Trip Cancellation Protection Explained 

Trip Cancellation Protection is a type of travel insurance add-on that offers some reimbursement options should you have to cancel your trip before you leave. Coverage extends to a few scenarios but generally reimburses you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses (such as airfare, hotels, or transportation deposits) if you have to cancel suddenly. 
 

Trip Cancellation vs. Travel Insurance 

"Trip Cancellation Protection" refers to a specific form of travel insurance designed to provide partial reimbursement to travelers in the event they need to cancel their trip due to an unforeseen circumstance prior to departure. This is different from travel insurance, which offers some protection against financial losses during your trip.  

• For example, You’re heading from Portland to Atlanta for the weekend, but a sudden, unnamed storm erupts, and all flights are grounded for 4 days—you can’t make it, and there was nothing you could control or prevent it. This is a case where, with Trip Cancellation Protection, you could be eligible for partial reimbursement because you had to cancel your trip beforehand due to uncontrolled circumstances. 
• Okay, but what about You’re 5 days into your 2-week trip across Europe, but you lose your luggage on a connecting flight from Paris to Berlin? Travel insurance could help cover reimbursement for the lost or stolen luggage, because you are still traveling.  You didn’t cancel your trip altogether, instead: you suffered a financial loss during your trip. 
   

What does Trip Cancellation Cover? 

Trip Cancellation Protection is usually sold as a separate add-on that helps cover some reimbursement to travelers who must cancel their trip for unpredicted reasons before they leave. AXA travel insurance provides Trip Cancellation Protection to Silver, Gold, and Platinum protection plans.  

Trip Cancellation Protection helps to provide you with partial reimbursement for your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits (such as airfare, lodging, and transportation) if you must cancel at the minute for reasons such as:  

• Health-related emergencies 
• Family or companion emergency health 
• Unnamed natural disasters 
• Military duty 

Let’s explore what these benefits mean in detail: 

Trip Cancellation Protection Benefits 

Trip cancellation is part of AXA’s travel insurance that can reimburse you up to 100% of your nonrefundable, prepaid deposit costs if you cancel for any of these covered reasons: 

Health-Related Cancellations:   

If you or a family member/traveling companion experience sickness or injury, documented by a doctor. The physician must approve of this medical restriction before your departure date. 

• Injury or illness to you 
• Injury or illness to your traveling companion/family member  
• If the host at your destination passes away or is hospitalized within 30 days of your trip’s date 

Employment-Related Cancellations:  

• If you are laid off or terminated before your trip 
• Employment transfers: If your job requires you to transfer 250+ miles and you must relocate, cancellation coverage applies 

Military Duty 

• If a previously-approved military leave is revoked or is reassigned, coverage is applied.  
• Coverage excludes incidents related to war. 

Natural Disasters and Weather 

Unforeseen weather conditions (usually best understood as “unnamed storms” that popped up unexpectedly) that cause your flights or transportation to be shut down for at least 48 hours prior to departure.   

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 can qualify for coverage. There are some additional restrictions tied to this, so be sure you speak with your customer service agent about specific clauses in your coverage. 

Assault and Other Incidents 

If you or your traveling companion are victims of felonious assault, experience hijacking, quarantine, jury duty, or subpoena, or if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or burglary within ten days before your departure-- this coverage can apply.  

Traffic Accident 

A direct involvement in a traffic accident enroute to departure, substantiated by a police report provided to AXA, can be a valid reason for trip cancellation coverage claim.  

Travel Supplier Default 

Should your travel supplier file for bankruptcy and end up affecting your trip, TCP offers supplier default coverage.  

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 can help.  

Exclusive to Platinum Policy Holders  

Platinum policyholders get these additional business-related coverage extensions:  

Business Disruption 

If your destination becomes unsuitable for business due to fire, flood, burglary, vandalism, or other natural disasters, this coverage is here for support.  

