what is trip cancellation insurance in canada

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Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance

Updated: May 9, 2023, 4:48pm

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What is trip cancellation insurance.

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What Does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover?

What’s not covered by trip cancellation insurance, how much does trip cancellation insurance cost, is trip cancellation insurance worth it, how do i get travel cancellation insurance, trip cancellation travel insurance faq.

If you enjoy vacationing outside of Canada, you’ve probably considered purchasing a travel medical insurance policy in case you get sick or injured on a trip. But what if you have to cancel your plans before you even leave for the airport?

Trip cancellation insurance can help reimburse you in the event you have to cancel your trip, but it won’t cover every possible problem. Before you purchase a policy it’s important to understand what it does and doesn’t cover.

If you’re unable to take a trip due to an unforeseeable event, a trip cancellation policy will reimburse you for your prepaid, forfeited, non-transferable and non-refundable costs. Depending on the plan, your policy will help cover costs up to the time and date of your departure.

Trip cancellation insurance can be sold as a standalone policy (often as part of a trip cancellation and trip interruption plan) or as part of a comprehensive policy that also includes medical coverage. Some trip cancellation policies allow you to purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage as an add-on.

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Emergency medical

$5 million, $10 million

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

Baggage insurance (Maximum)

$1,000, $3,000

While rules and coverage limits vary by policy type and insurer, here are some examples of problems commonly covered by trip cancellation insurance:

• Any serious injury or unforeseen medical condition that makes you or your travel companion unfit for travel.
• The death of you or your travelling companion, or the death of a non-travelling family member.
• Strikes or severe weather that result in travel services being unable to operate.
• Unforeseen natural disasters at home or at the destination that make them uninhabitable.
• Loss of your job without just cause.
• A legal obligation such as jury duty, or a professional summon in the case of active military or essential medical personnel.

Trip cancellation insurance policies usually include a trip delay or trip interruption benefit. With a trip delay benefit, the policy can pay for short-term unexpected delays to your travel, which can include meals, accommodations and transportation costs. A trip interruption benefit may help cover costs in the event your trip is cut short due to a problem covered by the policy.

Your trip cancellation coverage ends once your trip begins, so if something goes wrong after you leave home, that’s when trip interruption insurance or trip delay insurance kick in.

Since policies can vary drastically, it’s wise to carefully review the reasons covered by the policy to avoid surprises later. You’ll also want to understand the definition of terms in the policy. For example, “immediate family member” and “family member” may mean two completely different things under the policy’s guidelines.

While every traveller may have a unique circumstance for cancelling a trip, not every problem is covered. Generally, trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover problems that arise from foreseeable events. A foreseeable event is a situation that may have been known or was expected before it happened.

For example, let’s say you purchase trip cancellation insurance for a family vacation to Cabo San Lucas when a hurricane is in the way. With most travel insurance policies, trip cancellation may not be covered.

Foreseeable events are not the only events excluded from trip cancellation insurance. Here are a few other examples of some problems typically not covered:

• Intentional self-inflicted harm, suicide or attempted suicide.
• Normal pregnancy, fertility treatments, childbirth or elective abortion.
• Alcohol or substance abuse or use.
• Mental or nervous health disorders such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.
• War (declared or undeclared), acts of war and military duty.

If you purchase a basic travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage, you can expect to pay between 4% and 10% of your trip costs. For instance, if you buy a $10,000, nine-day trip through the Greek Isles, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000.

Keep in mind, selecting a policy with Cancel For Any Reason coverage can cost significantly more.

There are several other factors that can influence the cost of a policy:

• Age of travellers:  Typically, the older you are the higher the policy cost will be. Older travelers are seen as riskier because they often have more health problems and are more likely to make a claim.
• Trip expenses:  A policy’s price is based on your nonrefundable of prepaid travel expenses. Therefore, it’s important to calculate all of the costs you’ll incur before your departure when searching for a policy. This can include airfare, hotel and excursion deposits.
• Plan selection:  Basic policies with fewer coverage options will cost less. For example, basic plans tend to have lower medical emergency and trip cancellation limits. That said, it’s important to select only benefits you need so you’re not paying for coverage options you won’t use.
• The number of travellers:  The more people you insure the higher your premium will be.
• Trip length:  The length of the trip will make a difference in the cost of a policy.

If you’ve paid a lot of money toward nonrefundable trip expenses, it’s worth taking a look at trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is designed for travellers who are concerned about safeguarding the money spent on a trip based on unforseen events.

Keep in mind, trip cancellation insurance only pays for problems listed in the policy. It  won’t cover changing your mind or foreseeable events.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, buying trip cancellation insurance can give you some peace of mind for unexpected events leading up to your departure. However, if you have to choose between cancellation insurance and emergency medical insurance, one thing to consider is that unforeseen medical expenses can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, while cancellation insurance covers known expenditures.

When shopping for a trip cancellation policy, it’s smart to get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies. This way you can select a plan that is cost-effective yet provides the most value.

If you do purchase trip cancellation insurance and change your mind shortly after, you may be able to get your money back. Many travel insurance companies offer a “free look” period, meaning you can cancel the policy within a certain time frame and get a full refund. The time frame will depend on the travel insurance company, but 10 days is fairly standard.

Related: Best Travel Credit Cards In Canada

Should I use my credit card's travel insurance instead?

It depends. The main deciding factor in whether you use your credit card’s travel insurance or buy a standalone policy comes down the coverage: Does your credit card offer the level of coverage you need? Your travel credit card may only cover you for a limited number of days, or provide a lower level of coverage than you want. Be sure to read the fine print.

How do I make a trip cancellation claim?

Each insurer has its own criteria for what is covered under its travel cancellation coverage, so to receive reimbursement you must be cancelling under a covered reason. For example, if your partner becomes too ill to travel, as advised by a medical professional, your claim should be approved. However, if your partner gets a cold, that’s likely not a covered reason. You also need to notify your travel suppliers within a certain period of time after discovering you’ll need to cancel your trip. If you get called for jury duty, for example, Allianz Travel Insurance requires you to cancel within 72 hours of being summoned. For RBC Insurance, the requirement is the next business day. Finally, you’ll need to collect all your documentation, namely proof of the covered reason for cancelling and the prepaid costs that you want reimbursement for, before submitting your claim.

Is trip cancellation insurance worth it?

Like any insurance purchase, whether or not trip cancellation insurance is worth it is up to you. If you’ve been saving for years for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip, trip cancellation insurance may be a small investment in case sometime goes wrong and you have to cancel. Along with medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance offers comprehensive coverage in the event disaster strikes. However, if trip is short and close to home, or your credit card has travel insurance coverage, you might decide you don’t need the coverage.

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Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

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Financial protection for your trip expenses.

Have you bought an airline ticket or made a non-refundable and/or non-transferable hotel deposit? Protect your purchase with trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This coverage protects you financially in case you get sick or an unexpected event forces you to cancel your trip, come home early or delay your return home. Here’s how it can help:

Before Departure Disclaimer 1

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable and/or non-transferable deposits on pre-paid travel arrangements and cancellation penalties that a transportation carrier or tour guide may charge.

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Policy Documents:

For complete coverage details, limitations and exclusions, see:

After Departure Disclaimer 1

Trip interruption insurance covers extra costs if you need to return home sooner or later than planned and reimburses you for non-refundable and/or non-transferable portions of unused, prepaid travel arrangements.

Other Expenses Disclaimer 1

Out of Pocket expenses reimburses you for extra expenses like a hotel, meals, taxi fares (ride sharing, or rental car in lieu of taxi fares)and more if a covered situation happens.

Do you need medical coverage, too?

Consider a travel insurance package instead if you think you may need coverage for emergency medical expenses and other situations. All of our packages include trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Make sure you have the right travel insurance—get an online quote or talk to a licensed insurance advisor.

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How does trip cancellation insurance work in Canada in 2024?

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Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Travel cancellation insurance can be a very beneficial option, especially for costly trips and non-refundable bookings . It provides you with the peace of mind of knowing that if unforeseen circumstances arise, you won't lose all the money you've invested in your travel plans.

You need to be aware that insurance policies and coverage details can vary, so it's essential to compare policies and choose one that best suits your needs and travel plans.

But how does travel cancellation insurance work? How much is it? What are the pros and cons? Know all this and more in this complete guide.

5 key takeaways on trip cancellation insurance

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for costly trips.
• Travel cancellation insurance covers you for unforeseen events.
• But it also comes with costs, limitations and exclusions that need to be considered.
• It covers various reasons for cancelling a trip, including medical emergencies and more.
• Credit cards offer protections against trip interruptions.

What is travel cancellation insurance in Canada?

Travel cancellation insurance, also known as trip cancellation insurance, is a type of coverage that provides financial protection in case you have to cancel or interrupt your trip plans due to unforeseen circumstances . It is designed to reimburse you for non-refundable expenses you've incurred for a trip that you cannot take as scheduled.

Travel cancellation insurance comes with its own set of pros and cons:

Pros of travel cancellation insurance

• Financial protection
• Peace of mind
• Covering unforeseen events
• Covers travel supplier issues
• Trip interruption coverage
• Additional benefits such as baggage loss/delay coverage

Cons of travel cancellation insurance

• Adds to the overall cost of your trip
• Insurance policies come with specific limitations and exclusions
• Pre-existing conditions exclusion
• Claim process can be complex and tedious
• Limited coverage for events like political unrest in certain countries

Looking to buy travel insurance with trip cancellation? Compare such offers using our free comparison tool below:

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

What does travel cancellation insurance cover?

