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THE TRAVELLIST CO.

  • Sep 1, 2021

​Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​- Is It Worth It?​

Updated: Oct 29, 2021

/ˈkans(ə)l/

to decide or announce that (a planned event) will not take place.

Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​

Firstly, what actually​ is Cancel For Any Reason or CFAR? Cancel for Any Reason is an optional travel insurance add-on that allows a traveler to cancel for any reason whatsoever and still receive a significant refund- yep​,​ you read that right, ANY REASON.

​If you are planning a trip domestically or overseas in the next 12 months, then travel insurance is a must, plain and simple. But what happens when standard travel insurance is not enough, COVID-19 has added an extra level of uncertainty to vacation planning, and as the world slowly awakens from its tourism slumber there will be false starts, but travel insurance covers that right? The answer - not necessarily.

Many insurance companies are finally catching up with the modern traveler and have introduced travel insurance plans with benefits surrounding COVID-19, but they would not provide cover if you were reluctant to travel, or if you felt unsafe travelling to a destination. These are just typical examples why you may decide not to travel this year. In this article we review why Cancel For any Reason might be right for you, ​so let’s look at the good, the bad and the details.

What's Good About it?

Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​

While most traditional travel insurance policies do have a trip cancellation benefit, this benefit needs to be `triggered' by a specified reason. These reasons are set out by the insurer, meaning that the things that are important to you, that may affect your ability to travel, may not be seen in the same way by the insurer- they set the rules. CFAR lets you plan for the future while avoiding the stress of the financial worry of canceling a domestic or international trip.

Reason that are often coverage by a primary travel insurance policy look more like this;

You, a family member or traveling companion become sick, injured or die or require medical evacuation.

A hurricane or other natural disaster damages your home or your destination.

A terrorist event occurs at your destination within 30 days of your arrival date

You’re laid off from work.

Your travel document is stolen.

These are pretty extreme events, and ones that we hope will never happen, but what if the reason you want to cancel your travel is not so extreme, what then? Causes to cancel such as; fear of travel due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a sick pet or friend, or not feeling fit to travel for mental health reasons are not covered under primary travel insurance policies.

Does this mean you shouldn’t be planning a future trip- heck no! CFAR allows you to dictate the terms of the trip insurance cancellation while giving you peace of mind that things can change, and you'd be prepared regardless.

CFAR insurance is in additional to you primary policy meaning you still get all the benefits of medical expenses and medical coverage, medical evacuation, medical repatriation and much more if you don't need to cancel.

Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​

What's Bad about it?

Cancel for any reason allows you to confidently plan and book future trips, with the added protection of being able to change your mind knowing you can get the majority of your money back. However, the key word is majority, as insurance suppliers differ in their interpretation of this, Seven Corners, for example, offer up to 75% back of your non refundable cost.

The best things in life are free but the best things in travel insurance are definitely not. CFAR will add anywhere from 5% to a whopping 60% to your travel insurance cost, with the average amount sitting around 25%.

Let's put that in context using Seven Corners as an example. You book a $15,000 USD family vacation and your primary travel insurance costs $500.00. If the CFAR is 25% that’s an extra $125.00 on insurance alone, insurance that you might not even use!

However, if you do need to cancel that’s potentially $11,250.00 USD back to you- no questions asked. That's a great return on your investment if you have any disinclination to travel, whether that be; work commitments, a cancelled event, impromptu family reunion or simply just a change of mind- it's all covered.

The Details you Need to know about CFAR?

Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​

Clients worldwide have been asking for coverage like this for years, so when something seems this good there has to be a catch. There is no catch per se, BUT, there are some prerequisites to be able to take advantage of this product:

1) CFAR is time sensitive and must be purchased within 14- 21 days of your initial trip deposit, this cannot be added at a later time.

2) You must confirm the cancellation of your trip no less than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure date.

3) You must insure 100% of all prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

Do I Actually Need Cancel For Any Reason?

Trip cancellation insurance without a “cancel for any reason” upgrade provides insurance coverage for a large range of problems- mainly the worst case scenarios. If your main worries are already listed as "covered reasons" in a standard trip cancellation policy, e.g. the sickness of a close family member, then you may not need CFAR. Travelers who purchase CFAR choose it for the added protection and the flexibility of being able to change their plans.

My Grandpa used to say “Only gamble what you can afford to lose”, so if your vacation is low cost, in a few weeks time, and you are happy to accept cancellation fees, then CFAR may be surplus to requirement.

According to a recent 2021 report, Americans spent over $101 billion as international travelers on their summer vacation this year alone, that’s a lot of money and depending on when you are planning your trip for, where you are visiting, how much you invested, why you are travelling and how you are planning on getting there, your portion of that $101billion could be significant, CFAR reduces the gamble on the unknown.

The Final Word

To answer the question “Do I Need CFAR?”. Maybe. Talk to your Travellist, explain your personal situation and concerns, they can guide you to the policy and products that best suit your scenario, paying a lot of money for a product doesn’t mean you're getting the best. Your Travellist can easily assist with giving you peace of mind, knowledge about what you are actually purchasing and the confidence to plan for the future.

Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance​

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Dependants are defined by TINZ as your children or grandchildren, not in full time employment, who are under the age of 19 and travelling with you for 100% of the journey. Before proceeding, please confirm that all travellers under 19 are dependants of the adult travellers. If the child is not classified under the above terms then please treat them as an adult traveller within this policy.

The Already Overseas plan is appropriate for New Zealand residents who are already overseas and need travel insurance cover because they have either forgotten to purchase before they left New Zealand or, their existing travel insurance policy has expired.

Please read our conditions of purchase carefully. We can only provide cover provided that you satisfy the following conditions at the time of purchase:

  • You are aged 64 or under; and
  • You have a permanent residential address in New Zealand and will be returning to resume residence in New Zealand at the end of your journey; and
  • You intend to return to New Zealand on the date your policy ends; and
  • You purchase your policy within 30 days from either the date you departed New Zealand; or the expiry of any other travel insurance policy; and
  • Your period of overseas travel does not exceed 18 consecutive months in total from the date you originally departed New Zealand;

Please note:

  • For this plan “journey” means the time from when the policy is issued while you are overseas and ends when you arrive at any immigration counter in New Zealand.
  • Journeys can be up to a maximum of 90 days.
  • Purchasing an Already Overseas policy is limited to one journey every 12 months.
  • There is no cover provided for the first 72 hours from the start date of your certificate of insurance.

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Please visit our partner website www.comparetravelinsurance.co.nz to purchase travel insurance for this trip.

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CANCELLATION COVER: DO YOU MAKE THE CUT?

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TRAVEL INSURANCE; YOU KNOW YOU NEED IT, BUT ARE YOU ENTIRELY SURE HOW IT WORKS?

If an event is known before you go, here's some things you need to know.

Firstly, it's important to know that you’re only covered for cancellation due to unforeseen events, not situations you were aware of before you booked your trip.

For instance, as you are keenly awaiting your trip to Fiji, you discover that a hurricane has hit, playing havoc with your travel plans. At this point it may occur to you to buy travel insurance as you now need to cancel your trip and are set to lose out on a whole lot of cash.

However, while you may still buy travel insurance, you would not be able to claim on any cancellation benefits for your trip as you were already aware of the hurricane when you bought your policy.

On the other hand, had you already purchased a policy with cancellation benefits prior to hearing the news of the hurricane, you would most certainly be eligible to claim on cancellation.

CANCELLATION COVER: WHERE IT APPLIES

Don’t lose out if you have to cancel your trip. We offer cover for cancellation costs if you can no longer travel or have to return home early due to the following unforeseen events:

Accidents en-route : You can't predict when a road or rail accident is going to delay you. Luckily, we cover you if you've missed your flight or pre-booked transportation due to an en-route motor vehicle, railway or marine accident.

Flight cancellations: Rain, rain go away, come back another day! Unfortunately, rain can turn your travel skies grey and lead to flight cancellations. But hey don't worry, if your flights are cancelled due to severe weather TINZ will pay to get you on another plane to your intended destination.

Missed accommodation : If you were delayed (for a covered reason) and unable to reach your pre-booked accommodation we will cover you for any lost deposits or pre-payments. Phew!

Extreme events: Natural disasters, terror attacks , hijacking, riots and incidents of civil unrest can be scary and emotional events to be involved in. We cover you for any additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur due to these events. The event must have begun after the insurance policy was issued.

Severe illness or injury: Needing medical treatment on your well-deserved break in a foreign land is hardly ideal. With TINZ, we provide 24/7 emergency assistance no matter where you are in the world. And we pay for your travel expenses to return home or be repatriated if a medical practitioner notifies us that you are unfit to continue with your trip.

