travel insurance for cancellation

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Best Travel Insurance Policies With Cancel for Any Reason Coverage [2024]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

What is cancel for any reason travel insurance, eligibility and requirements for cfar coverage, what to look for in a cancel for any reason travel insurance policy, the best travel insurance plans with cancel for any reason coverage, covered reasons for trip cancellation, how to add cancel for any reason travel insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Unexpected circumstances can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, which is where Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance comes in. With CFAR travel insurance, you can cancel your trip for almost any reason and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses.

While more costly than standard travel insurance or the travel coverage you might have on your credit card, CFAR offers value in peace of mind with a safety net that goes beyond the limits of what standard travel insurance policies offer. Whether you’ve had a change of heart, had unexpected obligations or emergencies pop up, or just want to stay as flexible as possible, CFAR coverage protects your travel investment.

Read this guide to learn what CFAR travel insurance entails, when you can use it, and how to add CFAR travel insurance to your existing travel insurance policy. You can also see some examples of travel insurance plans with CFAR options. 

CFAR travel insurance is a supplemental travel insurance policy that enhances trip cancellation coverage. While a standard travel insurance policy might cover specific trip cancellation reasons such as illness, injury, or death of a family member, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your trip for nearly any reason — and still receive partial reimbursement for your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses.

Here are a few important things to know about Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance:

• Coverage: CFAR insurance enhances the trip cancellation reasons not covered by standard travel insurance policies. This includes things such as personal reasons, work-related issues, or just changing your mind.
• Flexibility: Using CFAR insurance can give you exceptional flexibility if you’re concerned about plan changes or unforeseen events. You can cancel your trip and be eligible for reimbursement even if the reason doesn’t meet the criteria specified by regular travel insurance.
• Timeframe: You typically need to purchase CFAR insurance within a specified period of making the initial trip deposit, usually within 10 to 21 days, depending on the insurance provider. It’s typically available as an optional comprehensive travel insurance policy add-on.
• Reimbursement: While you’ll get reimbursed for prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel, you shouldn’t expect full reimbursement. Depending on the policy, CFAR travel insurance reimbursement typically offers 50% to 75%.
• Policy Conditions: Cancellation reasons are extremely flexible, but you’ll still need to meet policy requirements to avoid denying your claim. For example, you usually need to cancel within an allowable time frame, such as at least 2 days before your trip. You’ll need to read your policy carefully to understand limitations and exclusions.

Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance typically doesn’t cover points and miles reimbursement. However, the nonrefundable fees and taxes you must pay can be covered. You can also be reimbursed for fees associated with redepositing the miles or rebooking fees. But travel insurance, even Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance, generally does not insure the retail value of the ticket or your rewards — only your nonrefundable cash outlay.

Eligibility for CFAR coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and policy terms. But generally, you’ll need to purchase coverage within a certain timeframe, your trip must meet the criteria, and you must cancel within the allowed period, usually providing documentation to support the cancellation.

In addition to the cancellation timeframe, insurance providers may have other requirements that need to be met for CFAR coverage. These requirements can vary, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the policy carefully. Some examples of additional requirements specified by insurers may include:

• CFAR Purchase Timeframe: Depending on the insurer, you can typically only purchase CFAR coverage within a specific period of your initial trip deposit, usually between 10 to 21 days. It’s essential to check the policy details and ensure you meet the deadline for purchasing CFAR coverage.
• Coverage Criteria: Your trip must meet eligibility for CFAR coverage with eligibility factors such as your residency, age, trip duration, and the total trip cost. 
• Cancellation Timeframe: There’s usually a deadline you must cancel your trip by to be eligible for CFAR reimbursement, typically at least 48 hours from your scheduled departure. 
• Documentation: An insurer may require you to provide documentation supporting your trip cancellation, such as medical certificates, official letters, or other evidence related to the reason for cancellation. 

State regulations restrict CFAR travel insurance in New York, requiring that travel insurance policies provide coverage for specific enumerated risks — which usually excludes CFAR coverage. If you live in New York and want CFAR coverage, you may need to work with an out-of-state insurance provider.

Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Costs

Policy costs for CFAR vary depending on the insurance provider, specific policy, trip cost, and age of those being insured. You should expect CFAR coverage to cost about 10% to 50% more than the base travel insurance policy. For example, on a standard travel insurance policy that costs $200, you should expect to pay $20 to $100 more to add CFAR coverage.

Getting quotes for CFAR insurance from multiple insurance providers is a good idea to compare the costs and coverage based on your specific travel details and requirements.

Is Cancel for Any Reason Coverage Standard?

CFAR travel coverage isn’t standard on most travel insurance policies and is usually offered as an add-on to a standard travel insurance policy.

With a standard travel insurance policy, you generally have specific allowed reasons for trip cancellation, such as illness, injury, or the death of a family member. There are typically predefined criteria and limitations for reimbursement. 

CFAR coverage enhances the reasons for cancellation, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason and still receive partial reimbursement. However, you should expect to pay more for this coverage than standard travel insurance. 

Some credit cards offer travel insurance as a cardholder benefit, especially travel credit cards. But don’t expect CFAR coverage with credit card travel insurance, as it doesn’t come standard, and you usually can’t customize credit card travel insurance coverage.

Consider these factors as you compare the best CFAR policy:

• Availability: CFAR travel insurance isn’t available with all providers. Ensure the policy you’re considering includes a CFAR option, either as a standalone policy or as an add-on to standard travel insurance plans.
• Eligibility Requirements: Some CFAR policies restrict age, trip duration, and preexisting conditions, so be sure you and your trip meet the requirements.
• Percentage of Reimbursement: Review the CFAR policy before you book to confirm how much you’ll be reimbursed if you need to cancel. CFAR policies usually reimburse 50% to 75% of the trip cost.
• Purchase Deadline: You’ll usually need to purchase your CFAR coverage within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Cancellation Window: Confirm how many days before your trip you need to cancel to be eligible for reimbursement, and be sure you understand the cancellation window the policy specifies. 
• Refund Method: Find out how the insurance company will refund you if you need to cancel your trip. You might get cash or travel credits.
• Exclusions: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded under CFAR coverage, such as reimbursement limitations related to terrorism, natural disasters, or preexisting conditions.
• Policy Cost: You should expect to pay more for CFAR than standard trip cancellation coverage. Always compare policy costs across at least a few providers. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Read customer reviews and ratings to understand what other customers think of the insurance provider and get insight into how claims and customer service work. 

As you compare policy costs, make sure you’re looking at apples-to-apples policies. A policy that offers greater reimbursement might cost more but offer a better value if you need to cancel.

