. Conditions and documentation requirements must be met for eligibility.
How Trip Cancellation Coverage Works
If you are unable to begin your trip due to an unexpected covered reason, your AXA Travel Protection plan may reimburse eligible prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Coverage depends on the terms and conditions in your policy.
- We confirm your cancellation reason
After you contact us, we evaluate whether your situation qualifies under a covered reason listed in your plan. Supporting documents are typically required to proceed.
- We guide you through documentation
Our team helps clarify what documents you will need to submit. These may include booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and evidence related to the reason for your cancellation.
- We review your claim details
Once all documents are received, we assess your claim in accordance with your plan’s coverage guidelines, limits, and exclusions.
- We process eligible reimbursement
If your claim is approved, we reimburse covered amounts up to the benefit limit, as outlined in your AXA Travel Protection plan.
FAQs About Trip Cancellation Insurance
What types of vacations does trip cancellation apply to?
AXA trip cancellation coverage may apply to a wide variety of travel plans. This includes international vacations, cruises, guided tours, domestic trips, and flights. Whether you are traveling across the country or overseas, your travel insurance plan may offer coverage if your trip is canceled for a reason listed in your policy. This benefit can help reimburse you for certain prepaid, non-refundable expenses outlined in your plan, depending on the situation and eligibility.
Can I cancel for any reason with trip cancellation insurance?
Standard trip cancellation coverage only applies when your trip is canceled due to a reason listed in your AXA Travel Protection plan, such as an illness, family emergency, or severe weather event. However, if you want greater flexibility, you may consider the optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available on the Platinum Travel Protection plan. CFAR allows you to cancel for reasons not listed in the standard coverage and may reimburse a percentage of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, provided you meet the stated requirements.
When does AXA's trip cancellation coverage begin?
Trip cancellation coverage begins once two conditions are met: you select a travel protection plan and AXA receives the required payment. After that point, coverage may apply to trip cancellations that occur before your scheduled departure, if the reason is listed as a covered event in your policy. Be sure to review your travel insurance plan documents carefully for specific terms, conditions, and timeframes.
When does trip cancellation coverage end?
Your AXA trip cancellation benefit ends at one of the following times: either when you depart for your trip on the scheduled date and time, or when you officially cancel the trip. In some cases, it may end two days before your scheduled departure, depending on the plan. After this point, cancellation coverage is no longer in effect. Always check your policy for the specific terms related to your travel dates and benefit duration.
Does trip cancellation insurance cover flight cancellations?
Yes, AXA trip cancellation insurance may cover flights that are canceled due to a listed covered reason in your travel insurance plan. Examples include severe weather, illness, injury, or a family emergency that prevents you from traveling. However, not all flight disruptions are covered. Delays or cancellations by an airline without a qualifying reason may not be eligible. You should review your travel insurance plan for details about when coverage applies to airfare and which situations are eligible.
How far in advance can I cancel a trip and still receive coverage?
As long as the reason for your cancellation is covered under your AXA Travel Protection plan, you can cancel your trip and file a claim for eligible expenses. There is no fixed number of days in advance required, but your cancellation must take place before your scheduled departure and align with the timing and requirements outlined in your policy. It is best to notify AXA as soon as reasonably possible after you decide to cancel your trip.
Can I purchase trip cancellation coverage on its own?
Trip cancellation is included in most of the AXA Travel Protection plans (except the Bronze Travel Protection) and is not offered as a standalone product. When you purchase a travel protection plan through AXA, trip cancellation is included in the benefits. The specific terms and reimbursement limits vary by plan. You also have the option to add upgrades, like Cancel For Any Reason, if you select a plan that offers those features.
Do I need trip cancellation insurance for a domestic trip?
Trip cancellation insurance is not limited to international travel. If you are planning a domestic trip that involves non-refundable expenses such as flights, lodging, or prepaid activities, having trip cancellation coverage can provide support in case unexpected issues arise. Covered reasons may include illness, injury, or a family emergency that prevents you from traveling. This benefit can help you recover some of the money spent on plans you are no longer able to use.
Does trip cancellation insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Trip cancellation coverage may include protection for pre-existing medical conditions if specific eligibility requirements are met. For example, AXA Travel Protection plans may offer a waiver of the pre-existing conditions exclusion if the plan is purchased within a certain number of days after the initial trip payment and all other terms are met. This allows eligible travelers to receive cancellation benefits for qualifying medical issues that existed before the plan was purchased. Be sure to review your plan documents for complete details and conditions.
What documentation do I need to submit for a trip cancellation claim?
To file a trip cancellation claim with AXA, you typically need several documents. These may include proof of the reason for cancellation, such as a physician's statement or employer's letter, depending on your situation. You also need receipts or invoices showing the non-refundable amounts you paid, and any information from your travel provider confirming the trip was canceled. Additional documents may be requested depending on your claim and the nature of the cancellation.
What is the difference between standard trip cancellation and the CFAR upgrade?
Standard trip cancellation coverage applies when you cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons listed in your plan, such as an unexpected illness or a natural disaster at your destination. The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade allows you to cancel your trip for a wider range of reasons that may not be covered under standard benefits. CFAR reimburses a portion of your non-refundable expenses and is available only on the Platinum Travel Protection plan, subject to eligibility and timing requirements.
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What are the Top Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation
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What does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover
Trip cancellation insurance covers non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled due to covered reasons like illness or family emergencies. Certain situations, such as fear of travel, are typically not covered unless special waivers are purchased.
How Travel Insurance for Flight Cancellation Works
Flight cancellations often occur due to weather conditions, mechanical issues, airline staff strikes, or global events affecting travel. Travel insurance coverages like Trip Cancellation can reimburse non-refundable expenses if your flight is canceled for covered unforeseen events.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Changes?
Travel insurance covers flight changes due to cancellations, delays, and missed connections as long as the reasons are within the policy's covered events. Coverage varies depending on the policy type when you purchase and the underlying reason for the flight changes.
Does travel insurance cover canceled flights
Travel insurance generally offers coverage for canceled flights resulting from covered events such as severe weather conditions, airline bankruptcy, or personal emergencies. Situations involving personal negligence, minor itinerary alterations, or cancellations due to pre-existing medical conditions .
Travel Assistance Wherever, Whenever
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.