Family emergency : Getting home is your number one concern if a close relative falls ill, is severely injured or dies.  If you are forced to return home or cancel your trip, we cover you for any additional travel expenses and prepaid deposits that you incur. Please keep in mind that you would not be covered if the family member in question was over the age of 85 or suffered from a pre-existing medical condition .

Disruption of journey: Delays are a common frustration when travelling. If your flight or transport is delayed for more than six hours you would be entitled to claim on any additional accommodation and food that you may need after this time. You may claim up to $200 at the end of the initial six-hour period and $200 for each full 24-hour period that the disruption continues.

Alternative transport expenses:  Got a place to be? If your pre-arranged transport is cancelled or delayed and you need to reach a booked event such as a sport match or funeral any alternative form of transport you require to get there will be reimbursed.

It’s important to keep in mind that travel insurance would only reimburse you for the portion of your trip that is non-refundable. Additionally, TINZ holds the right to request some form of proof for your delay or cancellation (i.e. medical certificates, police report or airline certification). Please see the Policy Document for full cancellation terms and conditions.

WHEN WOULDN'T I BE COVERED?

Then there’s the nitty-gritty of cancellation cover- the exclusions that may be overlooked but are important to understand. The following events would not be covered by us:

Airline delays and cancellations: One of the most common misunderstandings is that cancelled flights- no matter the cause, are covered by your travel insurance policy. In fact, if your airline cancels your flight it is their responsibility to compensate, reimburse, or find an alternative flight for you. For example, if your flight is cancelled due to a mechanical fault, you would not be covered by your TINZ policy.

Running late: Did the alarm not go off? We're all guilty of a sleep-in but TINZ cannot cover you if you miss your pre-booked transportation because you were running late. This includes missed connected flights during transit; once again this would be a case to take up with your airline.

Missed accommodation because of cancelled flights: Did your airline delay you for a day or two? If your flight is cancelled due to mechanical issues, delays or overbooking on behalf of your airline, as above, it would be your airline’s responsibility to compensate you for lost, pre-booked accommodation costs.

Change of mind: We don’t cover you to cancel your trip for any old reason. If you’ve decided that you just don’t fancy going anymore, that’s on you. TINZ does not cover you simply because you've decided not to travel. But if you’re looking to change your dates or travel destinations, you can contact us about changing the details of your policy.

Annual leave: If your employer cancelled your leave forcing you to cancel your trip TINZ would not cover your costs it would be your employer’s responsibility to cover your costs.

Visa refusals: Have you been denied entry? If your destination visa is rejected and you've already paid for your flights and accommodation you wouldn’t be covered. It’s up to you to verify that your visa requirements have been met before you book your holiday. In some cases, your airline might refund you your ticket, as they're not allowed to fly passengers to a country without a visa.

Cancelled tour: If your booked tour is cancelled due to low group numbers it would be up to the tour company to reimburse you.

Epidemics and pandemics:  All of our policies contain exclusions in relation to an actual or likely epidemic or pandemic or the threat of an epidemic or pandemic. 

Known events:  Firstly, let's get you up to scratch with the term ‘known event’. A known event can take many forms, from a once-off natural disaster to an ongoing epidemic. Examples of some known events include the eruption of the Mt Agung and Whakaari/White Island volcanoes, and more recently, the global spread of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19.  Travel insurance is designed to cover you for ‘unforeseen’ events, which you were not aware of at the time of purchasing your policy.

CUT TO IT: CANCELLATION COVER CONCLUDED

Whether you’re a veteran vacationer or a first-time flyer, it’s worth taking the time to really get to grips with cancellation cover and how it works. Whilst you can’t always plan for the unexpected, a good understanding of your travel policy can help to smooth over any holiday hurdles. Please see our Policy Document for full terms and conditions on cancellation cover.

FURTHER READING

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If you're heading away with a bump in tow, we'll cover you up to week 24. Find out more.  

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At TINZ we don't believe in age limits? We cover you at any age, no matter where you go!

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Travel insurance tips

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover

The common misconception is that all cancelled or missed travel situations are covered. This is not the case. We help to explain the misunderstanding around travel insurance and cancellation cover, so that you can head on holiday stress free and avoid being crushed by unrealistic expectations.

Cancellation Cover Is Explained Legally In Policy Documents As:

Lost deposits and cancellation fees for pre-paid travel arrangements due to  unforeseen circumstances  neither expected nor intended by you or which are outside your control.

So What Are Considered ‘Unforeseen Circumstances’?

...And when are you covered for travel delays, alternative transport and cancellation? We highlight some scenarios:

  • Accident en route You will be covered if you missed your flight/booked transport because of a motor vehicle accident, railway accident or marine accident en route and you can prove that there was no other way for you to get to your transport carrier. You will need a letter from the official body in the country you are in to prove the accident happened, such as the Institute of Traffic Administration.  
  • Flight cancellations You will be covered if flights are cancelled due to severe weather or airlines strikes.  
  • Missed accommodation If your flight was cancelled due to a covered reason such as severe weather or airlines strikes and you missed pre-booked accommodation. Your travel insurance will reimburse you for this.  
  • Extreme events Natural disasters, hijacking, riots and civil unrest which affect travel arrangements are all covered. The event must have begun after the insurance policy was issued.  
  • Severe sickness or severe injury You will be covered for lost deposits if you become injured or ill and become unfit to travel, or if you have to return home if a medical practitioner notifies the insurer that you are unfit to continue with your trip. You will need this in writing and it generally cannot be from an undeclared pre-existing medical condition.  
  • Severe illness, severe injury or death of a close relative If you need to return home or cancel a trip because a family member is unwell or there has been a death to a close family member then your travel expenses will be covered. This is subject to  age limitations,   pre-existing medical conditions  and the relative residing in Australia or New Zealand.  
  • Theft of passports, travel documents or credit cards If your passport or documents are stolen, travel insurance will reimburse you for your expenses incurred when replacing your items. Subject to you producing a police report within 24 hours of the incident. You wouldn’t be covered if your belongings were lost or stolen if you were intoxicated.  
  • Frequent flyer points If your flight is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances some insurers will reimburse you the monetary value for loss of frequent flyer points that you might have used to pay for your flight.
  • Disruption of journey If your flight/transport is delayed more than 6 hours you are entitled to claim accommodation and food that you may need after this time. You can claim around $200 (will vary from insurer to insurer) for each full 24 hour period that the disruption continues.  
  • Alternative transport expenses If your flight/transport is cancelled and you need to reach a pre-booked event (e.g. sporting event or funeral) your alternative transport will be paid for under travel insurance. Even if the reason your flight/transport was cancelled due to a non-covered event such as mechanical fault. As you have already started your journey you can use the ‘alternative transport delays’ benefit of the policy rather than ‘cancellation benefit’.

Different aspects of your travel insurance policy relate to different times of your trip. Generally speaking anything that happens before travelling falls under the ‘cancellation cover’ and anything that happens once you have already started your journey will fall under ‘alternative transport expenses’ or ‘travel delay’.

Remember in all these covered circumstances travel insurance will only reimburse you for the non-refundable cost of the trip you’ve already paid for.

You must be able to prove to the insurer that you have done everything reasonable to avoid delay expenses, and in many cases you are going to need to provide written proof of cancelled flights, delays or loss.  

how much cancellation coverage do insurers Offer?

It depends on which policy you choose. Most insurers offer different cover levels and often at very different price points. We've compared the cheapest comprehensive-style policy offered by each insurer to give you a rough idea. To compare coverage and prices for your trip, use our quote function above.

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So What’s Not Covered Under Cancellation Cover? Here Are Some Examples:

Of course not  every  situation can be covered and this is when the confusion starts.

  • Flight cancellations The most common misunderstanding is that all cancelled flights, for any reason are covered…this is not the case. For example, if your flight was cancelled due to a mechanical fault, overbooking, maintenance, repairs, rescheduling, service faults or the airline closing down then you are not covered. It is the airline’s responsibility to compensate, reimburse, or find an alternative flight for the traveller – not the insurer.  
  • Missed flights If you turn up to check-in 30 minutes late and miss your flight you won’t be covered. Any delays because of your own negligence are not covered under travel insurance. Insurers will ask that you left ‘sufficient’ time to get to the airport. This includes missed connecting flights.  
  • Missed accommodation because of missed flights If your flight is cancelled because of a non-covered event such as a mechanical fault and you then miss pre-booked accommodation, it is also not the insurer’s responsibility to reimburse you for your accommodation costs but it is the airline’s or your transport carrier’s.  
  • I just didn’t feel like it If you cancel your trip just because you decided not to go, travel insurance will not cover the cost.  
  • Annual leave If your employer cancelled your leave and then you couldn’t take your trip your travel insurance will not cover the cost as it is seen as your employer’s responsibility.  
  • Visa refusals If your destination visa is denied and you've already paid for flights and accomodation travel insurance cannot help, as it’s up to the traveler to verify that their visa requirements have been met. In some cases the airline might refund your tickets as they're not allowed to fly passengers to a country without a visa.  
  • Unfit to travel If you have been toldby a medical practitioner that you are unfit to travel and you fail to promptly cancel your pre-booked travel you will not be covered.Also if you travel knowing you are unfit to do so and have been advised against it from a medical practitioner and your trip has to be cancelled, delayed or disrupted because of illness you are also not likely to be covered.  
  • Exams If you or another member of your group is suddenly required to sit an exam and cannot travel then your travel insurance will not cover your travel costs.  
  • Cancelled tour If your booked tour is cancelled due to under booking this is not covered situation.