Typically, travel cancellation insurance covers various reasons for cancelling or interrupting your trip, such as:

• Medical emergencies: If you or a family member fall seriously ill or get injured before or during the trip and you have to cancel or cut short your journey.
• Unexpected personal events: Coverage may include events like the death or serious illness of a family member or a major life event like a wedding or legal obligation that prevents you from travelling.
• Natural disasters: In case a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake or flood, disrupts your travel plans.
• Travel supplier issues: If your airline, cruise line or accommodation provider goes out of business, cancels your reservation or significantly changes your itinerary.
• Government advisories: If government travel advisories advise against travel to your destination.
• Jury duty or legal obligations: If you are summoned for jury duty or need to appear in court during your planned travel dates.
• Job-related reasons: Some policies may cover cancellations due to job loss or unexpected work-related obligations.

It's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Different policies may have varying coverage limits, exclusions and conditions. Additionally, most policies require you to purchase insurance shortly after booking your trip to be eligible for certain benefits.

Does travel cancellation insurance cover flight cancellation?

Yes, travel insurance for flight cancellation is an available option. If you have purchased trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage as part of your policy, it may provide reimbursement for non-refundable flight tickets if you need to cancel your trip before departure or if your trip gets interrupted and you are unable to complete it as planned.

What are common reasons for travel cancellation?

Travel cancellation can occur for various reasons, depending on the circumstances. Here are some common reasons for cancelling plans that might be covered by travel cancellation insurance Canada plans:

• Medical emergencies and unforeseen Illness
• Accidents or family emergencies
• Natural disasters
• Travel supplier issues
• Government advisory recommending against travelling to your destination
• Visa denial or job-related obligations
• Legal obligations
• Terrorism or civil unrest
• Severe weather conditions

Good to know

I you are a member of the military and your deployment is altered, it can lead to the need to cancel or change your travel arrangements, which could be eventually covered by travel insurance.

Which is the best travel cancellation insurance?

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Here are some of the best trip cancellation insurance options in Canada:

• Manulife Travel Insurance cancellation plan is a popular choice for Canadians and offers a wide range of coverage options.
• Allianz Global Assistance is another well-known provider of travel insurance and offers competitive rates.
• Travel Guard Canada is a subsidiary of Allianz Global Assistance and offers similar coverage to its parent company.
• TuGo is a Canadian company that specializes in travel insurance and offers a variety of features and benefits.
• RSA is a large insurance company that offers travel insurance and is known for its customer service.
• Blue cross offers Blue cross travel cancellation insurance or trip cancellation coverage.
• BCAA trip cancellation insurance also covers interruptions, travel delays and baggage loss or damage.

How to buy the best trip cancellation insurance

Travel cancellation insurance can be obtained in different ways, either as a standalone policy or as part of a broader travel insurance package as an add-on:

• Standalone travel cancellation insurance: You can such travel cancellation insurance from various providers. It's especially useful if you're primarily concerned about trip cancellations and want to focus your coverage in that area. This type of insurance is designed to reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short for covered reasons, such as illness, injury, family emergencies, or other qualifying events.
• Travel insurance packages with cancellation coverage: Many comprehensive travel insurance packages include trip cancellation coverage as part of their offerings. These packages typically provide a range of benefits beyond just trip cancellation, such as trip interruption coverage, emergency medical coverage, baggage loss coverage, and more.

The trip cancellation coverage within these packages is often bundled with other benefits to provide a more well-rounded insurance solution. If you're looking for a broader coverage that includes various travel-related risks, a travel insurance package might be a suitable choice.

The coverage of travel insurance for any reason cancellation varies across policies and coverages, so it's best to check and get an individual quote. Get a free personalized quote using our online comparison tool:

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What to keep in mind when choosing travel insurance

When choosing travel insurance, make sure that the insurer covers cancellations. Also, it is important to compare policies and features to find the best fit for your needs. Here are some factors that you should consider:

• Coverage: Make sure the policy covers the events that you are most concerned about, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses and lost luggage.
• Cost: Plans can be expensive, so compare rates from different providers to find the best deal.
• Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company will start paying claims.
• Exclusions: Make sure you understand the exclusions in the policy, so you know what is not covered.

Expert advice

Purchase travel cancellation insurance as soon as you book your trip to get the most protection.

How much is travel cancellation insurance?

The cost can vary widely based on factors such as the provider, the specific policy, the age of travelers, the trip's destination and duration, and the total trip cost. However, here are a few examples on how much travel cancellation insurance could typically cost you:

Keep in mind

It's recommended to obtain quotes directly from insurance providers for accurate pricing tailored to your travel plans. You could use our comparator at the end of this page to get free quotes directly from Canada's best travel insurance providers.

Which credit cards have travel insurance cancellation?

In Canada, several credit cards offer travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Here are some credit cards with travel cancellation insurance options:

Here are some other credit cards with trip cancellation benefits:

• Scotiabank: Several Scotiabank credit cards , such as Scotiabank Gold American Express, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Scotiabank Platinum American Express, offer benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
• TD Bank: Some TD credit cards, like TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, may provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance through TD travel visa cancellation insurance.
• CIBC: Certain CIBC credit cards, such as CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite and CIBC Aventura Gold Visa, may include travel insurance benefits.
• BMO: Some BMO credit cards, like BMO World Elite Mastercard and BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard, may offer travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation.
• American Express: Some American Express cards in Canada, such as American Express Gold Rewards Card and American Express Platinum Card, may offer travel insurance coverage.

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Why buy a Cancellation Plan?

Unexpected events can trip up even the best laid travel plans. If you end up needing to cancel your trip due to a Covered Reason, this Cancellation Plan helps you recover your non-refundable trip expenses which you prepaid before leaving. There are also benefits if you need to interrupt or delay your trip, as well as for lost, stolen or delayed baggage.

For the complete list of coverage benefits under this plan and more details, please view the Policy of Insurance in PDF .  (View the  accessible PDF version of the policy )

Our Promise to You:  All travel insurance plans offered by Allianz Global Assistance include a 10-day "Free Look" period. If you are not satisfied with your coverage after reviewing your Policy of Insurance, you may cancel your policy within 10 days from purchase for a full refund, provided you have not left on your trip or initiated a claim.

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Insured Trip Cost - Max. $50,000

Provides reimbursement for certain non-refundable, prepaid trip payments and deposits if your trip needs to be cancelled before you leave for an unexpected covered reason.

Trip Interruption and Delay

Provides reimbursement for certain unused, non-refundable, prepaid trip payments and deposits, as well as economy airfare home, if your trip needs to be interrupted after it has started.

Reimburses you for certain costs related to the damage, loss or theft of your baggage.

Covers reasonable costs of purchasing essentials if your baggage is delayed or misdirected for at least 8 hours by a common carrier.

Flight Accident

Benefit for loss of life, limb or sight resulting from accidental injury that occurs on a commercial aircraft during your trip.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Benefit for loss of life, limb or sight resulting from accidental injury that occurs during a trip, except while boarding, riding in, or departing from an aircraft.

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Provides a 24-hour hotline and variety of assistance services in case you encounter an emergency during your travels.

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What is Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance and How Does it Work?

The Trip Cancellation and Interruption plan provides coverage for eligible travel expenses in case your trip is interrupted or cancelled. It can be purchased separately or as part of a medical travel insurance plan. Let's dive into understanding the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption.

What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance?

Sometimes, trip cancellation and trip interruption are used interchangeably but they do cover different aspects of your travel.

A trip cancellation plan provides coverage if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason before you depart for your trip. The benefits could include reimbursing you for the cost of non-refundable travel expenses, like trip deposits and flight change fees, if your trip is cancelled because of a covered cause. 

On the other hand, a trip interruption plan provides coverage after you depart on your trip. The benefits could include paying for your trip home or to your next destination if your trip is interrupted because of a covered cause.

It is good to keep in mind that trip cancellation and interruption plan may not provide coverage for medical expenses you incur on your trip. So, you may want to purchase a travel medical plan if you are looking for travel medical coverage.

The benefits provided under these types of plans vary by insurer. Therefore, it is a good idea to review the plan details before you purchase.

Highlights:

• How does a trip cancellation and interruption insurance plan help?

Why should I purchase a Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance plan?

What is not covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• Do I need to get travel medical insurance separately?

Who is eligible for buying trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

• How much does trip cancellation and interruption cost?

Is trip cancellation and interruption insurance worth buying?

Applying for trip cancellation and interruption plan with td insurance, how does a trip cancellation and interruption plan help.

If you've faced any of the covered causes as mentioned in your policy, it would be advisable to report the incident as soon as possible to the insurer. Some policies may require you to report the cancellation or interruption within a specified time, therefore, it is best to review the policy documents to understand the reporting requirements. 

The requirements for a claim are generally to submit the completed claims form along with any required documents and information. If you meet the conditions for a successful claim based on your coverage, you may be refunded or compensated for some of the financial losses you faced. The benefits, limitations and exclusions under a trip cancellation and interruption plan vary by policy and insurer. The best practice is to review the policy

This type of plan can reimburse you if your trip is cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. Some examples of covered reasons could be:

• Sickness, injury, death, or quarantine of a member of your travel party.
• A delay that causes you to miss or interrupt any part of your covered trip due to weather, mechanical reasons, or travel advisory.
• Loss or damage to your baggage and personal effects due to theft, burglary, fire, or transportation hazards.
• Death or emergency hospitalization of your host at the destination.
• Involuntary loss of permanent employment.

Every insurer has their own list of exclusions and limitations. Also, you should be aware that any benefit paid will be for eligible expenses and only up to the defined limit as per your policy. Here are some of the exclusions you could come across:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Getting involved in criminal activities
• Labour disruptions or strikes
• Giving birth to a child during your trip

While these are just a few of the exclusions you may find, it's best to check your insurance policy for a detailed list. Also, you can check with your travel insurance provider if you have questions. 

Do I need to purchase travel medical insurance separately?

