Last Updated on August 11, 2025
You’ve booked your dream vacation—non-refundable flights, boutique hotels, carefully planned excursions. But then… life happens. Maybe your job schedule changes. Maybe your dog gets sick. Or maybe you just don’t feel like traveling anymore. Standard travel insurance? It won’t cover you unless you cancel for a covered reason. But Cancellation for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance? It gives you the flexibility to back out of your trip for literally any reason—even a simple change of heart.
The question is: Is it worth the extra cost? Let’s break it down.
✅ What Is Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance?
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance is an optional upgrade to a standard comprehensive travel insurance plan. It lets you cancel your trip for any reason not covered by typical policies—and still get back a portion of your money.
🧩 CFAR vs. Standard Travel Insurance: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | CFAR Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Reasons | Medical emergency, job loss, weather, etc. | Any reason, including personal or emotional |
| Reimbursement Amount | Up to 100% (for covered reasons) | Usually 50%–75% of non-refundable costs |
| Deadline to Purchase | Anytime before departure | Within 10–21 days of initial trip deposit |
| Requirement | None | Must insure 100% of prepaid trip costs |
| Cost | Lower | 40%–60% more than standard policy |
🔍 What Does Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Cover?
CFAR reimburses you for 50% to 75% of your non-refundable trip costs—even if you cancel for a reason not normally covered, such as:
- Fear of traveling (e.g. COVID resurgence, political unrest)
- Minor illness or injury that doesn’t qualify for a standard claim
- Anxiety or cold feet
- A family member (not listed on your policy) falls ill
- A pet gets sick
- A better travel opportunity comes along
- Simply changing your mind
🎯 Who Should Consider CFAR Travel Insurance?
CFAR isn’t necessary for every trip, but it can be a game-changer for:
1. High-Cost, Non-Refundable Trips
Planning a $10,000 safari, honeymoon, or once-in-a-lifetime cruise? CFAR can protect a big investment if plans change unexpectedly.
2. Unpredictable Schedules
Business owners, freelancers, healthcare workers, or people with on-call jobs can benefit from added flexibility.
3. Family or Health Concerns
If you have aging parents, young kids, or chronic health conditions in your circle—even if they’re not on the trip—CFAR can give peace of mind.
4. Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips
Bucket list adventures deserve maximum protection, especially when emotional and financial stakes are high.
5. Worry-Prone Travelers
If you overthink every “what if” and want full flexibility, CFAR offers stress relief—at a price.
💸 Is CFAR Worth the Higher Premium?
Short answer? It depends.
CFAR usually adds 40%–60% to your total travel insurance premium. For example:
💡 Let’s say your trip costs $5,000:
- Standard policy = $250
- CFAR upgrade = +$150–$200
- Total = $400–$450
- Cancel for non-covered reason = Reimbursement of $2,500–$3,750
That might sound steep—until you consider what you’d lose without it.
✅ Pros of CFAR Coverage
- Ultimate Flexibility – Cancel for any reason, no questions asked.
- Mental Relief – Say goodbye to the stress of “what-ifs.”
- Covers Gray Areas – Anxiety, minor illness, and personal reasons usually aren’t covered otherwise.
- Protects Your Investment – Even partial refunds on big trips can be significant.
- Adaptable for the Unexpected – Especially helpful in times of political unrest, health scares, or shifting travel regulations.
⚠️ Cons of CFAR Coverage
- Higher Premium – It’s not cheap, especially for budget travelers.
- Partial Refund Only – You’ll usually lose 25%–50% of trip costs.
- Strict Purchase Deadline – Must buy within 10–21 days of your first trip payment.
- Must Insure Full Trip – No skipping the flight or partial coverage.
- Policy Confusion – Always read the fine print to understand exclusions and payout percentages.
Where to Find CFAR Travel Insurance in Canada (2025)
Looking for CFAR travel insurance in Canada? It can be tricky—Cancellation for Any Reason coverage is not widely available here, and even when it is, terms vary significantly.
Still, two trusted Canadian providers currently offer CFAR as an optional upgrade:
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: CFAR availability, coverage percentage, and purchase deadlines vary by province, provider, and plan. This information is for general guidance only and may change at any time. Always get a personalized quote and read the full Certificate of Insurance before buying.
| Insurance Provider | CFAR Availability & Terms (2025) | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Manulife Financial | CFAR allows up to 50% reimbursement of non-refundable trip costs. Must be purchased within 7 days of your initial booking. | Manulife Travel Insurance |
| TuGo | CFAR is available as an add-on to Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance. Covers 50% of prepaid, unused non-refundable expenses if you cancel at least 5 days before departure. | TuGo Travel Insurance |
🕒 Last updated: August 3, 2025
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask directly about “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage when requesting a quote—CFAR is often a hidden upgrade, not included by default.
🧠 Questions to Ask Before Buying CFAR
Ask yourself:
- What is my trip worth (financially and emotionally)?
- How likely is it that I’ll need to cancel for a non-covered reason?
- Are my flights and accommodations refundable already?
- Am I okay losing part of my investment if I change my mind?
- Did I read the fine print? What’s the deadline, and what % is reimbursed?
✈️ What About Credit Card Travel Insurance?
Many premium credit cards offer travel protections, but they do NOT cover:
- Canceling for fear of travel
- A change of heart
- Minor illness or personal reasons
CFAR fills that gap.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a credit card with strong travel protections and purchase a separate travel insurance policy with CFAR if needed.
🧾 Final Verdict: Is CFAR Travel Insurance Worth It?
✔️ CFAR is likely worth it if:
- You’re booking a high-cost or once-in-a-lifetime trip
- You value complete flexibility and peace of mind
- You have an unpredictable work/life schedule
- You’re worried about non-covered cancellation scenarios
✖️ CFAR may NOT be worth it if:
- Your trip is low-cost or refundable
- You’re okay accepting the risk of loss
- Your biggest concerns are already covered by a standard policy
- You missed the purchase deadline
🎯 The Bottom Line
CFAR is like a safety net for your safety net. It won’t give you 100% of your money back, but it gives you freedom, control, and peace of mind in a world where plans change fast.
👇 Ready to explore your options?
✅ Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance – What Is The Difference?
🔍 Compare the Best Travel Insurances in Canada [2025 Guide]
📄 How to Pick Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in Canada (2025 Guide)
🧠 FAQ: CFAR Travel Insurance (2025)
A: No. CFAR must be purchased within 10–21 days of your initial trip deposit.
A: Typically 40%–60% more than a standard travel insurance policy.
A: No. Most CFAR plans reimburse 50%–75% of your non-refundable trip costs.
A: Not always. Some insurers may limit CFAR availability based on destination, trip type, or policy details.