A travel insurance policy is a legal document and yet so many travellers chose not to read the Product Disclosure Statement which explains in detail all the policy benefits. Each insurer has a list of inclusions and exclusions, to avoid any doubt, check this before you travel.

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CoverDirect NZ Limited (INC 3526051) owns and operates this website.

Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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Cover-More launches Cancel for Any Reason cover

  • December 26, 2018

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Leading travel insurance provider Cover-More has launched Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) cover, available to Kiwi travellers for the first time and enabling them to cancel their travel plans for any reason, including relationship break down or change of plans. Cover-More’s CFAR cover is available as part of their new product, YourCover. YourCover also includes new traveller-focused policy benefits including cover for more extreme adventure sports, heli and off-piste skiing, mopeds and motorcycles with greater than 200cc engine capacity, and many more benefits. “We are thrilled to be launching our Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) cover to Kiwi travellers, the first cover of its kind in New Zealand. Our CFAR cover enables our customers to cancel their travel plans for any reason at all. I’m sure CFAR will bring peace of mind to the many New Zealanders planning their 2019 holidays,” Cover-More New Zealand CEO Bruce Morrison says.

“We are launching YourCover in response to Kiwi travellers seeking travel insurance they can tailor to their individual needs and travel plans. YourCover offers travellers comprehensive travel insurance and emergency assistance, as well as optional benefits depending on where they are travelling to and what they will be doing. An adventure skier heading to the USA ski fields might take out our cover for heli and off-piste skiing, while someone flying to Fiji might add our CFAR cover so they have complete freedom to cancel their trip if their plans change – for example due to the Zika virus, a relationship breakup or any other reason not normally covered by travel insurance.”

YourCover’s new traveller-focused benefits follow Cover-More’s lead last year in removing general exclusions for mental illness, including existing conditions, across all their travel insurance policies in New Zealand and Australia. Mr Morrison added: “The benefits we are making available in YourCover reflect the significant effort our entire team has put into listening to the evolving needs of Kiwi travellers and developing policies that fit with how they like to travel. With access to a new product like YourCover we anticipate more New Zealanders will travel with the protection that travel insurance provides.” Cover-More’s YourCover policies also offer travellers enhanced cover for multi-night cruises. YourCover policies are available now from Cover-More’s partner travel agencies, independent travel agents and brokers across New Zealand. www.covermore.co.nz

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Flights, cancellations and delays

Before buying an airline ticket, make sure you understand the terms and conditions that apply to cancelling or changing your flight.

On this page

Before you buy.

When buying tickets:

  • buy from a reputable travel agent, travel site or airline
  • consider paying by credit or debit card when buying tickets online – if you have a problem, eg the tickets don't arrive, you can ask your bank to reverse the payment (called a chargeback)
  • keep conversation records so if anything goes wrong, you have proof of what was said and agreed to
  • consider travel insurance, which may cover you for things outside the airline's control – for example flights are cancelled due to bad weather.

Your rights

Travel agents and airlines must comply with the service guarantees in the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and Fair Trading Act. This means:

  • they must be competent and professional
  • their services must be fit for your particular purpose. For example, have wheelchair facilities if you have asked for them or you tell the travel agent that you are travelling because you want to go to a particular event, the flights they book need to be such that you can get to the event on time.

A flight ticket is a contract between you and the airline. Before you buy it, the airline must clearly display, or tell you, the ticket's terms and conditions.

They cannot:

  • rely on terms and conditions – sometimes called 'conditions of carriage' – printed only on the ticket, unless you were given a reasonable chance to read them before you bought it
  • avoid compensating you for cancelled or delayed flights that were their fault, even if their terms and conditions say they can. 

Your rights when flying internationally depend on:

  • where you are travelling from
  • where you are travelling to
  • the rules of the country the airline is based in.

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Check your rights  

Find out if you're entitled to a refund and how to claim compensation for losses and extra costs. Use our Flights consumer rights finder

Whether you book directly with an airline, or book through a third party, you should always read the terms and conditions of the ticket before you pay for it.

1. Check the terms and conditions

Always check the fare terms and conditions before booking flights. 

These will tell you:

  • if and how you can change or cancel your booking
  • whether you can get a refund or a credit if you cancel (usually only if you book a refundable or flexible flight)
  • what services will be provided – for example, a meal or movies.

2. Decide on insurance

If you're travelling within New Zealand, you don't need to have travel insurance – but if you choose it, domestic travel insurance may cover the costs if you have to cancel or change your flights due to unexpected circumstances, or if the airline cancels flights due to reasons outside its control.

Travel insurance

If you're travelling overseas, you need travel insurance. Most comprehensive policies cover non-refundable travel and accommodation costs if something happens (like an illness or accident) that means you need to cancel or cut your trip short.

Your policy may also provide cover for alternative transport or extra costs if you suffer an unavoidable delay – for example a cancelled flight or missed connection.

It's best to buy travel insurance as soon as you make your first booking – this ensures you're covered if you need to change or cancel any of your plans before your departure date.

Travel insurance – international

Flight delayed, cancelled or bumped

If a flight is delayed or cancelled, the right to refund depends on whether it was the airline’s fault or not and whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.

Domestic flights here in New Zealand

What to expect if it was the airline’s fault.

You're entitled to a refund (unless you accept another remedy, like rebooking)

If a flight is cancelled or delayed, and it was the airline’s fault, you are entitled to reasonable compensation for any additional loss you suffered. This is on top of any refund, rebooking or credit. You are also entitled to whatever terms and conditions provide for.

It may be their fault if:

  • the flight is overbooked so you can't get on — called being 'bumped'
  • there are mechanical issues
  • there aren't enough staff to service the flight.

How much you get depends on how much you've been inconvenienced – for example, you may have had to pay for extra meals, taxi fares or accommodation because of the delay – up to a maximum of 10 times the cost of your flight. Keep a record of any extra costs as proof.

Example — Bumped flight

Margaret books a seat on a flight from Christchurch to Wellington to go for a weekend away. She has tickets to see a musical that night. When she arrives at the airport she is told the flight is full and they have bumped her onto a flight the next day. She doesn't need to pay for the new flight but has to catch a taxi home, and will miss the musical. She doesn't think this sounds fair. Before arriving at the airport the next morning, she reads her rights and collects together the receipts from the taxi and the musical. The airline agrees to give her a full refund for her taxi and concert tickets.

What to expect if it wasn’t the airline’s fault

The airline does not have to compensate you if the cancellation or delay could not have been avoided, for example if there's extreme weather and air traffic control says the plane can't take off.

You may be entitled to a refund, credit or other remedy set out in the terms and conditions. It always pays to ask for a credit or to be rebooked on a later flight, sometimes an airline will give a refund anyway.

If a flight is cancelled due to mandatory government shutdown airlines are not responsible for providing a resolution or alternate plan for continuation of your journey. However, airlines operating within New Zealand will need to give you a refund unless their terms and conditions expressly provide that you are not entitled to one. This will vary from airline to airline so it is important to refer to your booking terms and conditions.

If the airline offers you less than you think you're entitled to, let them know. Provide evidence of your losses, for example extra costs, lost income, and ask them to reconsider. If you still can't agree, your next step is taking your case to the Disputes Tribunal.

What the tribunal can help with (external link)  — Disputes Tribunal

International flights

If you are flying from a city in the United Kingdom or the European Union on any airline and your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 2 hours, you may be entitled to:

  • drinks, meals and accommodation, depending on how long you are delayed for
  • a refund or another flight
  • compensation – the amount depends on how far you were due to travel.

If you are travelling to Europe or the UK on an airline that's based in Europe or the UK, the same rules apply.

You will not be entitled to compensation if the issue was caused by exceptional circumstances like a volcanic eruption, flooding or earthquakes, or if the airline told you about the change more than 2 weeks before you were due to travel.

Airplane passengers: your rights to compensation (external link) — European Consumer Center

Delays and cancellations (external link) — UK Civil Aviation Authority

If you are flying to, from or within the USA and your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, you are entitled to a refund of the flight costs. US law does not provide for compensation, except for certain passengers who are ’bumped‘ from a flight that is oversold. However, international flights to and from the US are still covered by the Montreal Convention.