As we've discussed above, the trip cancellation and interruption plan doesn't include any benefits for travel medical expenses. A separate travel medical insurance plan can be purchased that could help cover costs for hospitalization or doctor's fees, ambulance services, diagnostic services, prescription drugs or even medical appliances. Several insurers provide a comprehensive bundle such as TD Insurance Multi-Trip All Inclusive Travel Insurance Plan 1 that includes medical and trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits in one plan. 

No matter which insurer you choose, it's always a good idea to check your eligibility before you apply for the plan. Here are some eligibility requirements you may have to meet if you are applying trip cancellation and interruption insurance with TD Insurance:

• You are a Canadian resident
• You are covered by the government health insurance plan of your province or territory of residence during your trip and at the time a claim is incurred.
• Minimum age requirement of 15 days old.
• There are certain medical conditions that could make you ineligible for coverage under a selected plan.

Please read the policy or contact us for more details on eligibility.

How much does trip cancellation and interruption insurance cost?

There are several factors on which the cost of a trip cancellation and trip interruption plan may depend on. A few things that may determine the cost of such a policy are:

• The total cost of your trip. This may include the cost of non-refundable purchases like flights, cruises and hotels or any other prepaid travel arrangement.
• The amount of coverage you wish to purchase
• The number of travelers who will require insurance coverage
• Your age and the condition of your health
• The duration of the trip

Whether you should purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance depends on your personal circumstances. To determine whether you should purchase this type of insurance, you can consider the following:

• You are travelling internationally or out of your province
• You have multiple layovers as the more connecting flights you have, higher are the chances of facing a cancellation or interruption.
• You are looking to cover the cost to repair or replace your baggage and personal effects due to loss or damage by reason of theft
• You have little to no coverage through your employer provided travel plan or limited benefits with your travel credit card

You can apply for TD Insurance Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan online 2 . We will let you know of your eligibility provide you with an estimate of how much the coverage might cost based on your response. If you're satisfied with the estimate, you could proceed to purchase.

While experience is a great teacher, it doesn't hurt to get a few tips along the way to help make an informed decision in case of trip cancellations and interruptions. 

FAQs Related to Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Does trip cancellation and interruption insurance only cover the cost of cancelled flights.

The trip cancellation and interruption plan can reimburse you for more than just the cost of flights or other travel arrangements like a cruise. Such plans could also cover the cost of meals, accommodations, taxi transportations if your trip is cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason.  

Different plans could have different benefits, it is important to read the policy carefully before purchasing.

Can I buy trip cancellation and interruption insurance after booking a trip?

Generally, you can purchase trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance after you book your trip. However, you cannot purchase the insurance after you depart for your trip . Please check with your insurer for exact details.

Is it better to purchase an all-inclusive travel insurance package which includes medical insurance, or a trip cancellation and interruption insurance plan?

Whether you get an all-inclusive travel insurance plan, or a Trip cancellation and Trip Interruption plan is up to you. If you do not have travel medical coverage, it could be a good idea to purchase an all-inclusive plan which includes medical and non-medical coverage.  

Is it sufficient if my credit card provides Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption insurance?

The answer differs based on the type of traveler you are and the coverage that is associated with your credit card. If compared with a trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance policy provided by an insurance company, the one provided by a credit card may or may not fulfill your needs. While planning your next trip you should consider understanding the coverage on your credit card and if it is adequate to cover medical and/or non-medical situations. 

Is there any age restriction for applying for trip cancellation insurance?

There is a minimum age that varies with each insurer. Please check with your insurer for details.

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The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or insurance advice. Speak to a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific situation. The information contained herein, is subject to change without notice. 

• TD Insurance Multi-Trip All-Inclusive Plan is an individual plan underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company (medical covered causes) and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company (non-medical covered causes). Coverages and benefits are subject to eligibility conditions, limitations, and exclusions, including pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Please refer to the Sample Policy for full details.
• TD Insurance Trip Cancellation & Interruption Plan is an individual plan underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company (medical covered causes) and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company (non-medical covered causes). Coverages and benefits are subject to eligibility conditions, limitations, and exclusions, including pre-existing medical condition exclusions. Please refer to the Sample Policy for full details.

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Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance

In this article:, what is trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

Imagine that you have already pre-paid for your dream holiday, including flights and hotel, and you are looking forward to a well-deserved break. However, life is unpredictable and you are suddenly faced with an unfortunate circumstance that requires you to cancel your vacation. If the arrangements that you've made for your travel and accommodation are non-refundable, then you've certainly lost a significant investment. It's a nightmare scenario that nobody wants to experience.

But how can you protect the investment that you've made in your travel plans? The answer is Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage for Canadians. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind by covering the costs of your non-refundable expenses in case of unexpected events such as illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you can enjoy your holiday knowing that you are protected against financial loss.

How does trip cancellation work?

In Canada, when you purchase a Trip Cancellation policy, you'll get the following benefits.

Trip cancellation coverage provides benefits if you have to cancel your travel and holiday plans before departure for medical or non-medical reasons. Medical reasons could relate to you or your traveling companions falling ill preventing you from traveling, or possibly the family member that you'd be staying with at the destination being unable to host you due to an illness on their end. Non-medical reasons could be a weather-related event at the destination, an emergency at home, or an issue with the travel supplier such as them canceling the flight.

Trip interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for costs associated with having to change your travel plans to return home AFTER you have departed. Such situations could be the need to return due to an emergency at home, whether it be medically related to a family member or an accident with your home. Several unforeseen scenarios could curtail one's trip.

You may find other benefits as well with Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage, such as reimbursement for expenses due to a missed connection.

These types of coverage can be purchased as a standalone policy or as part of an All-Inclusive Travel Insurance policy.

Should I consider buying Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage?

This coverage is especially important if you have pre-paid expenses that are non-refundable, such as flights, hotels, tickets, activities, or car rentals. By purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance , you can protect yourself from unexpected events that could prevent you from taking your trip.

Even if your travel plans are not pre-paid, you may still want to consider travel insurance if your trip is a significant investment that cannot be transferred to another date or substituted for another location. By purchasing insurance, you can ensure that you won't lose out on your investment if something unexpected happens.

If you're travelling on a budget, you may feel that the coverage is worth the price to protect your trip - the cost of a policy may well be cheaper than the total cost of your trip!

Finally, you may want to purchase coverage simply for the peace of mind it brings. By knowing that you're covered in case something happens, you can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about what might go wrong.

Do you already have a separate travel medical insurance policy or coverage with a credit card?

If you already have travel insurance coverage, check if there are benefits for Trip cancellation and Trip Interruption . If there are benefits, check if there is sufficient coverage to cover the costs associated with the non-refundable portion of your trip.

If you have coverage on a credit card, again, what are the benefit limits and what are the requirements to ensure coverage is active with the card? For example, do you have to book the entire trip with that card? Is your card in good standing? These are all questions to confirm and another reason to review the policy details associated with your coverage.

You may consider:

• How much would it cost to replace my trip?
• What is the refund policy of my travel supplier if I need to cancel or interrupt my trip?
• Does my existing coverage cover these costs?

If there isn't any coverage or what you have is insufficient, you have the opportunity to purchase a stand-alone Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption plan to ensure effective protection.

What Insurance Coverage do Credit Cards Offer?

Learn more about the travel insurance offered by credit card providers and how it compares to standalone coverage. Read our guide to find out more about why investing in standalone cover could be beneficial.

When should you take out Trip Cancellation coverage?

As soon as you make any payment towards your travel, such as booking the flights, reserving the cruise and/or making the hotel arrangements, you should consider Trip Cancellation Insurance . It's important to note that obtaining coverage for your trip as soon as possible is a wise decision, even if you're making payments in installments.

How can I compare Trip Cancellation quotes?

At this point, you may be wondering how to go about securing the right coverage for you. This is where our team comes in! We are more than happy to help you find the right protection for your travels.

With our state-of-the-art travel insurance comparison website, you can obtain customised quotes based on your trip value from a range of different insurers. This allows you to compare Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage, so you can make an informed decision and find the best protection for your trip.

So why wait? Click the button below to get started and secure your trip with confidence!

There are numerous factors beyond your control that can disrupt your travel plans. If the non-refundable portion of your trip is costly, are a snowbird or your departure date is some time away, it may be wise to consider purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance .

Although it may come at a cost, this form of Trip Cancellation insurance (often abbreviated as TCAR) offers the most comprehensive coverage. With this type of insurance, you can cancel your trip for any reason - without the need for a specific qualifying event - prior to departure and receive full compensation. It's like no questions asked insurance, providing peace of mind for any unexpected changes in your travel plans.

An all-inclusive coverage bundle provides additional coverage on top of emergency medical expenses with benefits such as baggage loss/delay and trip cancellation/interruption.

Don't just take our word for it...

See what other travellers like you have to say about our service.

Warren holds over 19 years of experience in the travel insurance industry. He enjoys telling the stories of people and places which is fed by his love of travel. Warren is an active member of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) to better educate the Canadian traveller on the benefits of travelling protected.

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You are now leaving this American Express website and will transfer to the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada(RSA) website. RSA is responsible for handling your claim. All of the information you provide will be subject to the RSA Privacy Policy that can be found on their website. Claims are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the Certificate of Insurance. Please continue to the RSA website by clicking continue below. Continue Cancel

Trip cancellation & trip interruption insurance.

Why do I need it?

Sometimes the unexpected happens, and you can’t go on your trip as planned or have to return home early. Amex ®  Travel Insurance † can protect you from financial losses when your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unexpected event.

What’s included?

Coverage is available for cancellations, interruptions and accidents that may occur before or on your trip.

Trip Cancellation

Covers non-refundable and non-transferable prepaid travel expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to unexpected or unforeseen events, up to a maximum of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per family (Single-Trip Plan).

Trip Interruption

Covers non-refundable and non-transferrable unused portion of your prepaid travel arrangements for trip interruptions up to a maximum of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per family (Single Trip Plan). For trip delays, out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed up to $100 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per person / $3,000 per family (Single-Trip Plan).

