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What Is Trip Interruption Insurance?
While midway through a trip to Costa Rica, a customer contacted us after learning that her father had been hospitalized. She needed to return home immediately and wasn't sure how to change her plans or whether her unused bookings would be covered. Thankfully, she had trip interruption insurance included in her travel protection plan. This benefit provides reimbursement for prepaid, non‑refundable expenses and additional transportation costs when a trip is cut short for a covered reason, as defined in the plan.
I helped her review which parts of her itinerary could be claimed, coordinated with the assistance provider to arrange an earlier flight home, and outlined what documentation she would need. Although the trip ended unexpectedly, she was able to act quickly with guidance and coverage that helped her handle the changes with less stress.
Think of it this way: you're on a week-long romantic getaway. You have active excursions planned during the day and poolside relaxation scheduled for the evening. But two days in, you sprain your ankle. You can't safely do any of the snorkeling, swimming, hiking, or strolling that you had planned. Even after a day off, taking it easy, you see your ankle is worse, and you'd like to get home for treatment before it becomes more serious.
Here, trip interruption insurance may offer reimbursement for:
Unused lodging
The unused portion of your original flight
Pre-booked non-refundable activities
Additional plane tickets to return home
Extra hotel nights due to rebooking
Airport taxi fare or other transportation costs related to the interruption
If you do not have trip interruption coverage in your travel protection plan, any cancellations for lodging, transportation, or flights will depend on the policies of the providers you booked with. Whether hotels allow last-minute cancellations or issue refunds varies by provider, and most flight changes may involve additional fees. Trip interruption insurance may help reduce these expenses by offering reimbursement, up to the maximum benefit amount specified in your travel insurance plan.
How AXA Covers Trip Interruptions?
All four of AXA Travel Protection Plans include trip interruption coverage; maximum coverage per person is up to:
Trip interruption insurance may offer reimbursement for unused, prepaid travel costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to a covered event. Here are some examples of incidents that may qualify:
Illness or Injury
Coverage may apply if you become seriously ill, are injured, or pass away during your trip, and a physician advises you to end your travels.
Family Member Issues
Includes illness, injury, or death of a travel companion or non-traveling family member that prevents trip continuation.
Host Emergencies
If the host you are visiting is hospitalized or passes away during your trip, this may be a covered interruption.
Travel Delays
Coverage may apply if you are laid off after one year of service or required to relocate 250 miles or more during your trip.
Work Obligations
If you or your companion are required to work during the trip, or are involved in a merger, bankruptcy, or product recall.
Business-Related Disruptions
Coverage may be available if your or your companion's business is affected by a disaster and you are involved in recovery.
Home Emergencies
If military leave is revoked or you are during your trip, this may qualify under the interruption benefit.
Weather or Strikes
Includes severe weather, natural disasters, or strikes that stop common carrier services for at least 48 hours.
If your trip is delayed or interrupted, you may need to show that you took reasonable steps to continue with your original travel plans. For example, if you are booked on a five-day cruise and a storm grounds your connecting flight for two days, you may miss the ship's departure and be unable to reach the next port.
This situation can qualify as a covered trip interruption, depending on the terms of your travel insurance plan. You might also be require that you attempted to continue your scheduled trip, such as by trying to rejoin your cruise line or tour group.
Here are the general documents to support your trip interruption insurance claim:
Keep all receipts for non-refundable expenses
Document efforts made to continue the trip
Save written communication with travel providers
Collect proof of delays, cancellations, or other disruptions
AXA Travel Protection plans generally require that trip interruptions be reported within 72 hours of the event, or as soon as reasonably possible. Delays in notification may result in reduced benefit payments. Reviewing your specific travel insurance plan details in advance can help you understand what's needed if you need to file a claim.
What Is Not Covered Under Trip Interruption Coverage
Trip interruption coverage can help with unexpected disruptions, but not every situation is eligible for benefits. It's important to understand the common exclusions.
Coverage typically does not apply in the following scenarios:
Voluntary Trip Changes
If you choose to end your trip early for personal reasons not listed as covered events, expenses may not be reimbursed.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Interruptions related to pre-existing conditions may be excluded unless your travel insurance plan includes a waiver and all eligibility requirements are met.
Travel Against Advice
Traveling against medical advice or to receive medical treatment at your destination.
Unapproved Travel Providers
Costs associated with travel arrangements that are not booked through a recognized or approved travel supplier.
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.
How Trip Interruption Coverage Works
If your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to a covered reason, the trip interruption benefit in your AXA Travel Protection plan may help reimburse unused, prepaid travel costs and cover additional transportation expenses needed to return home.
We help assess your situation
When a disruption occurs, you can contact our 24/7 travel assistance team. We help determine whether the event may be eligible under your trip interruption benefit and guide you on what steps to take next.
You make necessary changes
Depending on the situation, you may need to book a new flight, extend your stay, or cancel upcoming reservations. Be sure to keep receipts and records for any non-refundable expenses or changes made as a result of the interruption.
We guide you through documentation
You may be asked to provide documents supporting your claim, such as a physician's note, proof of cancellation, or receipts for unused portions of your trip. Our team can help explain what's needed based on your plan.
You file a claim for review
Once you return home, you can submit a trip interruption claim through AXA's online claims center. If the interruption is covered under your plan, you may be reimbursed up to the benefit limit stated in your plan documents.
Ready to Add Trip Interruption Coverage to Your Travel Plans?
Get trip interruption coverage as part of your AXA Travel Protection plan, which may help reimburse unused, prepaid expenses and additional transportation costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to a covered reason.
Trip interruption insurance typically does not cover pre-existing medical conditions (unless a waiver is purchased), foreseeable events, intentional acts, or situations caused by your own reckless behavior. It also generally excludes coverage for financial default of travel suppliers that occurs more than 14 days after policy purchase.
When does trip interruption coverage begin?
Trip interruption coverage typically begins once you've departed on your trip and continues throughout your covered travel period. The exact start time is specified in your policy documents and usually coincides with when you leave your home to begin your trip.
When does trip interruption coverage end?
Trip interruption coverage ends when you return to your home or to your original departure point, or on the scheduled end date of your trip as stated in your policy, whichever comes first.
What is trip interruption insurance with AXA Travel Protection?
Trip interruption insurance with AXA Travel Protection provides reimbursement for unused, prepaid travel expenses and additional transportation costs if your trip is cut short due to a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies. Coverage limits vary by plan.
Does AXA cover trip interruption due to illness?
Yes, AXA may cover trip interruption due to illness if the illness is unexpected, occurs during your trip, and is serious enough that a physician advises you to return home. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of your specific plan.
Is trip interruption coverage included in all AXA plans?
Yes, trip interruption coverage is included in all four AXA Travel Protection plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The maximum benefit amounts vary by plan, ranging from $100,000 to 150% of trip cost.
Is trip interruption the same as trip cancellation with AXA?
No, trip interruption and trip cancellation are different benefits. Trip cancellation covers you if you need to cancel before your trip begins, while trip interruption covers you if your trip is cut short after you've already departed. Both benefits may be included in AXA plans but apply at different times.
Is Trip interruption insurance right for your trip?
Trip interruption insurance is particularly valuable if you're taking an expensive trip, traveling internationally, have prepaid non-refundable expenses, or have concerns about health issues or family emergencies that could require you to return home early.
How to get trip interruption insurance?
To get trip interruption insurance, simply purchase one of AXA's Travel Protection plans. Trip interruption coverage is automatically included in all Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. Get a quote online or call 855-327-1441 to speak with a licensed agent.
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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.