Flight delays (external link)  — US Department of Transportation

Changing your bookings

Bookings made through a travel agent.

If you book through a travel agent, tour company or a third party booking website you should contact them if there is an issue with the way your flights have been booked – for example if there is not enough time between your connecting flights.

Flight cancellations, refunds and credits are usually dealt with through the travel agent.

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, they must carry out the service they offer with reasonable care and skill.

If you want to cancel or change your flight – domestic flights

Here in New Zealand, if you need to cancel a flight, you'll normally only be entitled to a refund if you paid for a refundable fare. Some booking sites provide additional cancellation rights.

Any refund should include the optional extras you bought when you booked your flight.

If you can't get a refund, you could:

  • change your flight to another date – you may have to pay extra to do this
  • ask for a credit to use on a flight at another time.

If you want to cancel or change your flights – international flights

If you need to change or cancel your flight, you should do this directly with the airline or through your travel agent or booking website.

You may have to pay to make changes, depending on the type of ticket you booked. You are not entitled to a refund for a cancelled ticket unless the terms and conditions say you are.

Bookings made direct with airlines

If you booked direct and there is an issue with the airline, for example you are bumped from your flight or your luggage is lost or damaged, you should deal with the airline directly.

Lost or damaged luggage refunds

Hand luggage:  you are responsible for luggage you keep with you during a trip. However, the carrier must compensate you if hand luggage is lost or damaged through their carelessness.

Checked in luggage:  the airline is responsible for luggage while it is checked in.

For domestic flights, the Contract and Commercial Law Act (CCLA) sets out your rights for lost or damaged luggage. Under the CCLA:

  • the airline is liable for loss or damage to your bags up to $2,000 per bag unless the damage is caused by the bag’s contents or fault of construction.
  • you have 30 days to make a claim, but the airline can give you less time than this in their terms and conditions.

If you have problems getting compensation from the airline, speak to your insurer. If you have it, you may be able to claim on travel insurance. Also check your home and contents policy to see if items are covered.

Lost or damaged luggage is generally covered by the Montreal Convention. The maximum amount you can claim under the convention is around $2700.

Your travel insurance should also include cover for lost or damaged luggage. Depending on the policy taken out there will be limits on not only the sum insured but limits on individual items unless these have been declared at the time the policy is taken out. For example, if you are taking some expensive jewellery you should declare that to the insurance company.

If your luggage is delayed, the airline may need to cover the cost of essential items until it's recovered – for example, a toothbrush and clean underwear.

Steps to take if things go wrong

If you have problems with your airline ticket or flight, for example you've been moved from the flight you booked, your flight is cancelled or severely delayed, you can make a complaint or make a claim.

Make a complaint

  • Contact the travel agent/airline – explain the issue and tell them what you would like done about it.
  • Claim on insurance – If the problem is not the airline's fault, eg your plane is cancelled because of bad weather.
  • Apply for a Chargeback – If the travel agent/airline refuses to help, your bank or credit card company may be able to reverse charges to your card.
  • Take it further – You can take formal disputes to the Disputes Tribunal and/or report the business to Commerce Commission.
  • Get more help – Citizens Advice Bureau can advise and support you at any point.

Before you complain

  • Know what the business must do – read Your rights above.
  • Check the terms and conditions of your ticket   – this will help you understand what you can expect – for example you may not be able to change your travel date without being charged.
  • Gather proof – for example emails between you and the travel agent or airline, bank statements, details of conversations and dates.
  • Decide your ideal outcome – for example an apology, travel vouchers, money back.
  • Think about what you will say – for example what you are unhappy about and what you would like the business to do.

When you complain

  • Stick to the facts  – explain the problem in detail and provide any evidence you may have in the form of receipts for expenses incurred.
  • Be clear it is a complaint  – use the word 'complaint' in your phone call, instant message or email.
  • Tell them what you want  – be clear what will fix your concern.
  • Take time out, if needed  – if the conversation is getting heated or you need time to consider their response, arrange a time to call, email or message back. Explain you need time to think about the conversation.

How to complain

Make a claim

Claim on insurance.

Travel insurance may cover expenses when it is not the airline's fault, for example if you miss your flight, or if bad weather means the flight is cancelled or delayed. Check your travel policy to see what it covers.

If you're travelling within New Zealand you may be covered by your normal contents insurance – check your policy to find out more.

Apply for a chargeback

Your bank or credit card company may reverse credit or debit card charges in certain situations – called a chargeback. Do this if you've paid a travel agent, or overseas airline, for a flight they haven't then booked or are owed refund on a cancelled flight that has not been provided. Chargebacks are only available for a short time after you made the transaction – usually about 30 days. Ask your bank what their time limit is and how to apply .

Chargebacks (external link) — Banking Ombudsman

Take your complaint further

If you aren't getting anywhere with the travel agent or airline, going to the Disputes Tribunal may be your next step. If you're disputing more than $30,000, you will need to go through the District Court. In this case, talk to Community Law Centre or a lawyer first.

Bear in mind, if the travel agent/airline is overseas it may be harder to enforce any formal decision.

You can report the business to the Commerce Commission if:

  • you think you have been misled
  • the business has said something that is not true.

Commerce Commission can't investigate every complaint, or solve your individual problem. But they can warn or prosecute the business. Your information helps them assess which consumer issues are causing the greatest harm.

Make a complaint (external link)  — Commerce Commission

Get support from:

  • Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – a free, independent service, run by volunteers. CAB can advise you on your consumer rights and obligations, in person, by phone, or online.
  • Community Law Centre – offers free one-on-one legal advice to people with limited finances. The organisation has 24 community law centres throughout the country. You can find legal information and other resources on its website.

Find a CAB (external link)  — Citizens Advice Bureau Our law centres (external link)  — Community Law Centres

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Is Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Worth It?

Lee Huffman

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance?

What does cancel for any reason travel insurance cover typically, claim guidelines for cfar policies, how much is cancel for any reason travel insurance, do i need it if i have other travel protections, is cancel for any reason travel insurance worth it.

Most basic travel insurance policies only cover cancellations under certain circumstances.

Cancel For Any Reason add-ons let you do just that, but they can be pricey.

It might make sense if you have uncertain plans and can't book refundable tickets or fares.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers in case they are unable to complete their trip as booked. These policies protect against flight delays or cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, illness and many other issues. A certain type of travel policy also lets you cancel your trip for any reason, even if you simply change your mind.

Cancel For Any Reason policies are known as Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance, and we'll explain what they are, how much they cost and if they're worth it.

CFAR travel insurance is an optional upgrade to your travel insurance policy. This feature allows travelers to cancel their prepaid, nonrefundable reservations for any reason — not just reasons covered by a typical travel insurance policy.

This added flexibility comes at a cost. First, you'll pay extra for the upgrade to add Cancel For Any Reason to your travel insurance policy. Second, when submitting a claim, most policies reimburse only a portion of your travel costs — 50% to 75%, depending on the policy.

Because of this, it's important to weigh the cost of the policy upgrade against how much you'll receive if you submit a claim.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

As with any travel insurance policy, only the reservations that are prepaid and nonrefundable are covered. If you have a refundable reservation that you can cancel without penalty, simply cancel the reservation without involving your travel insurance company.

Policy coverage varies by insurer and type of policy purchased. Before purchasing a travel insurance policy, review what is covered to ensure that it aligns with the reservations and tickets you are buying. A few examples of prepaid, nonrefundable travel reservations include:

Nonrefundable airline tickets.

Prepaid, nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Prepaid rental cars.

Cruise excursions.

Event tickets.

Campground reservations.

Unfortunately, most travel insurance policies do not cover award reservations. Many hotels and airlines allow you to cancel rooms and flights booked with points and miles without penalty.

With Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance, you can literally cancel your reservations for any reason. Examples of reasons travelers may use to cancel their trip include:

Concerns about COVID cases or quarantine requirements.

Passport didn't arrive in time.

Safety concerns about the destination.

Family or work obligations.

Travel companion cannot travel and you don't want to travel alone.

Pre-existing condition impacts your ability to travel.

Starting a new job and cannot get time off.

CFAR policies can offer travelers extra protection in case they need to cancel a reservation. However, travelers must follow specific guidelines for claims to be approved. Those guidelines vary by policy and insurer, but these are some common ones:

Purchase date . Travelers should purchase their policy within 10 to 21 days of booking their initial trip payment.

Deadline to cancel travel plans . Cancel your travel reservations at least 48 to 72 hours before departure.

Coverage amount . If you want to qualify for CFAR benefits, most policies require that you purchase coverage for 100% of your prepaid and nonrefundable expenses.