Flight & Travel

Provides life and disability protection for unexpected loss as a result of a travel or flight accident, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Recommended Travel Plans

Emergency Medical

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip Interruption Insurance

Baggage & Personal Effects

Flight & Travel Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

How does COVID-19 affect my coverage? --> To find the answer to this question and similar COVID-19 related inquiries, please visit the COVID-19 TRAVEL FAQ page. You are now leaving this American Express website and will transfer to the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada(RSA) website. RSA is responsible for handling your claim. All of the information you provide will be subject to the RSA Privacy Policy that can be found on their website. Claims are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the Certificate of Insurance. Please continue to the RSA website by clicking continue below. Continue Cancel

What are the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits and limits trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance provides reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of a covered reason for eligible pre-paid travel arrangements, transportation and out-of-pocket expenses. for complete benefit details, including maximum benefit limits,  view our different plans and download the insurance certificates , or call  1-844-200-8959 ., when should i purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance if you plan on purchasing pre-paid travel arrangements, you may want to consider purchasing trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage in order to protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to one of the covered reasons., why do i need trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance sometimes the unexpected happens, and you can’t go on your trip as planned or have to return home early. trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance can help protect you from financial losses when your trip is canceled or interrupted due to an unexpected event..

Contact us: 1-844-200-8959

Mon - Fri: 8am-8pm (EST); Sat: 9am-5pm (EST)

Legal †  Amex ®  Travel Insurance is optional group travel insurance underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit rsagroup.ca. In this outline, we have given a brief description of just some of the benefits available under Amex ® Travel Insurance. All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the Group Policy issued to Amex Bank of Canada and the applicable limitations and exclusions described in the Certificate of Insurance issued upon enrollment. Please read the Certificate of Insurance carefully. Amex ® Travel Insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. Amex Bank of Canada identifies insurance providers and products that may be of interest to some of its customers. In this role we do not act as an agent or fiduciary for you, and we may act on behalf of the insurance provider, as permitted by law. We want you to be aware that we receive compensation from insurance providers and our compensation may vary by provider and product. We do not require you to purchase any insurance product, and you may choose to cover your insurance needs from other sources on terms they may make available to you.   ® , TM: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.   © 2022 Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved. ®RSA, RSA & Design and related words and logos are trademarks and the property of RSA Insurance Group Limited, licensed for use by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. RSA is a trade name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.

By Lisa Jackson

   min read

Best travel insurance in Canada

KieferPix / Shutterstock

You’ve packed your bags, mapped your itinerary, and set your “out of office” message – it’s vacation time! But what about travel insurance?

According to a 2019 study by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, 13% of Canadians aren’t sure if they have travel insurance before they go on vacation. Of those who have bought insurance, 17% don’t know what their policy covers.

As a professional travel writer, I find this rather alarming. Canadian health insurance is not valid outside Canada, and your provincial or territorial health plan may not cover all the costs even if you’re travelling domestically. If you suffer an accident or get sick abroad, unexpected medical bills can bankrupt you. It’s why the Canadian government  advises all travellers to buy travel insurance , and I never leave the country without it. Whether you’re taking a two-week trip or a gap year abroad, every one needs the best travel insurance in Canada, regardless of age, health status, destination, or length of vacation.

World Nomads: Best for thrill seekers

Designed for adrenaline lovers with wanderlust, World Nomads insures a long list of adventure sports, activities and volunteer/work experiences, as well as sporting equipment delay/loss/theft. You also get access to a 24/7 hotline that provides information that adventure travellers may need: weather reports and travel advisories, assistance locating the nearest trail, and finding a gear shop.

The standard policy covers emergency medical expenses up to $5 million, emergency dental, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage delays/theft/damage, and more. The downside: you must be under 66 years of age to qualify.

CAA Travel Insurance: Best for families

A long-trusted Canadian institution, CAA travel Insurance offers flexible travel plans to suit every type of traveller and vacation, but their policies are particularly great for families. Their stand-alone emergency medical policy of up to $5 million in health coverage is extremely comprehensive, even including medical repatriation, emergency dental, and reimbursements for pet care and kenneling.

The Vacation Package Plan provides full cancellation/interruption insurance – ideal for prepaid, all-inclusive vacation packages – as well as family transportation and escort of children during emergencies. Anyone can buy CAA travel insurance, but members get a 10% discount.

CAA’s emergency medical plans also now include coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses for vaccinated customers. Coverage is up to $2.5 million if partially vaccinated and up to $5 million if fully vaccinated.

Blue Cross: Best for seniors and retirees

Blue Cross has been around for more than 70 years, and 1 in 4 Canadians utilize its travel insurance. Blue Cross’s emergency medical covers up to $5 million. It has special “snowbird” travel insurance packages designed for Canadians who head to warmer climates each year, making Blue Cross ideal for retirees.

Part of the package is the recently launched Serenity Service. This free perk provides a range of benefits if your flight is delayed, including access to an airport lounge or even a hotel room (depending on the length of the delay). Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.

Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance: Best for budget travellers

Starting at only $1.36 a day, Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance offers very affordable travel insurance packages, and it’s personally been my “go-to” travel policy for years. Yes, it’s geared toward students (e.g., you can swap your travel dates at no charge due to an exam schedule conflict), but anyone between 15 and 50 years of age can purchase a policy.

The standard package includes hospital and medical up to $1 million, dental care, air ambulance evacuation, flight accident, accidental death or dismemberment, and trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Adventure and extreme sports are also covered.

Manulife CoverMe: Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions

Manulife CoverMe offers highly comprehensive Canadian travel insurance packages for those travelling as a family, a visitor to Canada, or a student. You also get access to the TravelAid mobile app, which provides directions to the nearest medical facility and local emergency telephone numbers.

However, the stand-out feature is arguably TravelEase – a special policy designed to cover fully disclosed medical conditions. For travellers with pre-existing conditions, it insures a bunch of expenses for health services and transportation. It provides up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits – a unicorn in the travel insurance world.

Medipac Travel Insurance: Best for emergency medical assistance

Medipac is one of the only travel insurance companies out there that is staffed by their own team of trained medical professionals, via their Medipac Assistance hotline. Medipac’s medical professionals are your first point of contact in an emergency medical situation. This service is also helpful for dealing with foreign medical systems and helping to prevent unnecessary expenses when dealing with a large deductible.

Medipac offers several competitive features for their travel insurance plans, including no age limits, a claim-free discount, and a 90-day stability period for most pre-existing conditions. If your pre-existing medical condition isn’t covered by a standard Medipac insurance plan, Medipac also offers personalized, underwritten insurance policies to help you meet your needs.

Medipac is offering a 5% Vaccine Discount to clients who have received a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the new MedipacMAX option. This COVID insurance option provides maximum coverage of up to $5 million USD for COVID-19, in addition to its other benefits.

Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for frequent travellers

Touted as a world leader in the Canadian travel insurance and assistance industry, Allianz Travel Insurance is a major provider of travel insurance, corporate assistance, and concierge services. It seeks to help its customers find solutions to various travel-related problems. Allianz Travel has partnered with many reputable companies, including travel agencies, airlines, resorts, websites, event ticket brokers, corporations, universities, and credit card companies.

Allianz Travel Insurance is a great choice for anyone looking for travel insurance. Its single-trip plans are perfect for those leaving home and visiting another destination (or destinations) before going back home. Its parent company, Allianz Global Assistance, has five plans to choose from, all offering different levels of protection and coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance’s annual/multi-trip plans are perfect for both personal and professional travelers who take multiple trips in a year. It offers four distinct options to choose from.

Will my provincial insurance be valid overseas?

No! If you get sick or injured overseas, the Canadian government will not cough up a dime to cover your medical costs. Here are the sobering facts:

• Canadian public health insurance is not valid outside of Canada.
• Foreign hospitals can be extremely expensive and may demand payment before treating you.
• The Canadian government will not pay a Canadian’s medical bills for an illness or accident suffered abroad. You’re on the hook for footing the bill!

Will my provincial insurance work in another province/territory?

Flash your valid provincial health card in another part of Canada, and you’ll likely be covered for some of the same services insured by your home provincial plan. This is because the provinces and territories (except Quebec) signed an agreement whereby the host province foots the bill for any medically necessary health care services and gets reimbursed by the home province later.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. Depending on your destination, a slew of other services may not be covered, such as an ambulance, hospital transfer, prescription drugs, transportation back to your home province, and procedures not currently approved by your home plan.

Plus, since Quebec wasn’t a signatory to the interprovincial billing agreement, you’ll likely be charged for any medical bills incurred there. For this reason, it’s recommended that you buy extra travel insurance (or verify your  credit card’s travel insurance coverage ) to cover any uninsured health care services that may crop up during your trip.

What does the best travel insurance in Canada cover?

Every travel insurance policy is different and what’s covered depends on how much you’re willing to pay for coverage. Typical medical services that you can expect to be covered include:

• Emergency hospital and medical costs
• Ambulance and air ambulance costs
• Outpatient services
• Physician and laboratory costs
• Prescription drugs
• Direct payment to the hospitals and doctors caring for you
• Assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside
• Air ambulance or commercial repatriation home
• Return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to come home

Additional benefits may include:

• Trip cancellation for non-refundable monetary losses
• Trip interruption
• Baggage loss, rental car damage, out-of-pocket expenses
• Accidental death and dismemberment

How much coverage do I need?