While not all travel insurance providers offer CFAR coverage, several reputable companies do. Here are some of the best travel insurance policies with CFAR coverage:

• Allianz Global Assistance : If you’ve purchased a OneTrip Prime or OneTrip Premier travel insurance policy, you can add Cancel Anytime to your policy as an upgrade. It reimburses up to 80% of your lost nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel your trip for a reason your plan doesn’t already cover. Allianz CFAR is unique as it allows you to cancel as late as your day of departure — as long as you haven’t left yet.
• AXA Assistance USA : When you buy a Platinum Plan travel insurance policy from AXA Assistance USA, you can get an optional benefit of Cancel for Any Reason with up to 75% of your trip cost reimbursed if you need to cancel. You must purchase coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : You can upgrade a Berkshire Hathaway ExactCare or LuxuryCare plan with a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade. It provides reimbursement for up to 50% of your nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for a reason not listed in the ExactCare description of coverages.
• IMG Global : Cancel for Any Reason coverage is available to IMG Global travel insurance policyholders. On the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan, you can purchase Cancel and Interruption for Any Reason coverage as an optional upgrade, which covers 75% of your nonrefundable insured trip cost.
• Seven Corners : You can add Cancel for Any Reason coverage to most Seven Corners Trip Protection plans. Seven Corners also offers Interruption for Any Reason coverage as an add-on. Both offer up to 75% reimbursement for your nonrefundable trip expenses.
• Tin Leg : Using Tin Leg Gold coverage, you can add Cancel for Any Reason as an upgrade to get partial — 75% — reimbursement for prepaid and nonrefundable trip payments if your trip is canceled for a reason not already covered by your main policy.
• Travelex Insurance Service : As long as you cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure date, you can get up to 75% of your insured trip costs — up to $7,500 — reimbursed with a Travelex Insurance Service Cancel for Any Reason upgrade.
• Travel Insured International : On Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protection policies, you can add Cancel for Any Reason coverage for up to 75% reimbursement on qualifying travel expenses. Travel Insured International also offers Interrupt for Any Reason coverage.
• USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services : With Travel Insurance Select plans from USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services, you can add Cancel for Any Reason or interruption for any reason coverage — with up to 75% reimbursement for qualifying expenses.

With CFAR travel insurance, you can cancel your trip and receive reimbursement for nearly any reason, even if standard travel insurance policies do not usually cover it. Your cancellation should be covered no matter your reason for cancellation as long as you meet policy requirements, such as canceling at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

These are some common examples of covered reasons for trip cancellation under CFAR insurance:

• Change of Heart: You can cancel your trip for personal reasons, such as no longer wanting to travel, fear, or choosing a different destination. 
• Work-related Issues: Whether you’ve lost your job, can’t take time off as scheduled, or have another work conflict, you can get reimbursed for trip cancellation using CFAR insurance.
• Family Events: Family obligations such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or a family member’s illness can be covered with CFAR insurance.
• Personal Health Issues: CFAR insurance can cover trip cancellation if you have an unexpected illness or injury that prevents you from traveling — though you’ll need to cancel your trip within the timeframe required by the policy.
• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes, or severe weather conditions that may make your destination unsafe or inaccessible are covered by CFAR insurance.
• Political Unrest: CFAR insurance may cover trip cancellation due to political instability or civil unrest at your destination.

While CFAR travel insurance covers almost any reason you might have to cancel your trip, you should review your policy details carefully to ensure you’re covered. Understand the conditions and limitations, such as cancellation deadlines and reimbursement packages.

Denial of CFAR Coverage

While specific reasons for denial of Cancel for Any Reason coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms, here are a few examples of potential reasons for denial:

• Failure To Meet the Purchase Timeframe: If you fail to purchase CFAR coverage within the specified timeframe after making your initial trip deposit, the insurance provider may deny your claim. Make sure to review the policy details and adhere to the deadline for purchasing CFAR coverage.
• Preexisting Medical Conditions: Some insurance policies may exclude coverage for preexisting medical conditions. If you or a covered individual has a preexisting medical condition that leads to trip cancellation, the CFAR coverage may be denied. It’s essential to carefully review the policy terms to understand any exclusions related to preexisting conditions.
• Known Events: You’re typically not covered by CFAR if the reason for the cancellation was a “known event” when you purchased the policy. Known events are ones that are widely publicized and occurred before you bought the CFAR policy. For example, purchasing a policy after a hurricane was predicted to make landfall and then canceling for the storm may not be covered.
• Canceling Too Late: You must cancel your trip within a specific timeframe before your scheduled departure date and will be denied if you cancel after this date.
• Insufficient Documentation: You must provide the specific documentation required to support your claim, such as medical certificates or official letters. Your coverage may be denied without the necessary documentation. 
• Failure To Meet Policy Criteria: Some policies have specific criteria for CFAR coverage, such as residency, age, trip duration, and total trip cost. You may not qualify for a CFAR policy if your trip doesn’t meet the criteria, or your claim may be denied if you get a policy but don’t meet the criteria.

You can often add CFAR travel insurance as an optional add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance policy — if your insurance carrier offers it. If you already have travel insurance for your trip, check with your insurance provider about the availability and cost of CFAR travel insurance. 

If your current travel insurance provider doesn’t offer CFAR coverage or you haven’t purchased travel insurance for your trip yet, you can look for a CFAR policy as standalone coverage. Research CFAR travel insurance providers and compare policies to find a policy that works for you. 

Let’s walk through adding CFAR coverage to a standard Seven Corners travel insurance policy.

First, I entered travel information to get travel insurance options. I was offered Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice. At the bottom, notice both have the option to add CFAR coverage.

I selected Trip Protection Basic and then went forward to the optional coverage option. I was offered both Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage. IFAR is far lower than CFAR , so it’s not a bad idea to add if you’re worried you might run into issues after your trip starts and can no longer use your CFAR coverage.

I added CFAR to my coverage, and the website explained in further detail the requirements for the plan.

CFAR coverage can offer flexibility and give you peace of mind that you can get money back for a canceled trip, no matter the reason. But CFAR travel insurance is more costly than standard trip cancellation insurance — and usually only reimburses up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip cost. Compare travel insurance policies offering Cancel for Any Reason add-ons that meet your needs for travel coverage.

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.cancel-for-any-reason { color: white; font-size: 60px; font-weight: bold; text-shadow:0px 3px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.85); letter-spacing: 3px; } span.tpp { font-size: 45px; letter-spacing: 0px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 702px) { .cancel-for-any-reason { font-size: 40px; } span.tpp { font-size: 30px; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 502px) { .cancel-for-any-reason { font-size: 30px; } span.tpp { font-size: 25px; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 402px) { .cancel-for-any-reason { font-size: 21px; } span.tpp { font-size: 19px; margin-top: -2px important; } } cancel for any reason travel protection plan, get your money back. any reason, every tour. no blackout dates or restrictions., make your travel plans confidently..

Go ahead and book that dream trip, because when you purchase our industry-leading Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and get your money back – all the way up to 24 hours before your trip departs. We’ve offered this plan for decades to give our travelers assurance every step of the way – with no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.

Every tour, every departure, every time. Collette has you covered.