Partial reimbursement . When you submit a claim, the insurer generally reimburses only 50% to 75% of eligible travel expenses.

One of the major variables of travel insurance policy premiums is the total cost of your trip. Include the total cost of all prepaid and nonrefundable reservations, tickets and other travel expenses to receive a quote that covers your entire trip.

The cost of travel insurance policies with CFAR benefits vary based on provider, the cost and length of the trip, the number of people traveling and other factors. To illustrate how much you'll pay for CFAR travel insurance, we priced out a policy for a family of four taking a seven-day trip from the U.S. to Spain that costs $5,000.

* Policy quotes from InsureMyTrip.com as of November 25, 2022.

Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance protects your trip itinerary, but do you need it if you have travel protections from other sources? Let's review common coverage options to see if they offer the same protections.

Credit card travel insurance

Some credit cards offer valuable travel protections that cover you in case your flight is delayed or canceled, if you get sick during your trip, or your bags are lost or damaged. However, they do not provide Cancel For Any Reason benefits, so you won't receive reimbursement unless you cancel for a covered reason.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Refundable reservations

During COVID-19, many airlines, hotels and other travel companies made positive changes to their refund policies. If you have the option to cancel your reservations and receive a refund, you don't need to buy a CFAR policy. However, you should still familiarize yourself with the cancellation policies of the airline, hotel or other providers so you know what's required in order to cancel your reservation.

» Learn more: Credit cards with travel insurance

Airline or cruise cancellation policy

When booking an airline or cruise reservation, you may be presented with an option to protect your reservation by buying insurance. These policies are specific only to the flight or cruise reservation and will not cover your entire trip.

Travel insurance policies offered by airlines and cruises vary widely, but many do include Cancel For Any Reason benefits. As with other CFAR policies, you'll only receive a fraction of the cost of your trip if you cancel. For example, Carnival Cruises reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable cruise.

Airline travel insurance policies generally do not include Cancel For Any Reason benefits. To submit a claim, you must cancel for an eligible reason.

Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance covers prepaid and nonrefundable travel expenses. While you may have travel protections from your credit card or other policies, they generally do not cover your entire trip or Cancel For Any Reason claims. When considering a CFAR upgrade to your travel insurance policy, compare the cost and benefits to determine if Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance is worth it. 

CFAR policies offer additional flexibility if you need to cancel a reservation, but be sure to follow your policy's claim guidelines to receive money back on your covered reservations.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Quick Links

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cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Domestic travel insurance

Vast national parks, rich Māori culture, serene beaches, untamed wilderness, world-class skiing and surfing – and all right here on our doorstep. If you’ve never got around to planning that dream staycation, now’s the time to discover all that Aotearoa has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a weekend city break to Wellington or a coastal beach escape to Abel Tasman National Park, you may want to consider covering yourself with domestic travel insurance whilst you’re away from home, so you can travel with peace of mind.

If you’re travelling as a family, we also cover your dependent children under 21 on your policy at no extra cost. 

Get a domestic travel insurance quote now

Why do I need domestic travel insurance?

Even though you may be covered for medical events by ACC, there are still other unexpected events that could derail your travel plans, even when you’re exploring your own back yard. Your flight or cruise could be cancelled, you may have to return home early if a family member is taken into hospital, or a cheeky kea could damage your rental car!

What does domestic travel insurance cover?

Our domestic travel insurance can provide cover for: 

  • Cancelling or changing your travel plans before you leave
  • Changing your travel plans once you have left
  • Luggage and personal items
  • Rental vehicle excess
  • Pet care costs if you’re delayed getting home
  • Childcare costs if you’re delayed getting home
  • Funeral expenses
  • Cash allowance whilst in hospital
  • Personal accident
  • Personal liability
  • Optional: Cruise cover

View our key benefits  page for more detailed information on your level of cover. To fully understand what you’re covered for and the exclusions and conditions that apply, you should read the policy document and COVID-19 endorsement .

Does domestic travel insurance cover medical emergencies?

It’s important to know that our domestic travel insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses. ACC provides insurance cover for personal injury for everyone in New Zealand, whether a citizen, resident or visitor. This means if you are injured by an accident in New Zealand, ACC may pay some of your medical and rehabilitation costs.

We will still ask that you disclose your pre-existing medical conditions (PECs) when you buy a domestic policy. This means that if you need to cancel or delay your trip due to a PEC, you’ll be covered for cancellation costs under your policy.

Cover for your furry friends

Whether you’ve got a playful pooch or a cuddly cat, it’s worrying when you can’t get home to your beloved pets. So, if an unexpected event delays your journey home, we’ll cover the extra daily costs of keeping your pets in a boarding facility, such as a kennel or cattery. We pay up to $50 for each day and up to $500 for each paying person.

We can cover claims if:

  • An unexpected event delays your return home
  • The pet boarding facility is a registered business

We don't cover claims for:

  • Any animals that don't normally live with you at your home. We may ask you to provide evidence that an animal lives in your home, such as a microchip registration or a pet insurance policy
  • Any daily fees you incur from the day after you return home
  • Anything under 'E. General exclusions - things we never cover' in the policy document

Cover for the kids

It’s annoying when you can’t get home as planned. So, if an unexpected event delays your journey home, we cover the cost of any childcare you’ve already booked but can’t use and is not refundable. We pay up to $100 for each day and up to $500 for each paying person. This policy only covers the children receiving the care.  We can cover claims if:

  • You’ve booked the childcare for after the date your journey was supposed to end
  • The childcare facility is a registered business
  • You can’t get a credit or refund for your booking

We don’t cover claims for:

  • Any children that don’t normally live with you at your home
  • Anything under ‘E. General exclusions — things we never cover’ in the policy document  

Our 10 most expensive domestic travel insurance claims

Since launching our policy in 2020, we can now reveal our ten most expensive claims received in the first year. 

  • An 80-year-old from Auckland had to cancel their Fiordland cruise after suffering a respiratory tract infection (claim paid - $16,274)
  • A 57-year-old from Wellington had to cancel their Fiordland cruise after a family member suffered a stroke (claim paid - $11,324)
  • An 80-year-old from Christchurch had to cancel their Southland train tour after fracturing their leg (claim paid - $10,168)
  • An 84-year-old from Napier had to cancel their Chatham Islands tour after suffering a hip injury (claim paid - $10,100)
  • A 62-year-old from Lower Hutt had to cancel their Milford and Routeburn hikes due to a heart condition (claim paid - $9,160)
  • A 75-year-old from Christchurch had to cancel their Chatham Islands trip due to a heart condition. This was declared as a pre-existing condition and covered under their policy (claim paid - $6,300)
  • A 47-year-old from Auckland had to claim for a rental car damaged in an accident while driving in Christchurch (claim paid - $4,200)
  • A 71-year-old from Hawkes Bay had to cancel their hike in Hollyford after suffering a knee injury (claim paid - $4,024)
  • A 32-year-old from Christchurch had to claim after a stone caused a chip in a rental vehicle’s windscreen while driving around the South Island (claim paid - $3,544)
  • A 72-year-old from Auckland had to cancel their South Island tour due to suffering osteoarthritis. This was declared as a pre-existing condition and covered under their policy (claim paid - $3,516) 

You can read more about our most expensive domestic travel insurance claims here .

We’ve kept things simple

As part of our commitment to our customers, we’ve created a policy document that is simple and easy to understand, so that you can be confident knowing what you are covered for and what you are not covered for.

Our policy document has been awarded the WriteMark, a quality mark given to documents that achieve a high standard of plain language. The WriteMark shows that our policy document:

  • Has been checked against rigorous criteria
  • Is focused on the needs of the intended audience
  • Is easy to read, understand, and act on

What is ‘plain language’?

We're proud to be the first travel insurer in New Zealand to have its domestic travel insurance policy awarded the WriteMark.

Buy domestic travel insurance now

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

6 Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Options

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Travelex Insurance Services »

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Allianz Travel Insurance »

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Seven Corners »

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

AXA Assistance USA »

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IMG Travel Insurance »

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Squaremouth »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

  • Travelex Insurance Services
  • Allianz Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners

Even the best travel insurance policies don't cover every "what if." "If you buy travel insurance, there are covered reasons for cancellation or interruption. If your situation doesn't fit those covered reasons, there's no coverage," explains Angela Borden, product strategist with Seven Corners .

That's why cancel for any reason coverage, or CFAR, can be a valuable add-on. With this type of policy, you can cancel your trip for any reason at all and still get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back (typically around 50% to 80% of what you’ve already paid; percentages vary by provider).

Read on to see the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options and the main policy details you should know about, as well as answers to common questions around this type of coverage.

