Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance (2026): What It Is, When It's Worth It, and How to Buy It Correctly

CFAR is an optional upgrade (add-on) to travel insurance that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard cancellation policies. Unlike regular cancellation cover that requires a 'covered reason' (illness, death, emergency), CFAR lets you cancel for personal choice—like 'I don't feel like going anymore.' However, CFAR has strict eligibility rules and typically reimburses only a percentage of your trip cost, not 100%.

Standard trip cancellation reimburses 100% of your non-refundable costs but only if your reason is on the 'covered reasons' list (illness, injury, death in family, major emergencies). CFAR reimburses a percentage (often 50-75%) but accepts 'any reason'—including personal choice, work schedule changes, or anxiety about travel. Standard cancellation = must prove a covered event. CFAR = flexibility without proving a specific event.

Most CFAR add-ons reimburse between 50% and 75% of your insured, non-refundable trip cost. Some policies offer up to 80%, but this varies by insurer. CFAR is never 100% reimbursement—that's the trade-off for 'any reason' flexibility. Always check the policy wording before purchase to understand exactly what percentage applies.

CFAR almost always requires early purchase—typically within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip payment. If you wait longer, most insurers won't allow you to add CFAR. Some insurers also require you to insure the full trip cost (or a high percentage) to qualify. This is the most common reason CFAR fails: people try to add it later, after the eligibility window closes.

Most CFAR policies require you to cancel at least 48-72 hours before your scheduled departure. Some require 24 hours or more. CFAR is not designed for 'cancel at the airport' situations—you need to formally cancel in advance. Always check the minimum notice period in the policy terms.

No. CFAR typically reimburses 50-75% of your insured, non-refundable trip costs—not 100%. This is the core trade-off: you get flexibility to cancel for any reason, but you accept a partial refund. Standard cancellation (for covered reasons) often pays closer to 100%, but requires documented proof of a specific covered event.

You can add CFAR shortly after booking, but only within the eligibility window (often 14-21 days from your first trip payment). If you've already passed this deadline, CFAR is usually not available. This is why it's important to decide early—CFAR is not a 'last minute' product.

CFAR covers reasons like: 'I changed my mind,' 'work schedule conflict,' 'personal or family situation (non-emergency),' 'anxiety about traveling,' 'I'd rather postpone,' 'relationship ended,' or 'I just don't want to go.' These are all typically excluded from standard cancellation cover, which requires proof of illness, injury, death, or specific emergencies.

CFAR is worth it if: (1) Your trip is expensive and mostly non-refundable, (2) You're booking far in advance, (3) Your schedule is unpredictable (work, family, personal factors), (4) You want flexibility without having to prove a 'covered reason.' If your bookings are refundable, your trip is low-cost, or you're only worried about medical emergencies, standard cancellation might be enough.

Yes—CFAR can apply to cruises if the policy allows. Cruises often have high prepaid costs and strict cancellation penalties, making CFAR especially valuable. However, you must still meet CFAR eligibility requirements: buy early, insure the full trip cost, and cancel within the allowed timeframe. Check that cruise components are included in the insurable amount.

Yes—that's exactly what CFAR is designed for. If you simply decide you don't want to go, CFAR can reimburse a percentage of your non-refundable costs. Standard cancellation insurance would decline this claim because 'changing your mind' is not a covered reason. CFAR gives you the flexibility to cancel for personal preference.

Even though CFAR is 'any reason,' you still need documentation: proof of what you paid (booking confirmations, invoices), proof of non-refundable amounts (cancellation policies), proof you cancelled (emails to suppliers confirming cancellation), and sometimes a simple statement of why you're cancelling. You don't need to prove illness or emergency—but you must prove you actually paid and cancelled.