In addition to covering you for pre-trip cancellation, our Travel Protection Plan also includes the following benefits:

• Travel Delay Support (daily stipend)
• Trip Interruption (if you need to end your trip early)
• Baggage Loss or Delay
• Missed Connections (if you purchased air)
• Medical Expenses for Illness or Injury
• Emergency Assistance

See full details of our Travel Protection Plan »

Please note as of January 1, 2023, the travel insurance provider for Part B of the Collette Travel Protection Plan has changed. See full details here »

"We had our tour booked well in advance of our departure date.

It was going to be an absolute dream come true for us. But, soon after we booked our tour, we found out another dream of ours was about to come true: the birth of our first grandchild!

As it turns out, our daughter in-law was due to have a baby while we would have been in Italy! I called Collette and they gave us a full refund minus the cost of the travel protection. Italy can wait, but babies do not!

Since we did not lose our money, we can come back to book a new tour once our little miracle arrives. Thanks for having us covered, Collette!”

– LINDA A. | RHODE ISLAND

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Want to know more? Call and talk to one of our travel experts: 800.340.5158 or read full details about our Travel Protection Plan.

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Trip Cancellation Benefits

What is trip cancellation protection.

AXA Travel Protection trip cancellation coverage can offer reimbursement to travelers who are compelled to cancel their trips due to unforeseen events before their trip departure. This coverage extends to various scenarios, each covered under specific conditions.  

 Let's explore these situations and understand the invaluable protection they provide below:

Trip Cancellation Qualifications

1. Health-Related Cancellations: If you, as a traveler, experience sickness, accidental injury, or face a tragic event resulting in death or a certified physician deems it necessary to impose medical restrictions preventing your participation in the trip due to the reasons above, this coverage comes to your aid.  

 Crucially, a physician must advise trip cancellation on or before the scheduled departure date. 

2. Family and Travel Companion Health: This coverage also applies if a family member or traveling companion booked to join you on the trip falls ill, sustains accidental injuries, and requires necessary medical treatment, leading to the cancellation of your trip. 

3. Non-Traveling Family Member: In unfortunate circumstances where a non-traveling family member experiences sickness, accidental injury or death, this coverage can offer coverage. 

4. Host at Destination: If the host at your trip's destination passes away or is hospitalized within 30 days of your trip's date, this coverage can apply. 

5. Employment-Related Cancellations: Employment-related issues, such as termination or layoff from full-time employment after one year of continuous service through no fault during your trip, are covered. 

6. Employment Transfer: If your employment requires a transfer of 250 miles or more, and the transfer necessitates relocating your home, this coverage applies. 

7. Military Duty: If a previously approved military leave is revoked or a military reassignment during the trip, this coverage offers coverage. It excludes incidents related to war. 

8. Natural Disasters and Weather: Unforeseen weather conditions, leading to the complete cessation of services for at least 48 consecutive hours by your common carrier or a natural disaster at your destination rendering accommodations uninhabitable make you eligible for coverage. Notably, this coverage does not apply if the natural disaster has been forecasted or a storm has been named before purchasing the policy. 

9. Terrorism: A terrorist incident occurring in your departure city, or a city listed on your trip itinerary within 30 days before your scheduled departure date qualifies for coverage. It is important to note that benefits are not provided if the travel supplier offers a substitute itinerary. This excludes flight connections and other transportation arrangements to reach your destination. Your departure date must be at most 15 months beyond your effective date. Incidents on in-flight aircraft are not covered. 

10. Assault and Other Incidents: If you or your traveling companion are victims of felonious assault, experience hijacking, quarantine, jury duty, subpoena, or if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or burglary within ten days before your departure, this coverage applies. 

11. Traffic Accident: A direct involvement in a traffic accident en route to departure, substantiated by a police report provided to AXA, is a valid reason for trip cancellation coverage. 

12. Travel Supplier Default: The coverage extends to cases of bankruptcy or default of a travel supplier, leading to a cessation of travel services. Benefits will be paid due to bankruptcy or default of an airline only if no alternative transportation is available. If alternate transportation is available, benefits will be limited to the change fee charged to allow you to transfer to another airline to reach your intended destination. This benefit only applies if your scheduled departure date is no more than 15 months beyond your policy's effective date. 

13. Common Carrier Strike: In the event of a strike by the common carrier with whom you or your traveling companion are scheduled to travel, resulting in complete cessation of services for at least forty-eight (48) consecutive hours, this coverage comes into play. 

Exclusive to Platinum Policy Holders 

 1. Business Disruption: In cases where your or your traveling companion's company becomes unsuitable for business due to fire, flood, burglary, vandalism, or other natural disasters, and you are responsible for policy and decision-making within the company and are actively involved in disaster recovery, this coverage is here for support. 

2. Required Work: If you or your traveling companion are required to work during the trip, substantiated by a notarized statement from an officer of the employer, this benefit provides coverage. It is unavailable to independent contractors, temporary employees, self-employed individuals, or company owners or partners. 

3. Company Events: If your or your traveling companion's company is directly involved in a merger, acquisition, government-required product recall, bankruptcy or default proceedings, and you are an active employee directly involved in said event, you are eligible for coverage. 

Is Trip Cancellation coverage necessary?

Whether Trip Cancellation coverage is necessary depends on the individual circumstances and needs. Some people need to cancel their trip due to unexpected events such as sickness, work emergencies, or changes in personal plans. 

In general, having a Trip Cancellation is a personal decision that should be based on the traveler's specific needs and circumstances. It's a good idea to consider Trip Cancellation coverage, especially if the trip involves a significant investment of time and resources.

Get a free Travel Insurance quote today to ease your mind before and during your trip.

Do I need Trip Cancellation coverage?

Having Trip Cancellation coverage is a clever idea. It offers coverage and assistance for multiple reasons. All three of AXA’s travel plans include Trip Cancellation, maximum coverage per person up to:

Maximum Benefit: 100% of Insured Trip Cost Airline Reissue or Cancelation Fees: $100

Maximum Benefit: 100% of Insured Trip Cost Airline Reissue or Cancelation Fees: $100 Reinstate Frequent Traveler Awards: $200

Explore our Silver , Gold , and Platinum plans.

  why choose axa travel protection.

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA provides assistance with a wide range of features that include:  •    Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency •    24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling

Compare Travel Insurance Plans

Get covered against Trip Delays, Medical Emergencies, Lost Baggage, and more!

Trip Cancellation Insurance FAQs  

What types of vacations does trip cancellation apply to.

Trip Cancellation is applied to any vacation. Whether you are going on a cruise, tour destination, flight, domestic travel, or international travel, Trip Cancellation coverage is applied.

  When does Trip Cancellation Coverage begin?

Two things must occur before coverage can begin: Trip Cancellation Coverage begins when a specific travel package has been selected, and Trip Cancellation coverage begins on the day after the authorized representative receives the required premium for such coverage.

When does Trip Cancellation Coverage end?

Trip Cancellation Coverage will end if any of the following occurs: •    When you depart for your trip on the scheduled departure time on the scheduled departure date or •    The date and time you cancel your trip, or Two (2) days prior to the scheduled departure time on the scheduled departure date of your trip.  