Securing a policy with a minimum of $1M maximum payable is a safe bet. But don’t just look at the numbers when choosing a policy – read the fine print. Every insurer has a list of situations in which coverage is not provided, otherwise known as “exclusions.” Check whether your provider includes coverage or has provisions for the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: According to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, a pre-existing condition is “something that happened (or started to happen) before you were insured.” Some policies may cover claims relating to pre-existing conditions that are “stable and controlled,” but read the definitions carefully. If you don’t declare a condition, the entire policy could be invalidated!
• Medical evacuation: Ensure the policy covers medical evacuation to the nearest hospital and/or to Canada and the costs of a medical escort to accompany you to your final destination.
• Repatriation in case of death: On the grim side, ensure that your plan covers the preparation and return of your remains to Canada.
• Adventurous Activities: If you plan on engaging in “high-risk” activities on your trip, you may need to shell out extra dough for a more comprehensive plan. Many policies don’t cover “risky” activities, such as skiing or snowboarding “out of bounds,” skydiving, scuba diving, white-water rafting, mountaineering, or participation in any rodeo activity. To cover your bases, ask questions and get specifics before purchasing a policy.

You may have to pay more to have these things included, but a few extra bucks may be worth it for peace of mind.

Should I buy “a la carte” travel insurance or get a travel credit card with free insurance?

A credit card with travel insurance is always a good thing to carry in your wallet. The  best travel credit cards in Canada  usually cover everything from emergency medical costs to trip cancellation/interruption to flight delay to rental car insurance, which could save you a wad of cash.

The  Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card  has saved my butt a few times, and I’ve filed several travel-related claims through my card. I cancelled my trip to Portugal a few years ago due to a death in the family, and I got a full refund on my hotel deposit and flights for myself, my husband, and my baby. It totally justified the $120 annual fee.

That being said, don’t rely on your credit card to take care of all your travel insurance needs. It usually includes a basic policy, meaning it offers low (or no!) travel medical insurance as part of the package. Like any travel insurance company policy, you’ve really got to read the fine print and understand the conditions of your policy to avoid sticky situations.

For instance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card requires a cardholder to have charged at least 75% of trip expenses to make a trip cancellation/interruption insurance claim. So if you book an all-inclusive vacation for $5,000 and then cancel due to illness, at least $3,750 must have been charged onto your AMEX to qualify for a claim. If you didn’t do that, you’re out of luck.

Can I still purchase insurance if i’ve already started my vacation?

The short answer: most insurance providers won’t cover you after your departure date. However, a handful of insurers (such as World Nomads) will allow you to purchase a policy while already overseas. Just know that it can come with sky-high costs and/or conditions: World Nomads has a 48-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in. The bottom line? It’s always best to buy travel insurance before leaving the country.

Can I get travel insurance for part of a trip?

Some plans offer insurance coverage options that will allow you to customize your coverage, but you’ll have to research to find one that works for your unique circumstances. Alternatively, you could take out an insurance policy for each destination and/or segment of your trip.

For instance, you could get a World Nomads policy for the two weeks you’re scuba diving in Australia, followed by a basic Travel CUTS Bon Voyage insurance to cover a month-long trip to Europe. However, when you buy Canadian travel insurance, you must select a trip start and end date – meaning you must know the exact dates for travelling to those places.

Should I carry a printout of my policy with me at all times?

I recommend carrying the travel insurance card in your wallet and locking it up in the hotel safe with other important travel documents like my passport. But don’t rely totally on paper: Wallets get lost or stolen, luggage can be delayed or M.I.A., and papers are easy to misplace when you’re on the road. My advice is to send a copy of the policy to your email and save it on your iCloud or another storage system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Recommended reads

• What’s the Added Value of a Credit Card with Travel Insurance?
• The Best Travel Rewards Programs in Canada
• Aeroplan vs. AIR MILES vs. Avion

About our author

Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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Trip Cancellation Insurance

Always be prepared..

Delays and cancellations happen for all sorts of reasons, many of which are out of our control. But you can protect the investment you made in your trip from unexpected cancellations and delays with the purchase of our TravelStar ®  Trip Cancellation Insurance.  We’ll cover the unexpected costs of a trip cancellation, interruption, or delay so you don’t have to take a hit for something you had no control over.  

What's included?

Our TravelStar Trip Cancellation Coverage helps you feel protected even before you start your trip. In the event your trip is cancelled before your departure, you'll be covered for items such as non-refundable airfare, pre-paid travel arrangements and any cancellation penalties. In the event your trip is interrupted after leaving, you'll be covered for items like transportation to rejoin tour groups or the cost of out-of-pocket expenses during longer delays (such as meals, accommodations, telephone calls and taxi fares). Plus, if your personal belongings are delayed, lost or damaged, you’ll be covered by the baggage benefit that’s included at no extra cost with our Trip Cancellation Coverage.

Don't forget there's 10% savings on your Trip Cancellation Coverage when you bundle it with Emergency Medical Coverage!

Travel protected with TravelStar Travel Insurance.

Get a Quote

Insured Events

When you purchase GMS TravelStar Trip Cancellation Coverage, you'll protect the financial investment you made in your trip should an event like the following arise. 

Insured Events Event

Emergency Medical Conditions

Unexpected medical conditions that delay, prevent or interrupt your travel.

• Complications due to your, your spouses or immediate family member's pregnancy, within the first 31 weeks, that prevents or interrupts your travel.
• Unexpected pregnancy occurring after booking a trip which prevents your travel if the expected due date falls within 9 weeks of departure.

The death of an immediate family member, business partner, key employee, caregiver or host at your destination that prevents or interrupts your travel.

Government Advisories & Visas

• Travel advisories issued by the Canadian Government that recommend against travel after booking your trip to your destination country where there is no global travel advisory announced or in place.
• The non-issuance of travel visas for reasons beyond your control which prevents or delays your travel.

Employment & Occupation

• Cancellation of a business meeting, tradeshow, convention or training course beyond your or your employer's control.
• Your or your travelling companion's loss of employment which was not reasonably foreseeable at the time of booking the trip.

Default of a Travel Supplier

Travel services are not delivered due to the financial default of your travel supplier.

Delays, Schedule Change & Misconnections

• Weather conditions, mechanical failure, traffic accidents, road closures, or airline schedule changes that delays, prevents or interrupts your travel.
• The cancellation of a concert, wedding, or other event which is the sole purpose for your travel.
• Your cruise is cancelled prior to departure due to the cruise ship experiencing mechanical failure, grounding, quarantine or repositioning due to weather.

Other Risks

Delays due to natural disasters; an act of terrorism before or after departure; hijacking or forced quarantine; jury duty or subpoena to be a witness; default of travel supplier.

The above is a summary only. Refer to the  policy wording  for details and information on limitations or restrictions.

Events That Are Not Covered

There are limitations and exclusions in the policy . See the details in the policy’s exclusion section. A few examples of events that are not covered are:

Events That Are Not Covered Event

Pre-existing conditions

Claims related to pre-existing medical conditions and symptoms may not be covered. You must meet the 180 day stability period defined in the policy.

Anticipated events

Circumstances or medical conditions you were aware of before booking your trip or purchasing your Trip Cancellation Plan, which may prevent or interrupt your travel, are not covered.

Global Travel Advisories

Any trip delay or interruption is not covered when you choose to travel to a destination that has a travel advisory of “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” issued by the Canadian Government after you purchase the plan and it  is still in place on your departure date and then an insured risk occurs while on your trip.

Baggage Not Covered

If your baggage is lost the benefit does not cover the theft of animals, sunglasses, prescription glasses or contact lenses, jewellery, hearing aids, event tickets, hand-held electronic devices (camera or camera equipment, laptops, tablets, smart phones, cellular phones, and hand-held gaming devices), or unaccompanied baggage.

Travel Credit or Travel Voucher

Expenses related to a travel credit or travel voucher issued or offered by a travel supplier are not covered. If the credit or voucher for a trip was refused by you, it can’t be used as a reason to claim.

Make the best of a bad situation.

A delay in your trip can be both costly and frustrating. That’s why we recommend adding the Trip Delay Upgrade to your travel insurance package. With this upgrade, you can be covered for necessary and comfort items when a travel delay lasts 12 hours or more. The upgrade includes coverage for: 

• Out-of-pocket expenses of up to $500 per day (to a maximum of $1,500) for accommodations, meals, essential telephone calls, wifi and taxi or ride sharing fares:
• Up to $200 for you to attend a ticketed event like a movie, concert, or sporting event; and
• The extra cost of transportation to rejoin your tour, group or trip if you haven't been returned to your province of residence because of a change in plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can buy a trip cancellation plan.

Trip Cancellation plans are available to anyone provided:

• they're a Canadian resident;
• the plan is purchased before leaving on a trip;
• the destination isn't under a travel advisory to avoid non-essential or all travel;
• the plan is purchased prior to cancellation penalties being imposed; and
• medical questions have been answered if your trip is valued over $12,000

Is Trip Cancellation Coverage subject to provincial retail sales tax?

Yes, in some provinces.

What should I do if I have to cancel my trip?

For full or partially-refundable trips, contact your travel supplier as soon as you can. Once your trip has been cancelled, you’ll need to go our Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Claim page to learn what steps to follow.

Reimbursement will not be provided for trips booked through the redemption of any reward points  

Have more questions?

We'll gladly answer them

TravelStar Trip Cancellation Documents

You might also be interested in:.

Health Insurance

Immigrants & Visitors Insurance

Group Benefits

Cancel for Any Reason

Available as an add-on to Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance , Cancel for Any Reason optional coverage is ideal for travellers who need flexibility. When purchased within 5 days of booking the trip and making the initial payment (or before any cancellation penalties from the travel supplier apply), you can:

• Cancel for any reason (not already listed as a covered risk in the policy)
• Be reimbursed up to 50% of the pre-paid, unused non-refundable travel costs—as long as you cancel 5+ days before the departure date

Why add Cancel for Any Reason?

Michael booked a Mexican beach vacation, but the 14-day weather forecast called for rain for more than half his trip. He cancelled 7 days before he was scheduled to leave, so he was reimbursed for 50% of his pre-paid unused non-refundable travel costs.