  • AXA Assistance USA
  • IMG Travel Insurance
  • Squaremouth

Can cancel trip up to 48 hours before departure

Emergency medical coverage is only $50,000

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Reimburses up to 80% of prepaid travel arrangements

Allows you to cancel trip as late as day of departure

"Cancel Anytime" coverage may not be available in every state

CFAR add-on offers up to 75% reimbursement for prepaid travel costs

CFAR coverage can be purchased up to 20 days after initial trip payment

Benefit not available in all states

Get up to 75% of prepaid travel expenses back when you cancel for any reason

10-day money back guarantee if dissatisfied (prior to your trip)

Must purchase CFAR coverage within 14 days of initial trip deposit

Get back up to 75% of the full cost of nonrefundable travel expenses

CFAR coverage can be purchased within up to 20 days of the initial trip deposit

CFAR coverage does not apply if the travel supplier goes out of business or refuses to provide services

Compare multiple plans with CFAR coverage in one place

Comparison tool makes it easy to price shop

CFAR coverage reimbursements and fine print vary by company

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancel for any reason insurance (also called CFAR coverage) is a type of trip cancellation insurance that lets you cancel your trip for a reason not listed as a covered reason in your plan. For example, you may decide not to travel due to an illness in your extended family or a specific financial issue you're dealing with. In either case, this time-sensitive coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid trip payments you have made toward airfare, hotel stays, tours and more.

CFAR coverage typically needs to be purchased within a sensitive period of time after making a trip deposit (usually ranging from 14 to 20 days after). Travelers only get back between 50% and 80% of prepaid travel expenses, depending on your policy, so this coverage won't lead to a full refund.

If you're worried how COVID-19 might affect your travel plans, you can purchase travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage . That said, CFAR protection can also be a good investment, particularly if you want the option to cancel based on last-minute disinclination to travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

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new zealand travel insurance

Travel Insurance for a New Zealand Vacation (2024)

Planning a getaway to New Zealand? Click below to see how much it would cost to protect your trip with travel insurance.

with our comparison partner, Squaremouth

Tori Addison Photo

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Whether you plan to ski the slopes in Queenstown or sample the wineries in Wellington, travel insurance for New Zealand can offer financial protection and peace of mind. From medical emergencies to flight delays, unforeseen circumstances can occur while traveling. If things don’t go to plan, travel insurance can help recoup your losses by reimbursing nonrefundable trip costs.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have analyzed the best travel insurance companies to help you review travel insurance advantages, costs and coverage options for a New Zealand vacation.

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Compare The Best NZ Travel Insurance Companies

Use the table below to compare the costs and coverages of our top recommended travel insurance companies that will cover a trip to New Zealand:

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Do I Need Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

New Zealand does not require visitors to have travel insurance to enter the country. But it is recommended if your health insurance does not extend to emergency treatment abroad.

Framed by forested mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and beaches, New Zealand is known for its natural wonder. But considering the country’s vast landscape and unpredictable weather, it can take hours to reach remote places in an emergency. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking or snowboarding, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of medical care in case of injury.

New Zealand extends some health care coverage to temporary visitors with its Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Program . However, the program may not cover all medical costs. Purchasing travel insurance can further protect you from financial burdens by offering additional medical coverage.

The weather in New Zealand is notoriously volatile , with extremes at each end of the year. Due to its geographical position, New Zealand is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Such events could cause trip cancellations or travel delays. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses (like your flight or hotel) if you experience an interruption due to severe weather.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage allows you flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons outside those predetermined by your travel insurance policy. However, since CFAR coverage is considered a policy add-on, it is more expensive than a standard policy.

This type of coverage is also subject to disclaimers, deductibles and restrictions. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for CFAR insurance, including:

  • You have to cancel your trip within a certain timeframe, like at least 48 hours before your departure date.
  • You only have a specific number of days after booking your trip to buy CFAR coverage. Most insurance providers have a limit of 10 to 21 days after booking.

Gear Theft Protection

You may want to bring cameras, sporting gear or other valuables if you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s diverse destinations. Whether you want to photograph the rich Maori culture or mountain bike through the forest, gear theft protection can help recoup the cost of lost or stolen goods.

Each travel insurance policy will include specific coverage limits and exclusions regarding stolen or damaged gear. Gear theft protection is worth considering if you wish to bring the following on your trip:

  • A laptop, tablet or smartphone
  • Professional camera and equipment
  • Sporting equipment (like a surfboard or kayak)

Note that your insurance may not cover the full value of your items, so review the policy wording and product disclosure statement carefully to determine your coverage. If the total of the items you plan to bring exceeds your benefit limit, consider leaving some items at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Although the ACC offers some medical coverage to non-residents, the program does not always cover the full cost of treatment. If your health insurance does not extend coverage in other countries, you can safeguard yourself with travel insurance for medical emergencies .

Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses in the event of an injury or illness. Most providers also cover evacuation to your home country if you can’t receive health care locally and repatriation if you die while traveling.

A standard travel insurance policy may include the following medical emergency and assistance coverage:

  • Hospital admission costs
  • Surgical operations and related fees
  • Ambulance costs
  • X-rays and lab tests
  • Emergency dental fees

When booking your trip insurance, be sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or high blood pressure. While some providers do not extend coverage for pre-existing conditions, others may offer a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.

Travel medical insurance also may not extend to injuries sustained as a result of extreme sports, but some providers may offer add-on coverage. Read your policy’s full details for restrictions and exclusions.

Rental Car Protection

New Zealand boasts an extensive network of public transport, making it easy to travel around big cities like Auckland and Wellington. But you may prefer to rent a car to explore on your own schedule.

As a tourist, you can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand as long as you have a current driver’s license. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need to obtain an English translation. Otherwise, you can opt for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) issued or written in English.

New Zealand requires rental car companies to include basic insurance for coverage against accidents. The level of protection varies by provider, but usually covers the following:

  • Collision damage waiver
  • Windshield protection
  • Roadside protection
  • Theft protection

The insurance will include an excess or deductible or the amount of money you pay before the insurance policy covers the costs. Your rental car provider may offer a daily fee in exchange for reducing or eliminating the excess.

For example, let’s say that your rental car agreement offers a standard policy with a $1,000 excess. If your rental vehicle is damaged and costs $3,000 to repair, you’ll only need to pay the $1,000. As long as you’ve met the terms and conditions in your contract, the rental company will cover the remaining $2,000.

While you can purchase travel insurance with rental car protection, it may not be necessary for a trip to New Zealand. Consider existing rental car coverage before adding more with a travel insurance policy.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Whether it’s extreme weather or natural disasters, unexpected circumstances can impact your trip to New Zealand. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable costs like your flight, hotel or travel excursions if you have to cancel your trip due to the following reasons:

  • Death of a traveling companion or family member
  • Diagnosis of a serious medical condition or injury
  • Natural disasters or dangerous weather conditions
  • Domestic or international terrorism
  • Legal obligations like jury or military duty

How Much Does New Zealand Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on your coverage preferences, personal details and travel logistics. Some providers offer single-trip plans for a one-time visit or annual multi-trip coverage if you travel more often.

Cheap travel insurance options are available if you are on a budget. To receive a quote from a provider, you’ll be required to submit the following information:

  • Destination country
  • Your country of residence
  • Age and the number of travelers
  • Trip duration
  • Total trip price

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to New Zealand. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to New Zealand for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Each of the above insurance plans includes the following coverage:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption (including travel delays)
  • Medical evacuation
  • Emergency medical care
  • COVID-19 -related medical care and trip cancellation

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for New Zealand?

Before you buy travel insurance for your New Zealand trip, check to see if your current health insurance plan or credit card offers some level of coverage. If you have private health insurance, it may include coverage for international travel and medical emergencies. Or you might have flight, rental car or other form of travel insurance through your credit card.

We recommend requesting a free quote from at least three travel insurance companies. Be sure to compare various trip insurance options and consider factors like COVID-19 coverage, emergency assistance and trip cancellation. Make sure your chosen travel insurance covers what you need. Carefully review policy wording for exclusions and consider add-ons to cover additional expenses.

New Zealand Safety Tips

According to the Global Peace Index , New Zealand is ranked as the second-safest country in the world. But crime can still happen while traveling. We’ve included the below information and travel tips to help you safely navigate New Zealand.

Crime and Safety

New Zealand is considered a safe destination for travelers, but it is not crime-free. Be careful not to leave valuables in campervans or parked cars near trailheads or tourist spots. When in the big cities, avoid walking alone late at night or in unlit alleyways.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

With fjords, dormant volcanoes and hidden beaches, New Zealand boasts a diversity of day trips. But don’t overestimate your ability or underestimate the risks of exploring the great outdoors. Plan your adventures ahead of time, use a local guide or tourist service if necessary, and be sure to research the destination and weather.

