Holiday Cancellation Insurance
Protect the money you have already paid for your trip
- Compare up to 15 travel insurance providers
- Choose a limit that matches your trip cost
- Single trip and annual policies
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Cancellation cover pays back the money you have already spent on a trip if you have to cancel for a reason your policy lists, such as serious illness. It usually comes as part of a travel policy, so the main job is choosing a cancellation limit that matches what you have paid.
Which cancellation cover fits your booking?
How you booked changes what you need from your policy. Use the table to see where your trip sits.
| How you booked | What to check in the policy |
|---|---|
| A package holiday with flights included | The cancellation limit, plus whether the package has ATOL protection |
| Flights and a hotel booked separately | That the limit covers both bookings and any deposits |
| A cruise | Cruise cover, as the FCDO says cruises generally need an extra level of cover |
| A big trip booked a year or more ahead | Buy cover as soon as you book, as the FCDO suggests, so cancellation cover starts early |
| A wedding or group trip abroad | Whether each guest needs their own policy |
| Mostly refundable bookings | Whether a lower cancellation limit would do |
How much holiday cancellation cover do you need?
With travel cancellation insurance, you need enough to cover every non-refundable cost of the trip for everyone on the policy. Add up the following before you pick a limit:
- Flights, ferries or train tickets.
- Accommodation, including deposits.
- Excursions, tours and event tickets paid in advance.
- Airport parking and transfers you cannot get back.
- Car hire booked in advance.
Check whether the limit applies per person or per policy. A family of four on a costly trip can soon pass a limit that looked generous at first glance.
When a cancellation claim may not be paid
A holiday cancellation insurance claim may be turned down if the reason is not on the policy list. It may also fail if you knew about the problem when you bought the cover. The FCDO guidance on travel insurance flags several gaps to look out for:
| Situation | Cover position | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A medical condition you did not declare | May invalidate the policy | Declare all conditions, including tests under investigation |
| Strikes or unrest known about when you booked | May not be covered | Buy cover as soon as you book |
| A terrorist attack at your destination before you leave | Often limited cover only | Look for an add-on that covers cancellation in this case |
| Your airline or travel firm goes bust | Typically not covered | Book ATOL-protected holidays or add supplier failure cover |
| A natural disaster at your destination | Some policies offer limited cover | Read the natural disaster section |
If you are worried about safety at your destination, our guide on cancelling a holiday over safety fears explains how FCDO warnings fit in.
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) cover in the UK
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) cover is an add-on that aims to pay part of your trip cost when your reason is not on the standard list. It may not be offered on every policy, so check the add-ons when you compare quotes.
If you find it offered, check these points first:
- The share of the trip cost it pays back, as it may not be the full amount.
- How many days before departure you must cancel to claim.
- Whether a flexible or refundable booking would cost you less.
Flight cancellation insurance or the airline: who pays?
If the airline cancels your flight, contact the airline first. The Civil Aviation Authority says that under UK law you have important legal rights on many flights to, from or within the UK. These include care and assistance from the airline while you wait. Your travel policy is there for knock-on costs the airline does not cover, such as a hotel night you can no longer use, where the wording allows it.
Some policies include travel disruption cover, which can help when a cancelled flight wrecks the rest of your plans. Check whether it applies to separately booked hotels and car hire as well as the flight itself.
What to gather before you claim
- Your policy number and booking confirmations.
- A cancellation invoice from each travel company.
- Proof of the reason, such as a doctor’s letter.
- Receipts for any deposits or extras you paid for.
Tiger.co.uk compares quotes from up to 15 travel insurance providers. Before you choose, check the cancellation limit and excess in each policy’s wording.
Can I buy cancellation cover after booking my holiday?
Yes, and the sooner the better. The FCDO suggests buying travel insurance as soon as possible after you book. Anything you already knew about when you bought the policy, such as a hospital appointment, is unlikely to be covered.
Will my policy pay out if I simply change my mind?
No. Standard cancellation cover only pays for the reasons listed in the policy, and deciding you no longer want to go is not one of them. Some insurers sell add-ons that widen the list, so read what they include.
Can I buy cancellation-only cover?
Some insurers sell it, though most people get cancellation as part of a full travel policy. A full policy also covers medical bills and luggage once you are away, so compare both before you decide.
Am I covered if the FCDO warns against travel to my destination?
It depends on timing and wording. The FCDO says travelling against its warnings may invalidate your insurance. If the warning is issued after you book, check whether your policy lists it as a reason to cancel.
Does cancellation cover include a cruise?
It can, but the FCDO notes that cruises generally need an extra level of cover because getting to hospital at sea is harder. Check the booking conditions of the cruise line and choose cruise cover if needed.
What if my airline or tour operator goes bust?
Travel policies typically do not cover supplier failure, according to the FCDO. Look for ATOL protection on air holidays, or a policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover.
How do I make a cancellation claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as you know you cannot travel. Ask your travel company for a cancellation invoice and gather proof of the reason, such as a doctor’s letter.
Compare holiday cancellation quotes with Tiger.co.uk and choose a limit that covers your full trip cost. You can also look at single trip cover or annual multi-trip cover, or go back to the travel insurance hub. Taking a hire car? Add car hire excess insurance. Leaving a pet at home? Check your pet insurance too. Policies vary, so read the wording or ask the insurer before you buy.
Booked flights and a hotel separately rather than as a package? Our guide on how supplier failure cover works explains which bookings are already protected. It also covers what to check before you add it.
Fact-checked by Ian Wilson, Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk. 20+ years in price comparison; MEng, Queen’s University Belfast.
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