Our travel insurance covered: $1,350

Get travel insurance online

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for Canada

Mandy Sleight

Alyce Meserve

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Heidi Gollub

Updated 5:04 a.m. UTC Jan. 25, 2024

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Lucky-photographer, Getty Images

• Travel insurance can cover injuries or illnesses while you’re traveling in Canada, as your domestic health insurance may not travel with you across the border.
• The best travel insurance for Canada will also cover costs associated with trip cancellation, delay and interruption.
• If you plan to travel with high-value items like a laptop, smartphone or camera, ensure the travel insurance you buy has enough per-item coverage for lost, damaged or stolen belongings.

Many U.S. travelers flock to our northern neighbor to take in Canada’s cultural experiences and stunning remote landscapes. While travel insurance isn’t a requirement to enter Canada, it may be worth purchasing for the benefits, like medical insurance, trip cancellation and baggage coverage.

“Even if Canada doesn’t feel too far from the U.S., being out of the country can be stressful, and any unexpected costs that get in your way, from lost baggage to getting sick or injured, can make any mishaps even more upsetting,” said Daniel Durazo, spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance. “With the right travel insurance policy, you can ease your mind from unexpected travel scenarios or outrageous out-of-pocket bills.” 

Here’s what you should consider when buying travel insurance for Canada.

Understanding travel insurance for Canada 

Understanding Canada travel insurance can make choosing a policy easier. Compare plans to see which policies meet your travel needs. For example, some plans have exclusions for adventure activities, such as rock climbing without equipment, but may offer an adventure sports bundle as an upgrade. 

There are also various limitations on medical coverages, trip delay, trip interruption and trip cancellation benefits that could make one policy better than another for your Canada trip.

It’s best to buy travel insurance soon after making your first trip deposit. This way you’re covered for a longer period, at no additional cost. 

“Travel insurance policies typically only cover unknown and unforeseen situations, from unexpected injuries or illness to flight cancellations and weather-related events,” said Durazo. “If you wait until you have a problem, you likely won’t be covered.”

Buying travel insurance coverage within 14 days of your first trip deposit ensures you get the most benefits. Depending on the plan, buying early could also make you eligible for a pre-existing condition waiver. This means the insurance provider won’t look back at your medical records if you file a claim for a medical condition you already had before buying the policy.

But if you have a trip coming up soon, don’t worry — you can buy a travel insurance policy up to 24 hours before your departure date.

Key coverage considerations for travel insurance in Canada 

The best travel insurance plans bundle together several types of insurance, from trip cancellation insurance to travel medical insurance. No matter what your plans are once you enter Canada, consider these key coverages when researching travel insurance to Canada. 

Trip cancellation insurance  

Sometimes, things happen that require you to cancel your trip. Maybe a family member was going to watch your kids while you’re gone, and they’re now too sick to take care of them. Or severe weather impacts the airline, grounding your flight for the days you planned to be in Canada.

Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse up to 100% of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, like a flightseeing tour in the Yukon or a Johnston Canyon tour in Banff, if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Other reasons you might have to cancel include family emergency, job loss, severe injury or sickness, terrorism or military deployment. 

However, you can’t cancel for any reason — like a falling out with your travel companion — and get reimbursed, unless you upgrade your travel insurance plan to “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. Although CFAR can add around 50% to your travel insurance costs, the ability to cancel for any reason and receive up to 75% of your nonrefundable expenses can make the extra expense worth it. Just make sure you cancel at least 48 hours before your departure date and time to get this benefit.

Delays in your Canada trip  

If you’re headed to Canada during winter, severe weather could shut down the airport or cause flight delays. If you’re flying from Baltimore to Whistler with a connection in Chicago, but a winter storm causes delays in Baltimore, you might miss your connecting flight to Vancouver.

Most travel insurance plans will reimburse for meals and hotel accommodation expenses you incur from a travel delay. But to be eligible, the delay usually has to be at least six hours, with some policies requiring 12 consecutive hours before trip delay coverage kicks in. Seven Corners, for instance, will reimburse up to $250 per day per person to a maximum of $2,000 for a delay of at least six hours.

Trip insurance with delay benefits will also reimburse for prepaid expenses you miss out on because of a covered delay. So, if you miss out on your first two days at the ski lodge and can’t transfer or exchange prepaid snowboarding lessons, you can file a claim.

Tackling trip interruption  

The last thing you’d expect while taking in the Halifax, Nova Scotia sites is to have a family emergency back home. If you get a call that your mom fell down the stairs and is in the hospital with a broken leg, you’ll probably be ready to catch the next flight home to be with her.

Luckily, travel insurance includes trip interruption benefits, which can help you get there without a large out-of-pocket expense. Trip interruption coverage will pay for your one-way ticket back home and cover any prepaid accommodations and tours you’ll miss from having to shorten your trip.

Dealing with lost bags and belongings  

Travel insurance will also cover baggage loss and personal items that get damaged, stolen or lost while you’re traveling. So if you check your hiking poles and boots and they get damaged or lost during the flight, your travel insurance will reimburse you for the depreciated cost of those items.

You’ll also have coverage if someone steals your backpack while you’re sightseeing in Toronto. If you’re traveling with high-value items, make sure you have enough coverage. Many travel insurance plans have a $500 to $1,000 cap on certain items like cameras, watches and computers. Some policies also exclude coverage for smartphones.

Making plans for medical bills in Canada

Don’t be surprised if your health insurance provides little to no coverage in Canada or requires you to pay a large out-of-pocket deductible, said Carol Mueller, spokesperson for Berkshire Hathaway. Canada doesn’t accept Medicare from the U.S., and your health insurance won’t cover you unless you have global coverage. The Government of Canada will also not cover hospital and medical expenses for visitors, including American tourists.

Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes, go hiking or just take advantage of what the swanky resort you splurged on has to offer, you never know when you might fall ill or get hurt. This is where travel medical insurance can help. 

Allianz’s OneTrip Prime single-trip plan will pay up to $50,000 for your medical expenses, such as X-rays, prescriptions, doctor’s visits or a hospital stay. Other plans, such as as some in our rating of the best travel insurance for seniors cover up to $500,000.

Even if you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, you might still want to consider a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-related medical treatment, like those in our rating of the best COVID-19 travel insurance .

Evacuation for serious medical issues   

Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is critical if you plan to travel to remote areas of Canada. The nearest trauma facility equipped to treat your medical emergency might be hundreds of miles away, requiring a medevac to get you there.

If you don’t have medical plan coverage, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical costs and private medical transportation. Travel insurance provides emergency medical evacuation coverage . 

The Allianz OneTrip Prime and Berkshire Hathaway’s ExactCare travel plans will cover up to $500,000 for emergency medical transportation and repatriation of remains. Travel Guard and Seven Corners plans will each provide up to $1 million. 

What is the cost of Canada travel insurance? 

There are several factors insurers use to determine the cost of a travel insurance policy , including age, trip cost, destination and length of the trip. In general, you can expect travel insurance to cost about 5% to 6% of your total trip cost.  

When calculating the trip expenses to insure, only include those that are nonrefundable. If your prepaid, nonrefundable flights, accommodations and tours total $5,000, you can expect to pay around $275 for travel insurance. You may pay more if you choose a plan with higher coverage limits and upgrades.

Companies use different criteria and weigh factors differently than other providers, so comparing travel insurance policy quotes can help you find the most comprehensive plan for the best price. You can use travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth to compare coverage limits and add-on coverage such as rental car, “cancel for any reason” and adventure sports. 

Key benefits of having travel insurance for your Canada trip  

Even though you’re not flying across an ocean, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a travel insurance plan. Some of the key benefits of having travel insurance for your Canada trip include:

• Not stressing or worrying about not having government health insurance plan coverage since you’re not a Canadian resident.
• Not losing out on your nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs if something unforeseen occurs and you have to cancel your trip or head home early.
• Knowing that if your trip is delayed or canceled, or you lose a bag or get something stolen, you have coverage to recoup at least some of your out-of-pocket costs.

The right travel plan can provide peace of mind, and many policies will pay for themselves if you need to make a claim for a covered reason.

Tips for choosing the best travel insurance provider for your Canada trip  

Comparing travel insurance companies can help you make the right choice when choosing a travel insurance product. Check customer reviews and complaints on websites like Trustpilot. Travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip can also help you identify the best travel insurance company and most generous policy.

Don’t be afraid to call an insurance company to ask them “what if?” questions to ensure you’re getting the right policy. “You should feel confident in the coverage you purchase and trust you will receive the level of claims service you deserve if you need to file a claim,” said Mueller.

You should always read the fine print to know your policy’s limitations and exclusions. This includes restrictions on trip delay, cancellation and interruption benefits, and understanding what you’ll need to file a claim for baggage damage, loss, or medical care. 

Tip: Most travel insurance companies offer a 10 to 15 free look period, which allows you to review the policy and cancel it for a full refund if you decide it’s not the best choice.

Other insurance considerations for Canada 

If you’re planning to participate in adventure activities, like dogsledding in the Yukon, kayaking the Johnstone Strait to see orcas or surfing and hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you want to make sure you’re covered. 

World Nomads Explorer travel insurance plan covers more than 200 adventure activities. You can also get extreme sports coverage, license fees and equipment delay coverage with Berkshire Hathaway’s AdrenalineCare travel plan. Travel Guard offers an Adventure Sports Bundle optional upgrade, which waives benefit exclusions for adventure and extreme activities.

We mentioned CFAR coverage above, but some policies also offer optional “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage. It works like CFAR, allowing you to end your trip early for any reason, not just those listed in your policy. Seven Corners offers a CFAR and IFAR upgrade for up to 75% of nonrefundable trip costs as long as you purchase it within 20 days of your first trip payment.