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 offers coverage.* 

*Coverage does not apply to independent contractors, temporary employees, self-employed individuals, or company owners or partners.  

Company Events 

If your company is 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.  

What Does Trip Cancellation Not Cover? 

Specific coverage will vary from plan to plan, but in general, trip cancellation protection does not apply if you have to cancel for reasons related to: 

• Alcohol or substance abuse 
• Committing a felony  
• Elective surgical procedures (including dental treatment) 
• Injury from a risky activity (such as skydiving or bungee jumping) 
• Mental health disorders 
• Pregnancy and pregnancy-related medical issues 
• Self-harm 
• War 

Do I Need Trip Cancellation Protection? 

Whether you need TCP depends on your circumstances and needs. If you: 

• Travel often 
• Are traveling during or to a place with unpredictable weather 
• Have family members with at-risk health conditions 
• Are medically at-risk  
• Are traveling internationally  
• Are taking a cruise 
• Have spent a lot on prepaid, non-refundable expenses  
• Are traveling to a remote area 

…Then you may want to consider opting in for Trip Cancellation Protection. TCP offers an extra protection for your prepaid expenses. AXA offers TCP as an option with all of our travel insurance plans.  

TCP is not required; instead, it 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 your trip took quite a bit of time and resources to plan. 

 
Get a free quote today to see if Trip Cancellation Protection is the right option for you. 

What Types of Vacations Does Trip Cancellation Apply To? 

Trip Cancellation Protection is an optional add-on for any vacation, domestic or international. Whether you are going on a cruise, tour destination, flight, or international travel, Trip Cancellation coverage can apply to you. 

 When Do I Get Trip Cancellation Protection? 

The short answer: as soon as possible. In general, it’s recommended that you buy coverage at least 3 weeks (21 days) before your trip, or right after your first trip-related deposit (airfare or hotel deposits). Once you have that flight ticket assigned, it is the best time to buy travel insurance and TCP. 

The next-best time to buy it is no later than about 2 weeks (15 days) before your departure date. You can continue to buy travel insurance between the 14-1-day markers, but prices and benefits will change. The sooner you buy it, the sooner you are protected with greater eligibility benefits.  

You can buy TCP any time before the date of your trip. If you are already on your trip and have questions, it’s best to speak to an agent about your coverage options. 

Note that you can’t usually buy coverage more than 12 months in advance, so there is such a thing as planning too far ahead. 

When Does Trip Cancellation Coverage Begin? 

Trip Cancellation Coverage begins when a specific travel package has been selected and after you pay for your plan premium.  

When Does Trip Cancellation Coverage End? 

Trip Cancellation Coverage ends if/when 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 Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? 

The cost of Trip Cancellation Protection is based on a few factors, including: 

• Total cost of your trip 
• Your age 
• Your destination 
• Length of trip 
• Insurance company 

In general, a travel insurance policy with trip cancellation coverage costs between 5-10% of your total trip cost. This means that if you’re taking a $3,000 cruise to Florida, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for trip cancellation coverage. For more specific information, learn about our travel protection plans or speak with an agent today. 

How Does Travel Insurance Work? 

Once you’ve paid your trip cancellation premium, your coverage begins. If a covered incident occurs and you need to cancel, contact us to file a claim. Make sure you have your supporting documents so that you can be eligible for reimbursement. AXA makes contacting us easy with 24/7 assistance. 

 
Why Choose AXA Travel Protection? 

 AXA is a leading provider in travel assistance plans. You can find us in over 30 countries worldwide, so we’re sure to be able to serve you on even your most creative getaway. 

Other reasons to choose AXA Travel Protection: 

• 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 support  
• Competitive rates and coverage options to protect a range of travel needs 
• Rated Excellent (A+) by the Better Business Bureau for travel insurance 

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 Assistance USA, Inc. with any questions or concerns they may have. 

Still Have Questions? 

Compare plans and pricing here. Still need more information? Call us Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm CST to speak with a licensed travel agent today! 

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