How to get a Travel Protection Quote

Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-7 PM Central Time

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

Everything you need to know about 'cancel for any reason' trip protection

Editor's Note

When you make travel plans, do you ever stop to think about all the events that could potentially derail your trip — like illness, a work conflict or maybe even a broken leg? After considering the "what-ifs," many people decide to purchase travel insurance, but oftentimes, travelers overlook the "cancel for any reason" add-ons (sometimes called CFAR).

As much as we like to be eternally optimistic, unlikely scenarios can and do occur, and they may not always be covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Wondering if you should spring for the additional protection? If you're unsure what "cancel for any reason" travel protection is and when you should purchase it, here's everything you need to know.

What you need to know about travel 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. 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 insurance and its benefits, from trip cancellation and interruption coverage to emergency medical and baggage delay coverage:

• The best travel insurance policies and providers
• Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?
• Best credit cards with travel insurance
• The best cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers
• Which credit cards cover baggage delays?

What is 'cancel for any reason' protection?

While travel insurance policies can offer a range of inclusions (such as medical evacuation, trip cancellation due to foreign or domestic terrorism, or damage to your rental car), not every eventuality is included in every insurance policy.

For example, some trip insurance plans may offer coverage in the event of employment layoffs, while others do not. Some policies may have robust emergency medical coverage, while competitors don't. That's why selecting a plan that meets your specific needs for each trip is important.

When it comes to travel insurance, it's common to see a long list of incidents excluded from coverage: normal pregnancy, the illness of a pet, death by suicide (yours or a traveling companion) or any self-inflicted injury, psychological disorders, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, declared (or undeclared) war, and epidemics and pandemics.

If you're worried about a new type of pandemic or epidemic occurring, a standard travel insurance policy may not cover a trip you cancel because of that fear. This is where CFAR comes into play.

CFAR is a time-sensitive add-on you can purchase from some providers when buying specific comprehensive travel insurance plans — as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements. By paying extra for this coverage, you can cancel for any reason under the sun as long as you follow the policy's purchase and cancel stipulations.

When am I eligible to add CFAR protection?

In general, you're only eligible to add CFAR protection to a comprehensive travel insurance policy at the time of purchase — you typically can't purchase the policy and then later decide to commit to the CFAR add-on.

In addition, you'll need to commit to the policy and CFAR protection fairly soon after making your initial trip payment. According to InsureMyTrip , typically, "a policy must be purchased within 10-21 days of making the initial trip payment to be eligible for CFAR benefits."

Many providers will require you to insure the entire value of your trip, and additional requirements may apply. As always, it's critical to read through all of the terms before purchasing any travel insurance policy — including CFAR coverage.

How much does CFAR coverage cost?

CFAR coverage can be a good way to hedge bets against the unknown uncertainties that may pop up before you travel. The fee for this add-on is usually calculated as a percentage of the price of the standard insurance policy you select.

Standard comprehensive plans can cost about 4% to 10% of the total cost of the insured trip, and CFAR coverage can cost 40% to 60% more on top of the standard plan (not the cost of the trip).

Consider the following illustrative example for a $5,000 trip with two 50-year-old travelers to Aruba:

• A standard, comprehensive plan might cost around $250 — which is 5% of the total trip cost.
• A comprehensive plan with the CFAR upgrade included might cost around $375 — which is the price of the standard plan ($250) plus an additional 50% ($125).

However, please note that all plan costs will differ based on individual quote details.

Will you get all your money back if you purchase CFAR coverage?

No. Generally speaking, CFAR coverage can reimburse up to 75% of your total insured, prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. In addition, CFAR coverage typically requires you to cancel your trip no less than two days before departure to be eligible for reimbursement.

Check the insurance policy terms carefully to find out how much your refund would be if you invoked the CFAR terms and canceled your insured trip — and be sure to know the deadline for doing so.

Should you buy CFAR coverage?

Whether you choose to travel and what level of insurance to purchase — or not — is always a personal decision. However, TPG has consistently received a lot of reader questions over the past few years about this topic.

"One of the top questions travelers ask is about when to splurge for the CFAR upgrade," says Meghan Walch, a travel insurance expert and director of product at InsureMyTrip . "It's important to note that a standard comprehensive policy does not cover fear of travel. That's why we strongly recommend all travelers consider CFAR, if eligible."

If your total trip cost is low, you may decide to forgo insurance — or the additional CFAR coverage — and instead "self-insure" (i.e., eat the nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel). But, if your vacation is expensive, the additional fee for CFAR coverage may feel like a bargain — it beats the alternative of potentially losing thousands of dollars if you have to cancel nonrefundable reservations.

Related: Truths and myths about 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance

A few more words of advice

Many people had never considered the possibility of a pandemic thwarting their travel plans before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Though we're now beyond the era of lockdowns, it added a new layer of complexity to decisions about booking future vacations. Here are a few specific scenarios to consider:

What to do if you're about to book a trip but are hesitant because of future pandemic concerns

If you're afraid to commit a large amount of money to a future trip, purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy and adding the CFAR coverage option might be the best bet.

"Cancel for any reason is the only way to protect the majority of your trip cost if you would like the flexibility to cancel your trip," says Walch.

This could also be a great option for immunocompromised travelers. Even if a doctor attests to your inability to travel, it may not be enough to qualify you for reimbursement under a standard, comprehensive plan — but CFAR coverage could help recoup some of your forfeited costs.

If you're shopping for CFAR coverage, you can use a site like InsureMyTrip , and then check the applicable box under the search results:

Doing so will only show policy results that include that type of coverage.

What to do if you booked a trip and have insurance — but your policy doesn't include a CFAR clause

If you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan for an upcoming trip but didn't add CFAR coverage, be aware that your options are more limited. While CFAR protection may cover you for pandemic-related risks, other comprehensive policies may cover other medical-related concerns.

These may include:

• Coverage for common concerns like cancellation due to diagnosed illness before traveling
• Emergency medical care from a doctor or hospital if you become ill while traveling
• Accommodation coverage if quarantined at your destination

Always review your policy carefully to understand the exclusions — but note that, without CFAR coverage, canceling a trip simply because you're afraid of a new outbreak will likely not result in a successful claim under standard, comprehensive travel insurance plans.

What to do if you booked a trip and have no travel insurance

First, look at when you actually booked the trip. If it was within the last three weeks, you may still be eligible for a comprehensive travel insurance plan with the CFAR add-on.

If not, there may still be comprehensive travel insurance policies that provide additional protection for illness-related concerns — including emergency medical evacuation.

In short, it's critical to investigate your travel insurance options as soon as you book (and make an initial payment on) a trip. This will maximize the number of applicable plans and is particularly important regarding time-sensitive benefits — like CFAR protection.

Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Credit cards don't generally offer CFAR travel insurance. However, many do come with an array of other travel insurance policies that may very well cover your needs and act as an added layer of security on top of any additional policies you might take out.