Road trips are also a popular way to see Canada’s beauty. If you plan to rent a car, it may be worth getting rental vehicle coverage if your credit card doesn’t offer it. World Nomads will cover up to $35,000 in collision damage waiver, while Travel Guard’s rental vehicle damage coverage will pay up to $50,000 in damage to your rental vehicle. Note that this coverage does not include liability insurance , if you are at fault for an accident that results in injuries or damage to others’ property. Check with your car insurance company to make sure your U.S. auto insurance coverage extends to driving in Canada. 

Travel insurance for Canada FAQs

Travel insurance is not a requirement to travel to Canada. However, travel insurance will provide travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage, as well as benefits for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay, cancellation or interruption and sometimes missed connections. 

The average cost of travel insurance is around 5% to 6% of your travel costs to Canada. Your age, trip cost and other factors determine how much you’ll pay for travel insurance.

To find the best travel insurance for Canada, fill out a brief online form on an insurer’s website with your name, age, address and details about your trip, like the total cost and number of travelers. A travel insurance comparison site like Squaremouth allows you to fill out one application and get multiple quotes at the same time. 

The best travel insurance in Canada depends on where you’re going, what activities you’re doing and the types of coverage you need. After comparing dozens of providers, we found WorldTrips , Travel Insured and TravelSafe are among the best travel insurance companies .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard
• Travelex Travel Insurance
• Trawick International Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA
• TravelSafe Insurance

CFAR Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

"Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) travel insurance provides the utmost flexibility, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason that's not covered by standard travel insurance. It's the safety net for those 'just in case' moments, offering peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances. Let's dive into what sets CFAR cover apart from general-purpose best travel insurance policies .

• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• Travel Guard : Best Value
• Travelex Travel Insurance : Best for Adventurers
• Trawick International Travel Insurance : Most Popular
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Cruises and Tours
• TravelSafe Insurance : Best for Quick Protection

Compare the Top CFAR Insurance Offers

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
• A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
• Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
• GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
• Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Best Cancel for Any Reason Insurance Reviews

Best overall cfar insurance: seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance is a well-known carrier that has served thousands of travelers. The Trip Protection Choice plan offers a cancel for any reason travel insurance add-on that covers up to 75% of total trip costs, with a maximum of up to $75,000 in reimbursement. Medical coverage is also generous, with up to $500,000 per person for eligible medical expenses and evacuation/repatriation limits of up to $1 million per person.

Seven Corners also offers generous benefits on lost baggage and delayed travel or baggage expenses. Baggage delay benefits kick in after just six hours and go up to $500 per person. The Choice plan does not insure travel canceled by tour operators that are or have gone out of business, so this policy may not be the best fit for travelers who plan to visit destinations with tenuous

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

Best Value CFAR Travel Insurance: AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Travel Guard  is one of the best-known names in the travel insurance industry, with several plans available for traveler needs in every direction. AIG also provided the lowest quote for our hypothetical Europe travelers despite offering the highest ceiling on CFAR reimbursement. Both AIG's Preferred and Deluxe insurance plans offer CFAR coverage as an add-on to the policy, and some policies cover up to 75% of total trip costs going all the way up to a maximum reimbursement of $112,500.

Many AIG policies also include COVID coverage even without CFAR protection, as well as some ancillary benefits such as rental car protection and even pet travel insurance.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Insurance for Adventurers: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance is a great cancel for any reason option for travelers who plan to participate in strenuous or adventurous activities during their trip. While the CFAR coverage add-on only reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses, it still provides a certain modicum of peace of mind in case of emergencies, with cancellation available as an option up to 48 hours before travel begins. Travelex offers low medical coverage compared with its competitors, with a maximum of up to $50,000 per person. Travelers participating in adventure sports can purchase an optional add-on bundle for additional coverage. In case of emergency, Travelex policy holders might do well to consider the travel insurance benefits on their credit cards to supplement any potential medical expenses.

Read our Travelex Insurance review here.

Most Popular Cancel for any Reason Travel Insurance: Trawick Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance had one of the priciest plans with CFAR coverage in our comparison, but the carrier's popularity amongst travelers is undeniable, for many reasons. The Safe Travels Explorer is particularly beneficial for pet owners who may incur medical expenses for their animals, as the plan includes up to $250 toward unexpected costs for cats and that who accompany their owners in their travels.

While Trawick's CFAR coverage was one of the most expensive add-ons we evaluated as well, the carrier offers generous compensation margins for travelers who need it, with up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable trip costs.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Coverage for Cruises: A XA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  is a great option for our hypothetical Europe cruise travelers, with its coverage of up to $1,500 per person for missed cruises and tours. This insurer also covers lost and delayed ski, sports and golf equipment – items that aren't always included in lost or delayed baggage coverage under other carriers. The rest of your belongings are safe too with AXA, as lost baggage claim ceilings are up to $3,000 per person - more than double some of its other competitors. Unfortunately, AXA may not be the best fit for travelers who need high-ticket travel protection, as the upper limit for CFAR reimbursement only goes up to a maximum of $50,000 despite covering up to 75% of total nonrefundable expenses, which is lower than the ceilings from other competitors such as AIG and Seven Corners. Furthermore, CFAR insurance coverage can only be added on to AXA's top-tier Platinum plan.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here

Best CFAR Coverage for Convenience: TravelSafe Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great option to consider if you have a lot of stops or transits on your trip, or if you are an expat living abroad. This insurer offers flexible coverage terms for longer travel durations. If you are 79 years old or younger, you can purchase a single-trip travel insurance plan that can cover your adventures for up to 120 days. Furthermore, reimbursement for baggage delays and losses, trip delays and missed connections kick in far more quickly than most competitors, with up to $2,500 per person for eligible missed travel connections available at the three-hour mark.

While TravelSafe's medical coverage of up to $100,000 may be on the lower side for travelers who anticipate potential medical expenses, those with the right credit cards may be able to supplement their emergency costs through a claim with their card issuer.

Read our TravelSafe Insurance review here.

Understanding 'Cancel for Any Reason' Coverage

Key features.

CFAR policies are unique; they allow cancellation for reasons beyond the usual covered reasons of travel insurance policies. This includes fear of traveling due to a pandemic or a sudden change of mind. However, it's essential to understand the specifics, such as the percentage of the trip cost reimbursed and the time frame for cancellation.

How CFAR Differs from Standard Policies

Unlike traditional travel insurance policies that cover specific cancellation reasons like illness or weather-related issues, CFAR offers a broader spectrum of coverage. It's the premium choice for travelers seeking full control over their plans.

That said, you must also buy travel insurance early if you want to qualify for a CFAR policy, usually within a certain period from when you place a deposit on your trip. That's why it's important to be mindful of when you buy travel insurance . 

How to Pick The Best CFAR Travel Insurance Plan for You

There is no one-size-fits-all "best" insurance plan, especially for CFAR coverage, which can add to your insurance premium. Even for the same person, the right policy will vary from trip to trip, depending on your activities.

If you're primarily concerned about getting your money back if your schedule changes, you may be able to get away with a basic plan that allows you to add CFAR coverage. If you're undertaking a grueling hike through some challenging mountain ranges, you may want to select a policy that includes generous medical and evacuation protection, plus flexibility to reschedule or re-book your trip in case of injury. And if you plan to visit a number of destinations within a short amount of time, trip delay or baggage loss protection may need to be one of your top priorities.

Steps to Choosing CFAR Coverage

• Evaluating Your Travel Needs Consider the nature of your trip, destinations, and what uncertainties you might face. This will help determine the level of travel insurance coverage you need.
• Comparing Prices and Benefits Analyze different policies in terms of cost, coverage percentage, and additional benefits. Look for the best value for your specific needs.
• Reading the Fine Print Understanding the terms and conditions, including the cancellation window and reimbursement process, is crucial to avoid any surprises.
• Making the Most of Your Policy Once you've chosen a policy, it's important to know how to use it effectively.
• Understanding Your Policy Familiarize yourself with the details of your policy, including how and when to file a claim.
• Tips for Filing a Claim Be timely and thorough when filing a claim. Keep all relevant documents handy and follow the provider's process closely to ensure a smooth experience.

CFAR insurance is purchased as an add-on to a single trip travel insurance policy. It will affect how much you can receive for a canceled trip, but won't affect your other benefits. 

No, insurance providers generally don't offer CFAR for multi-trip annual plans. It's limited to single trip travel insurance.

This varies by provider, but typically, CFAR policies reimburse between 50% and 75% of the pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

Yes, cancel for any reason travel insurance is worth it if there's a chance you need to change your travel plans. Traditional travel insurance only offers cancellation coverage for specific reasons, so CFAR insurance provides extra coverage and peace of mind. It also reduces the amount of paperwork necessary for filing a claim.

Trip cancellation coverage is a benefit of standard travel insurance plans, offering reimbursement if your trip needs to be canceled for specific covered reasons, such as a death in the family or illness. On the other hand, cancel for any reason insurance, reimburses you for a canceled trip regardless of the reason, so there are fewer restrictions.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best CFAR Travel Insurance

Business Insider reviewed numerous insurance products looking for the best options. Especially when it come to travel insurance, each traveler has a distinct experience and plan. So we looked for companies offering the optimal coverage packages for certain groups.

To accurately compare the cost of CFAR coverage from the insurance carriers we recommend, we collected quotes for a hypothetical two-week trip to three countries in Europe for two travelers ages 38 and 45 that includes a river cruise, renting a vacation home, and taking several flights. The total cost of travel comes out to $14,000 between two people.

The main factors we evaluated when picking our top CFAR travel insurance options were: policy cost, level of protection, claims experience, and policy types.

All our reviews are independently done, meaning travel insurance companies don't get to review or approve our reviews. Similarly, our top guide spots are not for sale. All placements are earned through strong coverage, efficient claims handling, and strong customer service.

Read our insurance rating methodology for more details.

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of April 2024

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Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance in case any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Best Senior Travel Insurance

• Allianz Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• John Hancock Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Trips
• Travel Guard : Best for Annual Insurance

Compare the Top Travel Insurance for Seniors

Best senior travel insurance reviews.