Some tourists may also plan to visit both New Zealand and Australia on the same trip. If you purchase travel insurance, check to make sure your policy covers travel to multiple destinations.

As of January 2023, New Zealand has lifted all pandemic-related restrictions . International travelers are not required to provide a vaccination passport or negative PCR test to enter the country. You are not required to wear a mask on public transport but may still encounter mask advisories in medical facilities or other buildings.

You will be required to self-isolate for seven days if you contract the coronavirus while in New Zealand.

Is Travel Insurance for a New Zealand Vacation Worth It?

It’s ultimately up to you to decide if travel insurance is worth it for your New Zealand vacation. Standard travel insurance can offer coverage for unexpected trip cancellations, lost baggage , flight postponements and other travel inconveniences. Although New Zealand offers some medical coverage for foreigners, the country will not always cover the full cost of your care. Travel insurance can extend emergency medical coverage if you are hurt or get sick while abroad.

If you opt for a more comprehensive travel insurance plan, you can consider add-on options like CFAR coverage, rental car damage or sporting gear protection for added peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for New Zealand

How can i claim flight compensation for a trip to new zealand.

Travel insurance offers protection against financial loss if your flight is canceled or delayed. Otherwise, flight compensation is subject to the conditions of each airline and reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens entering New Zealand, but it is highly recommended if your health insurance does not extend abroad. Travel insurance can also protect you from financial loss if your trip is unexpectedly canceled, you experience travel delays or are traveling with expensive gear.

What is the best travel insurance for a New Zealand vacation?

The best travel insurance plan depends on your preferences, coverage needs and budget. To determine the best policy for you, compare at least three options. Pay attention to the coverage limits, policy exclusions and overall cost. Make sure you select a policy with enough coverage to offset potential financial losses.

What documents do I need to travel to New Zealand?

U.S. citizens must provide a valid passport and travel document to visit New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months prior to your planned departure date. Tourists from the U.S. must also have a travel visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

More Travel Insurance Resources

Family Travel Insurance

Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Katie Genter

Editor's Note

Some credit cards offer built-in travel insurance as a cardholder benefit. And it may be tempting to rely on credit card travel protections instead of buying travel insurance. But, the entire point of travel insurance is to be covered if something goes wrong. So, you may be wondering whether you should buy travel insurance even if your credit card offers travel protection.

There isn't one answer that fits every traveler or situation. So in this guide, we'll explore some aspects you should consider, and I'll discuss my take on this topic. Let's dive in so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Travel insurance you can buy

At a high level, you can pay a relatively small premium (compared to the total cost of your trip) to buy a travel insurance policy that may provide reimbursement or coverage for unexpected issues that affect your trip.

Many different types of protections fall under the term "travel insurance." Standard, comprehensive insurance policies typically include broad coverage across various potential issues.

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

But there are also policies that offer specific coverage. For example, it's possible to purchase travel insurance that only provides medical protection for international travel (such as GeoBlue ). Likewise, you can also purchase policies that allow you to select the protections you need (such as the build-your-own option with American Express Travel Insurance ).

We've previously compared the best travel insurance policies and providers . So, check out that guide to find the provider and policy that fits your needs best. You can also check a travel insurance aggregator to compare different policies quickly.

Most travel insurance policies exclude any loss incurred due to a preexisting medical condition. However, many policies include a process to obtain a waiver of the preexisting condition exclusion if you meet specific requirements. These requirements typically include purchasing the policy shortly after the first nonrefundable trip payment or deposit and being medically able to travel when you buy the policy. Some companies also require you to insure your trip's full, prepaid, nonrefundable cost to be eligible.

Likewise, all travel insurance policies have several exclusions. For example, most plans exclude medical benefits for injuries during adventure activities such as skydiving or skiing outside maintained trails.

Related: 7 things to look out for when buying travel insurance, according to an expert

Credit card travel protections

Some cards don't provide any special travel protections. But, many of the best travel rewards cards offer travel protections. Here's a look at our guides about some of the most common credit card travel protections:

  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Baggage delay reimbursement
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Check out our guide to the best cards that offer travel protections for more details on what card might be best for you. I also recommend reading the guide to benefits for your specific cards, as these documents will detail exactly what protections you can expect when you purchase travel with your card.

Note that some benefits require you to enroll — and virtually all require a formal claim process, with no reimbursement guarantee.

Related: Getting credit card travel insurance to cover the change fee on my Disney cruise

When to purchase travel insurance

Even if you have a credit card that offers travel protection, you may still want to purchase travel insurance for some trips. Here are some scenarios and trips for which it may make sense to purchase travel insurance.

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Travel protections aren't offered

As discussed above, not all travel credit cards provide extensive travel protections when you book travel using the card. So, if you're using a card without travel protections or a card that only offers limited travel protections, you may want to purchase travel insurance .

Related: The best credit cards for booking flights

Some travelers aren't covered

Just because a card offers travel protections doesn't mean everyone traveling with you will be covered. In particular, travel protections usually only extend to select relatives of the cardholder. Your credit card's travel insurance may not cover friends, employees and all relatives.

Related: Who is covered by your credit card travel insurance?

Adventure activities

If you plan to partake in an activity that most insurance policies exclude, you may want to purchase a travel insurance policy that explicitly includes your activity of choice.

For example, many policies exclude adventure sports like base jumping, sky diving, free soloing, diving, mountaineering and paragliding. You may want to consider purchasing insurance from an association involved in your adventure activity, such as Divers Alert Network (DAN) if you're a diver or German Alpine Group (DAV) if you partake in alpine sports.

You're concerned about preexisting conditions

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Most credit card trip interruption and cancellation insurance benefits exclude cancellations or interruptions caused by a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition. So, you'll want to purchase travel insurance — and ensure you satisfy the provider's preexisting condition exclusion waiver conditions — if you want trip cancellation and interruption insurance that covers preexisting conditions.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Nonmedical evacuation insurance

If you want evacuation insurance for nonmedical reasons, you should purchase travel insurance that offers this coverage even if you have a credit card with evacuation insurance .

Read the benefits guide closely, as evacuation benefits may not cover every evacuation you might need. For example, some policies don't cover evacuation from an area with a travel warning when you booked your trip or evacuation from a place suddenly inaccessible due to a landslide or other environmental incident.

Related: A Medjet medical transport membership is different from travel insurance

Cancel for any reason

Suppose you are uncertain whether you'll be able to take your trip, and you're worried that applicable credit card trip protections won't reimburse you if you decide to cancel or interrupt for a reason that isn't covered. In that case, you may want to purchase cancel for any reason trip insurance .

Related: 6 truths and myths about cancel for any reason travel insurance

You want peace of mind

Some travelers prefer to buy travel insurance — for each trip or via an annual travel insurance plan — for the peace of mind that having a travel insurance policy brings. Especially given the issues travelers have faced with a specific credit card insurance provider , it may be worth buying a travel insurance plan if you don't feel confident your credit card travel insurance and individual health insurance will combine to provide enough coverage during your trip.

Related: Here's why I buy an annual travel insurance policy, even though my credit cards offer travel protections

When credit card travel protections may be enough

Suppose you don't fall into any of the categories above and use one of the best credit cards with travel insurance when making travel purchases. In that case, you may determine that credit card protections are enough for some (or all) of your trips. However, I only recommend relying on credit card protections if you also have health insurance that will provide adequate coverage at your destination.

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

Below is a collection of reasons you can rely on credit card protections instead of purchasing independent travel insurance. If some (or most) of these reasons apply to your trip, it may be reasonable for you to rely on credit card protections instead of buying travel insurance:

  • You have personal health insurance that will cover you on your trip, even if treatment is out of network at your destination
  • You book your trip with a credit card that provides travel insurance
  • You have a credit card that provides medical evacuation benefits during your trip
  • You make refundable travel plans that you can cancel for little or no fee
  • You tend to change your plans frequently or book travel at the last minute
  • You have an emergency fund that can cover unexpected expenses if needed
  • You have airline miles or transferable points you can use to leave the area or return home if needed.
  • You avoid especially high-risk activities and destinations

The decision of whether to buy travel insurance is complex and personal. If you don't feel confident that your credit card protections and individual health insurance will provide adequate coverage, it's likely worth buying travel insurance.

