While most travelers expect their trips to go as planned, some prepare for potential disruptions as well. And why not? Weather can shift unexpectedly, someone in the family could fall sick, or a work emergency could arise out of the blue. In such situations, Trip cancellation becomes a key benefit of your travel coverage. It helps you handle unforeseen events that could lead to changes or cancellations, ensuring you're ready to adapt if plans need to change. 

What is Trip Cancellation Insurance? 

AXA Travel Insurance plans for canceling a trip 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: 

What Does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover? 

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, Trip cancellation protection may provide 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 during your trip, such as termination or layoff from full-time employment after one year of continuous service through no fault of yours, 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, Trip cancellation 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  

AXA Platinum Plan holders can enjoy some exclusive benefits with their Trip cancellation coverage. 

 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 Trip cancellation benefits.  

Is Trip Cancellation Insurance 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. However, it's a good idea to consider Trip cancellation coverage, especially if the trip is of high value, such as international or extended vacation with non-refundable costs.  
Get a free Travel Insurance quote today to ease your mind before and during your trip. 

Do I need Trip Cancellation coverage? 

Whether you need Trip cancellation coverage or not depends on your travel plans and risk tolerance. If your trip is of high value or is non-refundable, this coverage can be helpful if unforeseen events like illness, work issues, or natural disasters force you to cancel.  

All three of AXA’s travel plans include Trip cancellation, maximum coverage per person up to: 

Silver

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

Gold

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

Platinum

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

Why choose AXA Travel Insurance? 

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 

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. 

Can I cancel for any reason with Trip Cancellation insurance? 

Trip cancellation coverage generally applies to specific, unforeseen events like illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters. However, AXA offers an optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade on its Platinum Plan, which allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by your Trip cancellation policy.  

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. 
 

Does Trip Cancellation Insurance cover flight cancellations?  

Yes, Trip cancellation insurance may cover flight cancellations, but only for specific reasons outlined in your policy. Common covered reasons include severe weather, illness, injury, or family emergencies. It’s important to review the policy details to understand what’s covered. 
 

How far in advance can I cancel a trip and still receive coverage? 

You can cancel your trip and still receive coverage as long as the reason for cancellation falls within the covered events in your policy. The specific time frame for cancellation may vary based on your travel insurance plan. Review your policy details to confirm your reason for coverage. 
 

Can I purchase Trip Cancellation coverage on its own? 

All AXA Travel Insurance plans, by default, include Trip cancellation benefits. However, coverage may vary depending on the plan you choose, so it's important to read the fine print in detail. You may consider an add-on for additional protection if needed. 

Do I need Trip Cancellation insurance for a domestic trip? 

While it's more common for international trips, Trip cancellation travel insurance can be valuable for domestic trips too, especially if the trip involves significant prepaid, non-refundable expenses or if there is a chance of unexpected disruptions. 
  

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

Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics of trip cancellation will depend on the date of purchase and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have.

Need Help Choosing a Plan? 

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual travel insurance experts 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.