If you're specifically looking for CFAR travel insurance, we'd recommend taking out an independent policy. That said, here are some cards we recommend that offer a range of other travel insurance coverage.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travelers who want the most travel protections
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for travelers looking for a sub-$100 annual fee
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Capital One loyalists
• United Club℠ Infinite Card : Best for United Airlines loyalists
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best for IHG loyalists
• World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hyatt loyalists
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for business travelers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best when traveling with nonfamily companions

Bottom line

Having the peace of mind that travel insurance provides is important, and though we hope you never have to use it, it could prove invaluable if plans go awry. You may have previously shrugged off the idea of trip insurance (especially expensive policies that offer a CFAR add-on), but if you want to be covered for uncertainties on a pricey trip, CFAR may be a great option to consider.

Disclaimer: This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, visit insuremytrip.com .

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

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 Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

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 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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Trip Cancellation

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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• Trip Cancellation

What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Trip Cancellation is a pre-departure benefit that provides reimbursement for prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses if a trip is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

While coverage limits vary by policy, most Trip Cancellation plans will reimburse up to 100% of a traveler’s trip costs if they need to cancel their trip for a covered reason. The most common covered reason is unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. Other common covered reasons include terrorism , inclement weather , or a natural disaster, among others.

Not being able to travel as planned is a major concern among travelers. This benefit provides you with peace of mind and protects common trip expenses. This can include any prepaid airfare, hotel accommodations, excursions, tours, and cruises.

Need help choosing the right provider for your trip? Read the travel insurance reviews from real and verified travelers.

A wide-range of unforeseen events can happen before a trip that can prevent you from traveling. Fortunately, Trip Cancellation insurance can offer financial protection if you need to cancel your travel plans for a reason covered by your policy.

Most best travel insurance policies will include cover the following cancellation reasons:

• Cancel for Medical Reasons: Offers reimbursement if an unforeseen illness, injury, or death to a traveler, travel companion, or a non-traveling family member prevents you from traveling.
• Hurricane & Weather: Travelers can be reimbursed for unused, non-refundable trip expenses in the event of a weather event that prevents travel at the destination or at a person’s home. Travelers must have a policy before a storm is named for coverage to apply.
• Terrorism: Most travel insurance plans will cover travelers that need to cancel their trip due to a foreign terrorist attack that occurs near a city listed on their itineraries. The attack must take place within a specific time frame for coverage to apply, typically 7-30 days from your intended arrival date.
• Financial Default: Travelers can receive reimbursement for cancellation due to the financial default of their common carrier and can include airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators.
• Cancel for Work Reasons: If a person has to cancel their trip for work-related reasons, they can receive reimbursement for their insured costs associated with their trip. Covered reasons most commonly include being involuntary terminated or having vacation time revoked.
• Cancel for Covid-19 Sickness: During the recent pandemic, many travel insurance providers included contracting Covid-19 as a covered cancellation reason. In order for coverage to be available, the traveler must be healthy when they purchase their policy.
• Jury Duty: Many comprehensive travel insurance plans will reimburse travelers that can no longer travel due to unexpected jury duty obligations.

Every travel insurance company will have their own specific exclusions when it comes to Trip Cancellation coverage. These exclusions will be explicitly listed in the policy’s Certificate of Insurance .

Below are a few common cancellation reasons that are not typically covered by Trip Cancellation policies:

• Foreseeable events known at the time of purchasing a plan, such as an already-announced airline strike or a named storm
• Pre-Existing Conditions unless otherwise stated in your policy
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Acts of war that occur at your destination
• Felony or other criminal activities

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

For more flexibility leading up to a trip, it’s possible to add Cancel For Any Reason coverage, also known as CFAR , to your trip. This optional Trip Cancellation benefit allows travelers to receive partial reimbursement if they cancel their trip for any uncovered reason, such as those listed above.

Most CFAR plans can reimburse up to 75% of prepaid and non-refundable trip payments. Keep in mind, this benefit is not typically included in standard travel insurance coverage, and it can increase the cost of a premium up to 50%.

A comprehensive trip insurance that includes cancellation coverage typically costs between 5-10% of the total covered trip cost. With that said, the cost of a plan will vary depending on your specific trip information. The main factors that determine a policy’s premium are the traveler’s trip cost, age, and the length of their trip.

Trip Cancellation insurance coverage is not required, but can be a good option for many travelers who want to protect their trip expenses. If a traveler gets sick or injured before their trip, cancellation coverage can reimburse the traveler for the trip costs they miss.

Most cancellation plans are comprehensive, and include other valuable travel insurance benefits. Typically, plans that include Trip Cancellation will also offer coverage for trip delays , medical coverage , and medical evacuations .

With that said, each situation is unique, and Trip Cancellation coverage doesn’t always make sense for everyone. If a traveler doesn’t have non-refundable trip costs, Trip Cancellation coverage typically isn’t necessary. Furthermore, some travelers have trip protection from other sources, such as insurance through their travel credit card.

In short, Trip Cancellation is a pre-departure benefit, while Trip Interruption is a post-departure benefit. Most Trip Cancellation insurance policies will include Trip Interruption as well. Trip Interruption offers the same covered reasons as Trip Cancellation, however coverage begins after a traveler’s departure date . This benefit can reimburse travelers if a portion of a trip is missed or they need to cut their trip short due to a covered reason.

Please be aware that coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ by policy. The tables below show the providers that offer Trip Cancellation coverage.

Trip Cancellation by Provider

• Travel Delay
• Hurricane & Weather
• Missed Connection
• Cancel For Any Reason
• Cancel for Covid-19 Sickness
• Trip Interruption
• Financial Default
• Employment Layoff
• Cancel For Medical Reasons
• Cancel For Work Reasons
• Interruption For Any Reason
• Medical Coverage for Covid-19
• Emergency Medical
• Pre-Existing Condition
• Co-Insurance
• Medical Deductible
• Home Country Coverage
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Non-Medical Evacuation
• Extension Of Coverage
• Baggage Delay
• Baggage & Personal Items Loss
• 24 Hour AD&D
• Flight Only AD&D
• Common Carrier AD&D
• Sports & Activities
• Sports Equipment Loss
• Sports Equipment Delay
• Sports Weather Loss
• Search & Rescue
• Sports Fees
• Rental Car Damage
• Money Back Guarantee
• 24 Hour Assistance Service
• Identity Theft
• Renewable Policy
• Maximum Trip Length
• Maximum Number of Trips
• Additional Benefits

Additional Information

• AM Best Ratings

• Travel insurance is a must-have for Indian globetrotters, offering medical coverage for high healthcare costs abroad, including hospitalization and emergency treatments.
• It also provides protection against trip cancellations or interruptions, covering prepaid, non-refundable expenses like flights and hotel bookings.
• Additionally, it covers loss or damage to personal belongings and offers assistance services for emergencies, such as lost passports and legal help, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.

Demystifying travel insurance for Indian globetrotters

Many Indian travelers often overlook travel insurance, yet it's an essential part of planning any trip abroad. It provides financial protection against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. By understanding the benefits of travel insurance, Indian globetrotters can avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a smoother journey. This crucial coverage can be the key to a worry-free travel experience.