Related: Why you might want to get a premium credit card instead of purchasing travel insurance

Why credit card travel insurance is usually enough for me

After researching the best travel insurance policies and providers , I purchased travel insurance for one specific trip because I wanted political evacuation coverage.

cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

But for most of my trips, credit card protections and individual health insurance provide enough coverage for me. After all, my travel usually looks like the following:

  • My flights are often award flights that I can cancel and redeposit free of charge — or ones that carry minimal change and cancellation fees
  • My lodging can almost always be canceled without a penalty until shortly before my stay
  • If I book a tour or activity, it's usually within a few days of said tour or activity (or offers free cancellation)
  • My health insurance provides out-of-network coverage outside the U.S., so travel insurance would only pay for my deductible. In addition, my out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care is low enough to cover using my emergency fund
  • I book flights and pay for the taxes and fees for award flights using the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card , which provides excellent travel protections for a $95 annual fee card
  • I have ample airline miles and transferable points that I can use to cover last-minute one-way flights if needed

As you can see, the benefits of purchasing travel insurance would be minimal for most of my trips. The travel protections I use most are trip delay protection and baggage delay protection , both of which the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card provides when I use it to pay for my flights.

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred combo is perfect for couples who travel

Bottom line

As you book trips, you may wonder whether you should purchase travel insurance. One way to decide is to consider whether you'd be adequately covered without purchasing travel insurance if the worst happens.

If you're willing and able to cover the costs in this situation — or you feel confident you'd be adequately covered by your credit card's travel protections and health insurance — then you may want to proceed without buying travel insurance. Otherwise, I recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy shortly after you make the initial payment for your trip.

IMAGES

  1. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Coverage

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

  2. Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

  3. Coronavirus "Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)" Travel Insurance

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

  4. Trip Cancellation Vs. Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance (2023)

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

  5. Standard Trip Cancellation Vs. Cancel For Any Reason Trip Insurance

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

  6. Trip Cancellation Insurance For Any Reason

    cancel for any reason travel insurance nz

COMMENTS

  1. Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance

    Trip cancellation insurance without a "cancel for any reason" upgrade provides insurance coverage for a large range of problems- mainly the worst case scenarios. If your main worries are already listed as "covered reasons" in a standard trip cancellation policy, e.g. the sickness of a close family member, then you may not need CFAR.

  2. Travel insurance and cancellation

    Don't lose out if you have to cancel your trip. We offer cover for cancellation costs if you can no longer travel or have to return home early due to the following unforeseen events: Accidents en-route: You can't predict when a road or rail accident is going to delay you. Luckily, we cover you if you've missed your flight or pre-booked ...

  3. Cancellation Cover

    To protect you and your finances, we have unlimited cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits on all Comprehensive holiday travel insurance packages. If disruption occurs whilst you are away there can be a number of flow-on complications, particularly around flights and tour bookings. Here at 1Cover Travel Insurance, we've thought of this ...

  4. Best 'Cancel For Any Reason' Travel Insurance Of 2024

    Travel insurance with "cancel for any reason" coverage costs an average of $723 per trip, based on our analysis. CFAR usually adds about 50% to the cost of travel insurance . ASK THE EXPERT

  5. The truth about travel insurance and cancellation cover

    Flight cancellations. You will be covered if flights are cancelled due to severe weather or airlines strikes. Missed accommodation. If your flight was cancelled due to a covered reason such as severe weather or airlines strikes and you missed pre-booked accommodation. Your travel insurance will reimburse you for this. Extreme events.

  6. Travel Insurance For A Trip To New Zealand

    The average cost of travel insurance for a trip to New Zealand is just $260, according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of travel insurance rates. ... Cancel for any reason travel insurance for opting ...

  7. Everything you need to know about cancel for any reason trip insurance

    Cancel for any reason, also known as CFAR, is a time-sensitive, optional benefit that can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies for qualifying travelers. Before we delve into the details, it's useful to understand trip insurance in general. Here are some resources that explain everything you need to know about travel ...

  8. Cancel for any reason travel insurance

    Get a free travel insurance quote. If you think this travel insurance upgrade is right for you and you'd like to purchase a policy, get a free online quote today, and opt for the Travel Select plan. Then, include the cancel for any reason upgrade in your policy prior to purchase. Get quote

  9. Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance April 2023

    What makes Travel Insured International a top choice for CFAR insurance: $1,000,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation. $150,000 for non-medical evacuation. $1,500 for travel delay after ...

  10. Travel insurance cover

    Travel insurance covers your belongings up to a limit. Some policies pay as much as $30,000 if all your belongings go missing. Others pay as little as $5000. You'll also find cover for individual items is capped. For instance, you may only get a maximum of $1500 for a damaged, lost or stolen laptop.

  11. Flight Cancellations

    Airline Cancellations. If your flights are cancelled prior to you leaving your home, your travel insurance may cover you under the Cancellation benefit. However, this will depend on the cause of the cancellation. We cover you when your scheduled transport is cancelled due to severe weather, natural disaster, riots, strikes or civil unrest.

  12. Cover-More launches Cancel for Any Reason cover

    December 26, 2018. Leading travel insurance provider Cover-More has launched Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) cover, available to Kiwi travellers for the first time and enabling them to cancel their travel plans for any reason, including relationship break down or change of plans. Cover-More's CFAR cover is available as part of their new product ...

  13. Flights, cancellations and delays

    If you're travelling within New Zealand, you don't need to have travel insurance - but if you choose it, domestic travel insurance may cover the costs if you have to cancel or change your flights due to unexpected circumstances, or if the airline cancels flights due to reasons outside its control. Travel insurance

  14. Am I covered if I need to cancel/reschedule my trip?

    Travel Insurance is not designed to cover everything so take the time to read the full description of cover in the Policy Document for the full details on what's not covered (particularly Section 3 Cancellation and Trip Interruption). ... Any reason for cancellation that is not listed as a 'Specific Insured Event'. ... NZBN 9429050505340 ...

  15. Is Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Worth It?

    This feature allows travelers to cancel their prepaid, nonrefundable reservations for any reason — not just reasons covered by a typical travel insurance policy. This added flexibility comes at ...

  16. Check your travel insurance policy covers Covid-19 cancellations

    Travel insurance should cover risks such as medical events, cancellation and if your luggage has been stolen. However, policies differ on the level of cover they provide for Covid-19 related events. ICNZ said travel insurance policies generally won't cover: Cancellations because of a government-imposed lockdown.

  17. Domestic Travel Insurance

    Watch on. We're proud to be the first travel insurer in New Zealand to have its domestic travel insurance policy awarded the WriteMark. Buy domestic travel insurance now. Domestic travel insurance covers you for flight cancellation, changing your travel plans, personal items, rental vehicle excess and much more! Get a quote.

  18. 6 Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Options

    Read on to see the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options and the main policy details you should know about, as well as answers to common questions around this type of coverage ...

  19. Trip Cancellation Insurance

    If you purchase a basic travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your trip costs. For instance, if you buy a $10,000, nine-day ...

  20. Travel Insurance for a New Zealand Vacation (2024)

    Total trip price. We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to New Zealand. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida ...

  21. Travel insurance: which companies are providing refunds?

    Refunds are available from these insurers, provided the customer hasn't made a claim on their policy. Most of the rest are only providing credits or charging fees to process refund requests. If you bought travel insurance from Air New Zealand, AMI, Cover-More, Flight Centre, State or Westpac you'll lose 25% of your premium if you want a refund.

  22. The Definitive Guide to Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

    Purchasing Cancel For Any Reason Insurance. CFAR insurance is an add-on to a travel insurance policy. Travelers need to first choose a base policy and then select the CFAR benefit as an optional upgrade at checkout. In many cases, CFAR can cost you approximately 40% more than the base policy price. For example, if you are honing in on a $100 ...

  23. Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance

    The Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option is available as an upgrade on several of our comprehensive travel insurance plans and is a great option that allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason that is not otherwise covered in their base plan, provided they cancel their trip more than 48 hours before their departure date. There are ...

  24. When Do You Need Travel Insurance?

    Travel insurance is crucial if you're investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip or your travel plans include high-cost, non-refundable elements like tours, cruises, or multiple connecting flights. In ...

  25. The 5 most common travel insurance claims

    4. Additional expenses while overseas. Weather-related issues were the reason for a lot of these claims too. It's important to check if your policy has any exclusions around events such as natural disasters. 5. Lost luggage. "Lost luggage claims are also up, reflecting increased disruption at airports," Brown said.

  26. Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024

    The average cost of Covid travel insurance is $733 per trip, based on Forbes Advisor's analysis of 23 pandemic travel insurance plans that include "cancel for any reason" travel insurance ...

  27. Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection

    In that case, you may want to purchase cancel for any reason trip insurance. Related: 6 truths and myths about cancel for any reason travel insurance. You want peace of mind. Some travelers prefer to buy travel insurance — for each trip or via an annual travel insurance plan — for the

  28. Average Cost Of Travel Insurance 2024

    Average Costs for "Cancel for any Reason" Travel Insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans. It will reimburse 100% of the non-refundable money ...

  29. The Best Life Insurance Companies of June 2024

    Best Term Life Insurance Companies. We found that Corebridge Financial, Pacific Life, Protective and Symetra have the best term life insurance. Term life insurance is ideal for covering finite ...