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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.
~ Lyn, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA
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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.
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
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
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.
Ready to Add Trip Cancellation Coverage to Your Plans?
Get AXA coverage that addresses trip cancellations tied to work conflicts, medical concerns, or unforeseen disruptions detailed in your travel insurance plan.
What types of vacations does trip cancellation apply to?
Backpacker travel insurance is designed for long, flexible trips that often include multiple destinations. Unlike standard vacation coverage, it supports extended adventures and travel styles centered on independence. Coverage can help with cancellations, delays, medical needs, and lost belongings.
With AXA, backpackers also gain 24/7 global assistance, so whether you're on a remote mountain or navigating a foreign city, you'll always have support if an emergency or disruption occurs.
Can I cancel for any reason with trip cancellation insurance?
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When does AXA’s trip cancellation coverage begin?
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When does trip cancellation coverage end?
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Does trip cancellation insurance cover flight cancellations?
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How far in advance can I cancel a trip and still receive coverage?
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Can I purchase trip cancellation coverage on its own?
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Do I need trip cancellation insurance for a domestic trip?
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What documentation do I need to submit for a trip cancellation claim?
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What is the difference between standard trip cancellation and the CFAR upgrade?
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Trip Cancellation: What It Covers & How It Works
You may need travel insurance to get protection if you cancel an expensive, nonrefundable vacation or cover for medical emergencies or baggage loss. You don’t want to be the passenger left staring at an increasingly empty baggage carousel.
What are the Top Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation
Imagine you have been preparing for a month for an all-booked family vacation in Hawaii. And a week before departure, your child gets sick and needs to be hospitalized. You want to cancel the trip and take care of your child once they are back from the hospital.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