Understanding medical coverage

Medical coverage is a primary benefit of travel insurance. High healthcare costs abroad make this essential. It covers hospitalization, emergency treatments, and sometimes medical evacuation to India. If you become ill or injured while traveling, you won't face the financial stress of treatment. This coverage ensures peace of mind during your journey, removing worries about medical expenses.

Trip cancellation and interruption protection

Life's unpredictability can lead to the cancellation or interruption of planned trips. Travel insurance offers coverage for prepaid, non-refundable expenses like airline tickets and hotel reservations. If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, or the death of a close relative, this feature ensures that you are not financially disadvantaged by these unforeseen events.

Baggage and personal belongings coverage

Losing baggage or having personal belongings stolen while traveling can be distressing and costly. Travel insurance policies often include coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. This means if your suitcase goes missing or your camera is stolen during your travels, you'll be compensated for your loss up to a certain limit specified in your policy.

Assistance services

Travel insurance policies offer essential assistance services for emergencies abroad, including 24/7 emergency hotlines, support for lost passports, legal assistance, and referrals to local doctors or hospitals. These services ensure travelers have immediate help available, reducing stress and risk. For Indian globetrotters, such policies cover significant risks like medical costs, trip cancellations, and loss of personal belongings, ensuring a worry-free adventure.

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How to Use Travel Insurance to Cancel a Flight

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Table of Contents

Basic process for travel insurance flight cancellation

Additional tips for travel insurance flight cancellation, if you need to cancel a flight with travel insurance.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for the nonrefundable portion of your flight expenses when you have to cancel a trip due to serious illness, a death in the immediate family, natural disaster or other reason specifically covered by your policy. But to make sure your claim is processed, you need to cancel your flight and file your claim the right way.

If you’ve been wondering how to cancel a flight with travel insurance — here's what you need to do.

The steps necessary to cancel a flight with travel insurance vary by travel insurance company, but many have the same basic process for submitting a claim.

1. Cancel your flight with the airline

Contact the airline to cancel your flight. For most airlines, this can be done online, through its app or by calling customer service. The airline isn't concerned about whether or not you have travel insurance protections.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

2. Determine the amount of your claim

When you cancel a plane ticket, you may be entitled to a refund of some or all of your ticket price. Travel insurance reimburses you for the nonrefundable portions of your affected travel plans; your claim amount is the price of your nonrefundable travel plans minus refunds that you have received, up to your eligible limits.

3. Start your claim

Claims can be started online or over the telephone with most travel insurance providers. Some allow you to submit your claim through their mobile app. To get started, have your policy information and travel details handy.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

4. Review the claim documentation checklist

Travel insurance companies often provide a checklist of documents you’ll need to process your claim. Gather all of the documents required by the insurance company, even if you don't understand why it is asking for them.

5. Submit your supporting documents

Once you have the documents, submit them to the travel insurance company for its review. It's best to submit all of the information at once, rather than piecemeal, so that the claims adjuster can quickly make a decision.

6. Respond to additional requests right away

If the insurance company requests additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. If too much time passes, your claim could be denied.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Here are tips for dealing with a trip cancellation to make the process as smooth as possible.

Determine if you're canceling for a covered reason. A common question travelers have when they need to cancel a trip is: Can I cancel my flight with travel insurance? Depending on your policy, the answer may be yes. With many trip insurance policies, you can expect to get reimbursed only if you cancel for a covered reason, like serious illness, terrorist attack or death in the immediate family. Review your policy to determine what reasons are eligible for coverage.

Document everything and save all receipts. Save all of your receipts, emails and other items related to the trip. Keep a journal of all communications with the airlines, your doctor (if applicable), the insurance agency and anyone else related to your claim. Consider scanning and backing up your documents in case they are lost.

Call your doctor if you’re sick. You may not be feeling well, but can you prove you are sick enough that a reasonable person would need to cancel the flight? A doctor’s advice that you cancel your trip can help prove that your travel insurance claim is valid.

Contact your travel insurance company right away. You should start your travel insurance claim as quickly as possible. If you don't submit your claim and supporting documentation within the required timeframe, your claim will be denied.

Consider rescheduling your flight. After the pandemic struck, many airlines dropped the fees for changing flights . If you are planning to make this trip in the near future, contact the airline to ask about rescheduling your flight. This could be quicker and easier than trying to get reimbursed through insurance.

Remember that travel companions might be covered, too. Review your travel policy to see if it covers travel companions as well.

Buy the right insurance coverage from the get-go. The most flexible types of plans are Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR plans; you can avoid a lot of phone calls and proof-of-coverage demands by purchasing CFAR policies.

Travel insurance offers protection in case you need to cancel a flight. Follow the steps carefully and document everything to prevent the insurance company from denying your claim.

Before canceling, discuss your situation with the airline to see if you can cancel or reschedule your flight without incurring a fee. This may be quicker and easier than submitting a claim through your travel insurance provider.

To file a trip cancellation claim on travel insurance, contact your insurance provider online, through its app or by phone. They will provide detailed instructions on how to submit your claim, including what documentation they'll need based on your reason for filing a claim.

In many cases, yes, you can cancel your flight and be reimbursed if you have an eligible reason for canceling. You may not cancel the flight because you've changed your mind. You must have a valid reason that is detailed in your travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance reimburses the cost of nonrefundable travel plans if you need to cancel your flight for a covered reason. To receive reimbursement, you must file a claim and submit supporting documentation that validates your eligibility to receive reimbursement.

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: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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

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.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Money blog: Iconic Trio chocolate bar could return, hints McVitie's

The Money blog is your place for consumer and personal finance news and tips. Today's posts include NatWest launching the cheapest mortgage on the market, an old Liam Gallagher tweet about ticket pricing and our latest Bring It Back feature - as McVitie's tells us Trio could return.

Tuesday 3 September 2024 15:55, UK

• How your pension could be taxed further as chancellor refuses to rule out hikes
• High-street bank trumps rivals with cheapest five-year mortgage
• Iconic chocolate bar could return, hints McVitie's
• Pay-per-mile tax scheme proposed for electric vehicles

Essential reads

• Basically... Free school meals
• 'This job has saved lives': What's it like selling the Big Issue?
• Best of the Money blog

Tips and advice

• Cheapest holidays dates before Christmas
• Money Problem : 'My dog died but insurance still wants whole year's payment'
• How else to eat Greggs on cheap as O2 Priority scraps freebies

Ask a question or make a comment

Female founders have been dealt a "blow" after Innovate UK delivered just half the number of grants pledged in a funding competition for women business owners.

The Women in Innovation programme was aimed at encouraging women leading small to medium-sized businesses to apply for grants of up to £75,000 each.

The government-backed agency said it would be offering the grants to 50 female founders when it launched the competition earlier this year - but subsequently changed the wording to say "up to 50". 

Only 25 ended up being chosen to receive funding, out of 1,452 applicants.

Dearbump and Femtech founder Emma Jarvis said in a LinkedIn post that the situation will have left many female entrepreneurs "pretty disheartened"

The post  has been shared more than 100 times and has garnered nearly 830 reactions.

"Innovate UK's decision is a blow not just to existing female founders but future ones," Ms Jarvis said. "It's really disappointing to hear that the number of awards was cut in half and that the wording was changed after the results were announced."

She said the "only way forward" was for Innovate UK to honour its original commitment of 50 awards.

Meanwhile, Patricia McGirr, Repossession Rescue founder , said female founders "deserve more than lip service". 

She said Innovate UK's decision "isn't just trimming fat, it's cutting opportunity and ambition".

"This broken promise to the women fuelling our future is a step backward for innovation and a slap in the face to countless women who dare to lead."

And Debbie Porter, managing director at Destination Digital Marketing , said the move was "hard to believe".

"Innovate UK ought to go back over those 1,427 other applications as a matter of priority to fix this situation," she said. 

In a statement to the Money blog, Innovate UK apologised and said its decision was a "mistake". It also said it would honour its original commitment to award 50 applicants with funding.

The added: "We recognise the impact this has had on the many applicants and on the community as a whole, and we apologise wholeheartedly.

"We confirm we will be funding a total of 50 awards."

Our Money blog reporter Jess Sharp spoke to women who are  leading figures in their respective fields for our eight-part Women in Business series earlier this year. You can read some of their stories here...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out heavier taxation on pensions in the October budget. 

"I'm not going to speculate on what will be in the budget, but I'm absolutely determined to ensure that working people are better off," she told MPs in the House of Commons. 

"This budget will be a budget to fix the foundations of the economy after the mess left by the previous government."

How could your pension be taxed further? Let's have a look at some of the possibilities...

Leading left-wing thinktank The Fabian Society said the government could raise at least £10bn a year by reducing pension tax relief for high earners. 

At the moment, pension tax relief depends on an individual's tax band. 

But Ms Reeves could create a single flat rate of tax relief for all tax bands, the society said.

"First, the rate of income tax relief should be equalised for people on all tax bands - for example at 30% of gross earnings, midway between the 20p and 40p rates of tax," the thinktank said in a report. 

Ms Reeves could also reduce the maximum tax-free lump sum  you can get on retirement from £268,275 to £100,000 or 25% of pension wealth. 

"The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that this might eventually save over £2bn per year, which would be targeted entirely at people with high lifetime earnings or assets," the report added. 

Another suggestion was to charge national insurance on private pension incomes . 

The organisation said it would lead to today's affluent pensioners making a higher tax contribution.

Other possibilities could be to levy income tax on all inherited pensions. 

It said pension pots could also be liable to inheritance tax in the same way as other assets. 

What else did the chancellor say today?

Away from refusing to rule out pension tax changes, Ms Reeves also confirmed a cap on corporation tax.

Speaking during Treasury questions, she said the tax would be capped at its current level of 25% to "give business the confidence to grow". 

Corporation tax applies to the annual profits of UK resident companies and branches of overseas companies.

The 25% main rate is payable by companies with taxable profits above £250,000.

A small profits rate applies for companies with profits of £50,000 or below, meaning they will pay 19%.

Up until April 2023, the previous corporation tax main rate was 19%.

After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially, find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week we're looking at a chocolate bar that became a staple of lunch boxes in the 1980s and '90s - and spawned a TV advert that is among the most fondly remembered of the era: McVitie's Trio.

Sold in multipacks of six, each bar included three segments made up of a caramel layer over biscuit, all covered with milk chocolate.

The product became synonymous with a memorable commercial that featured an animation by artist Bob Godfrey and a play on the traditional Jamaican folk song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)".

Its lyrics, which will be familiar to almost anyone who grew up in the 1980s, included the bar's tagline: "I want a Trio and I want one now."

Having discontinued the product in 2003, it briefly returned to shop shelves in 2016 following a Facebook campaign, before vanishing from sale again shortly after.

Hordes of Sky News readers have called for the chocolate bar's revival.

Kellie said: "I'd love to have Trios back! They were yummy. McVitie's really need to start selling them again."

Derek told us: "What a chocolate bar the Trio was! I could eat an entire multipack in one sitting now if given the chance. And that old advert... instantly transported back to childhood just thinking about it."

Samantha said: "I can hear the jingle in my head now! Trios were just delicious chocolate bars... and we want one now!"

When asked by Sky News, a McVitie's spokesperson conspicuously declined to rule out a return for the iconic chocolate treat, saying the company was "constantly listening to what audiences want".

"This helps us to keep innovating and adapting to changing tastes, meaning more biscuits and snacks you love for generations to come," they said.

"For those who miss the caramel taste of Trio, one of our newest and most exciting innovations, McVitie's Gold Billions Wafer, will be your new favourite for on-the-go chocolate moments."

And, tantalisingly for fans of the bar, they added: "Watch this space for more to come..."

Along with the legions of Trio diehards, the Money blog will certainly be doing that - and hope to bring you news of further developments in the crusade in the near future.

Got a craving for any of the products below? Click the links to find out if they've got any chance at making a comeback... 

NatWest has launched the cheapest five-year fixed mortgage deal on the market. 

The 3.71% rate comes with a £1,495 product fee and is available to customers who have a 40% deposit. 

Other lenders have also announced cuts this week, including Barclays and Halifax. 

Yesterday, Barclays reduced its five-year fixed 60% LTV remortgage deal from 4.06% to 3.93%. 

It also announced cuts across its purchase product range, with a five-year fixed 75% LTV deal coming with a 3.95% rate and a £899 product fee. 

Halifax also launched a 3.81% five-year deal to new borrowers yesterday. 

Brokers have welcomed the cuts as "hugely positive" news, and suggested more lenders could follow suit. 

"NatWest's latest rate cut is another clear signal that mortgage lenders are pulling out all the stops to reignite the housing market," Ranald Mitchell, director of Charwin Mortgages, told Newspage.

"This flurry of rate reductions is a positive step towards finding that sweet spot where consumer confidence rebounds, and the property market gets back on track. 

"It's an exciting time for potential buyers, affordability is improving, and the window of opportunity is wide open." 

Justin Moy, the managing director at EHF Mortgages, said: "Lenders are looking to grab some market share by the end of the year.

"Other lenders will likely want to make a similar move over the coming days to remain competitive." 

By James Sillars , business reporter

It's a fairly muted start to the day's trading, again, on financial markets.

The FTSE 100 has opened 10 points higher at 8,373.

Rolls-Royce, the civil aerospace-to-defence firm (not to be confused with the luxury motor car manufacturer), is leading the gainers.

Its shares rallied by 4% early this morning after a 6.5% decline the previous day.

That tumbled was in reaction to the apparent mid-air failure of one of its engines on a Cathay Pacific flight .

Analysts said that the share price recovery was down to an update from  the airline that the fleet affected should be back to full operation by the weekend.

A tweet Liam Gallagher wrote seven years ago criticising the eye-watering price of gig tickets has come back to haunt him.

His message, written in September 2017 about his older brother Noel, who was touring America with his band High Flying Birds at the time, read: "350 dollars to go and see rkid in USA what a c*** when will it all stop as you were LG x"

The tweet has resurfaced after dynamic pricing for Oasis's much-hyped reunion next year left fans - many of whom had spent hours queueing online - stunned after some standard tickets more than doubled in price from £148 to £355 on Ticketmaster due to demand.

X users pointed out the irony upon seeing the 2017 tweet, posting comments including, "Well this is evergreen", "What's your excuse for charging over 368 quid then?" and "Not ageing well, Liam".

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Using a phrase Liam adopts in his own social media comments, another fan wrote simply "BIBLICAL".

Hundreds of people have complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over "misleading claims about availability and pricing".

In response, Sir Keir Starmer has said the government will get a "grip" on the issue of surge pricing, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy promising a consultation over the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, and the technology around queuing systems, to ensure fans don't get ripped off.

Yesterday we revealed that official reseller Twickets had lowered its fees after criticism from Oasis fans.

Scroll through today's Money blog for: Cheapest dates to go on holiday this year (6.42 post); how do you get free school meals (7.58 post); pay-per-mile tax proposed (7.38 post)

Basically, free school meals are aimed at making sure the country's more vulnerable youngsters don't go hungry while they're learning in their earlier years.

Children of certain ages automatically qualify without having to apply, but the rules differ across the four nations.

Children whose parents claim certain benefits or asylum support may also be eligible - though an application may be needed.

Free school meals without having to apply

In England, outside of London , all state school children in reception to year two automatically qualify for infant free school meals, while in the capital , all state primary school children up to age 11 qualify for the benefit in the 2024-25 academic year.

In Scotland , all state school children up to primary five (around four to nine years old) get the meals automatically. There are plans for this to be extended to pupils in receipt of the Scottish child payment in primary six and seven from February.

In Wales  all primary school children in state schools can get free meals from September.

Families who claim benefits

If your child falls outside the eligibility criteria for automatic free school meals, they'll still be able to benefit in certain circumstances.

Wherever you are in the UK, your child may be able to get free school meals if you get one or more of the following:

• Income support
• Universal credit
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of pension credit
• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
• Working tax credit run-on England and Wales) – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit

There's some specific criteria for families by devolved nation, which we'll break down below...

England and Wales

If you're claiming universal credit, your net household income must be less than £7,400 after tax, and not including any benefits.

Those receiving child tax credit must not also be entitled to working tax credit and must have an annual income of less than £16,190.

If you're classed as having no recourse to public funds - a type of condition placed on temporary visas in the UK - and the parents are able to work, they must have a household income of no more than:

• £22,700 for families outside of London with one child
• £26,300 for families outside of London with two or more children
• £31,200 for families within London with one child
• £34,800 for families within London with two or more children

People claiming universal credit in Scotland must have a household monthly income of no more than £796 (£9,552 per year) to qualify for free school meals. 

Families on child tax credit, but not working tax credit, can get the meals if they earn less than £19,995. For those on both benefits, their income must be no more than £9,552.

Northern Ireland

You may be able to claim free school meals in Northern Ireland if you receive universal credit and your post-tax earnings are £15,000 or less per year.

If you get child tax credit or working tax credit, you can still get free school meals on an annual income of up to £16,190.

How can I claim the meals?

In England, Wales and Scotland, you apply to your local council.

The UK government website has a local authority postcode checker here , which directs you to the council running services in your area. There are similar tools on the Scottish and Welsh government websites.

In Northern Ireland, you can use this form to apply directly to the government.

How many children are eligible - and how much does it cost? 

According to the latest data from the Department for Education, 2.1 million pupils were eligible for free school meals in the 2023-24 academic year - 24.6% of pupils. This was a rise from 23.8% the year before.

According to the London mayor's office, it's estimated that school meals cost £13.25 per week - or £2.65 meal - on average.

It says its free school meals offer for all state-educated primary school children in the capital saves parents around £500 per year.

According to a 2023 report from the IFS, the current system of free school meals in England – both means-tested and universal provision – costs the government around £1.4bn a year.

But separate research from the Food Foundation found that expanding free school meal eligibility to all primary school students could generate around £41bn in direct benefits to students and a further £58bn to the wider economy over 20 years.

Read other entries in our Basically series.. .

Tax receipts from petrol and diesel duty bring in £25bn for the Treasury each year - and questions have been raised about what happens as more drivers go electric.

Today, the public transport charity Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) is proposing that drivers of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as electric cars, should be charged based on how far they travel.

They are asking Chancellor Rachel Reeves to impose the pay-per-mile scheme, saying it's the solution to a "black hole" that will be created by the loss of fuel duty.

The scheme would not apply to drivers of traditionally fuelled cars.

Under the plan, drivers with a ZEV before the implementation date would be exempt, incentivising the switch to electric vehicles.

Previous governments have found the prospect of introducing per-mile charges - known as road pricing - to be too politically toxic.

But CBT claims it would have public support.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box - and read more on this story here ...

Summer may be edging towards the rear-view mirror, but that doesn't mean Britons are turning their back on sunshine. 

With many looking to sort an autumn holiday, Expedia has taken a look at the best times to fly and book hotels - with savings of up to £120 if you are savvy. 

Its data is based on average daily rates for lodging and flight prices between 22 September and 21 December this year.

When to book flights for

• Cheapest : 22, 23 or 24 September
• Least busy : 10 or 17 December
• Most expensive : 19, 20 or 21 December
• Busiest : 20 and 21 October

"For the best deals, travellers should look to book their flights 14 to 20 days before travel, saving them on average £120 compared to booking 91 days or more out, or saving £60 compared to booking 60-90 days out," Expedia says. 

"Target the 22-29 September for travel, when average ticket prices (ATPs) for flights are shaping up to be nearly £100 cheaper than the autumn average, and £50 cheaper than summer ATPs."

When to  book a hotel

• Cheapest : 20 November or 11 December
• Most expensive : 14 or 21 October
• Busiest : 23 October or 25 September

"For hotel stays, target the 3-9 November, when average daily rates are £15 cheaper per night than the seasonal average and summer stays," Expedia says. 

The holiday booking site says the most popular autumn destinations have remained largely the same as last year based on the largest number of hotel searches...

• New York, USA
• Paris, France
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Manchester, UK
• Tenerife, Spain
• Birmingham, UK
• Rome, Italy

Despite this, Expedia says savvy Britons are searching out "under the radar" getaway spots.

"Flight searches have surged for Brits looking to discover new, under-the-radar European cities this autumn, such as Tirana (+95%) in Albania and Bucharest (+70%) in Romania, as Brits look to stretch their budgets further by looking outside the popular city break hotspots."

The top 10 destinations with the biggest search increases are:

• Saint Malo, France
• Didim, Turkey
• Syracuse, Italy
• Beijing, China 
• Palermo, Italy
• Tromso, Norway 
• Brescia, Italy 
• Poznan, Poland
• Tangier, Morocco
• Ischia, Italy

The Money blog will return shortly - meantime, why not scroll through some of our best and most popular features below...

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