Having the right travel insurance will give you peace of mind while you travel and cover any losses incurred if you need to cancel your trip due to health issues. If you're 60+ years old, check out our top picks for senior travel insurance below.

Best Overall Travel Insurance for Seniors: Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason). Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Exotic Trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Policies: Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding Travel Insurance for Seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. Travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of Coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of Travel Insurance for Seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the Most of Your Plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding Your Policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency Assistance Services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to Pick The Best Senior Travel Insurance for You

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

Senior Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

What should seniors specifically look for in a travel insurance policy.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

How much does senior travel insurance cost?

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

How can seniors save money on travel insurance?

When it comes to saving money on senior travel insurance, you should only be covering the services that you need. For example, if your plane tickets are refundable, there's no need to insure those.

What is the best travel insurance for seniors?

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies, which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

What is the oldest age for travel insurance?

Most travel insurance policies will cover travelers up to age 80, and some even offer coverage up to age 99 or 100. The older you are, the more you should expect to pay for travel insurance.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

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By Katrina Miller

On April 8, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. The moon will glide over the surface of our sun, casting a shadow over a swath of Earth below. Along this path, the world will turn dark as night.

Skywatchers in Mexico will be the first to see the eclipse on the mainland. From there, the show will slide north, entering the United States through Texas, then proceeding northeast before concluding for most people off the coast of Canada.

Why eclipses happen is simple: the moon comes between us and the sun. But they are also complicated. So if you’ve forgotten all of your eclipse facts, tips and how-to’s since 2017, we’re here to explain it for you.

But before we dive in, there is one thing to know that is more important than anything else: It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse (except for the few moments when the moon has fully obscured its surface). At all other times, watch the event through protective eye equipment . Read on to learn about how to watch an eclipse safely.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon orients itself between Earth and the sun, shielding the solar surface from our view.

In cosmic terms, it is unusual that this happens: the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is about 400 times closer to us. That means that when these two celestial bodies are aligned, they appear to be the same size in the sky.

What other types of eclipses are there?

Annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is farther from Earth and appears too small to completely shield the sun’s surface. Instead, the outer part of the solar disk remains uncovered — a “ring of fire” in the sky.

Partial solar eclipses happen when Earth, the moon and the sun are imperfectly aligned. The moon only obscures a chunk of the sun. There will be two in 2025.

Earth can also get between the moon and the sun, creating a lunar eclipse. This can be observed once or twice a year .

How dark will it be during the eclipse?

In any given place along the eclipse path , the event will last around two hours or more.

The event will commence with a partial solar eclipse, as the moon takes a small bite out of the sun’s edge, then consumes more and more of its surface. According to NASA , this can last anywhere from 70 to 80 minutes.

The phase of the eclipse where the moon has completely blocked the sun’s surface is called totality. This is the only time the event can be viewed with the naked eye.

The length of totality varies by location. In April, some places will experience this phase for more than four minutes; others, for only one to two minutes.

During totality, the sky will get dark as night and the temperature will drop. Wispy white strings of light from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will suddenly be visible. Lucky viewers may even spot a thin, reddish-pink circle around the edge of the moon. That’s the chromosphere, an atmospheric layer below the sun’s corona. Its color comes from the presence of hydrogen throughout the layer.

After totality, the sun will slowly peek out from behind the moon again — another partial eclipse that will last the same amount of time as the first one. The moon will recede until the sun is back to normal brightness in our sky.

How can I watch the solar eclipse safely?

In general, avoid looking directly at the sun without special equipment to protect your eyes. Inexpensive options for watching the eclipse include paper solar viewers and glasses. If you are using equipment purchased for a past solar eclipse, make sure to inspect it. Toss anything with scratches or other signs of damage.

According to NASA , it is not safe to look at the sun through any optical device while using paper glasses or viewers. To watch the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, buy a special solar filter.

The only time you can view a solar eclipse with the naked eye is during the moments of totality. Once the moon begins to reveal the surface of the sun again, return to watching the event through protective equipment to avoid injury.

What happens if I look at the eclipse without protection?

In general, staring directly at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to your eyes . This can range from blurry or distorted vision to something even more serious, like blind spots. Because there are no pain receptors in the retina, you won’t feel it while it’s happening.

The same is true during an eclipse — except during the brief moments of totality, when the moon has hidden the face of the sun. At all other times, use protective eye equipment to view the event.

What do I do if I can’t find eclipse glasses?

If it’s too late to get glasses or viewers, there’s always a do-it-yourself option: a pinhole camera to indirectly experience the eclipse. You can create one using cardstock , a cardboard box , a kitchen strainer or even your fingers . These designs project an image of the eclipse onto the ground or some other surface that is safe to look at.

Where are the best places to watch the eclipse?

The total eclipse will sweep across large portions of Mexico, the United States and eastern Canada. For the most dramatic show, it’s best to experience the eclipse along the path of totality , which is where the moon will completely blot out the sun.

The Path of the Eclipse

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada. Viewers outside the path of the total eclipse will see a partial eclipse, if the sky is clear .

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers near Mazatlán, a beach town on the Pacific shoreline of Mexico, will be the first place to experience totality on North America’s mainland. Various sites in Mexico along the eclipse’s path will experience the longest duration of totality — as long as four minutes and 29 seconds.

Cities across the United States, including Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland, will most likely be hot spots for the upcoming eclipse. Other notable locations include Carbondale, Ill., which also saw totality during the solar eclipse in 2017; small towns west of Austin, Texas, which are projected to have some of the best weather in the country along the eclipse path; and Niagara Falls, if the skies are clear. Six provinces of Canada are in the path of totality, but many of them have a very cloudy outlook.

When does the eclipse begin and end?

The show begins at dawn, thousands of miles southwest of the Pacific shore of Mexico. The moon starts to conceal the sun near Mazatlán at 9:51 a.m. local time. Viewers near Mazatlán will experience totality at 11:07 a.m. for four minutes and 20 seconds.

Then the moon’s shadow will swoop through Mexico, crossing over the Texas border at 1:10 p.m. Eastern time. Totality in the United States will start at 2:27 p.m. and end at 3:33 p.m. Eastern time.

Canadians will experience the solar eclipse in the afternoon for nearly three hours. The eclipse concludes beyond Canada’s boundaries when the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

What time is the eclipse in New York, Texas, Illinois, Mexico, Canada and other locations?

If you’d like to look up when the eclipse starts, reaches its peak under totality and then ends, you can visit The Times’s interactive map , which will also give you the weather outlook for April 8 along the event’s path.

Below are the times in selected locations when the eclipse will begin totality.

How long will the eclipse last?

The duration of totality depends on how far a given location on Earth is from the moon. Places with the longest totality are closest to the moon and farther from the sun. The speed of the lunar shadow is slowest over spots with the longest totality.

In April, the longest period of totality will occur over Durango, a state in Mexico, for a total of four minutes and 29 seconds. Along the centerline, the location of shortest totality on land is on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, for about two minutes and 54 seconds. But totality is even shorter along the edges of the total eclipse path; in some places, it lasts less than a minute.

How fast does the eclipse move?

Solar eclipses may seem to happen slowly, but the moon’s shadow is racing across the surface of Earth. Exact speeds vary by location. Eclipse calculators estimate the shadow will move between about 1,560 m.p.h. and 1,600 m.p.h. through Mexico, and more than 3,000 m.p.h. by the time it exits the United States. The eclipse will reach speeds exceeding 6,000 m.p.h. over the Atlantic Ocean.

When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?

According to the American Astronomical Society , total solar eclipses happen once every year or so, but they can only be viewed along a narrow path on Earth’s surface. Many occur over water or other places that can be difficult to reach. A given location will experience totality once in about 400 years.

But some places get lucky: Carbondale, a college town in southern Illinois, saw the total solar eclipse in the United States on Aug. 21, 2017, and will experience another one this April. San Antonio experienced an annular eclipse last October, and is also in the path of totality for this year’s eclipse.

Do other planets experience solar eclipses?

Yes, any planet in our solar system with a moon can experience a solar eclipse. In February, a Martian rover captured Phobos , one of the red planet’s moons, transiting the sun.

The moons on other planets, though, appear either smaller or larger than the sun in the sky . Only Earth has a moon just the right size and at just the right distance to produce the unique effects of totality.

How will things on Earth change during the eclipse?

As the eclipse approaches its maximum phase, the air will get cooler, the sky will grow dimmer, shadows will sharpen and you might notice images of crescents — tiny projections of the eclipse — within them. Along the path of totality, the world will go dark while the moon inches toward perfect alignment with Earth and the sun.

Animals will also react to the solar eclipse. Bees stop buzzing , birds stop whistling and crickets begin chirping. Some pets may express confusion . Even plants are affected, scientists found after the solar eclipse in 2017 . They have diminished rates of photosynthesis and water loss similar to, though not as extreme as, what happens at night.

What’s the difference between experiencing a solar eclipse at 99 percent compared with a total eclipse?

Patricia Reiff, a physicist at Rice University who has traveled for 25 eclipses and counting, says that if you are in a place where you’d see a 99 percent partial eclipse, it’s worth safely traveling a little farther to experience a total eclipse.

“Ninety-nine percent is cool,” she said, but “totality is oh-my-God crazy.”

Even at 99 percent eclipse, the sky won’t darken — you won’t be able to see stars or planets. Changes in the temperature, wind and shadows won’t be as dramatic. And the moon won’t block out enough light for you to witness the sun’s corona.

What if I can’t get to the path of totality?

Viewers in locations away from the eclipse path will see the moon partially blot out the sun, though how perceptible the effects are depends on the site’s distance from the centerline. (The closer you are, the more remarkable it will be.) Still, it won’t be quite like experiencing the eclipse during totality.

Remember that you should always wear protective eye equipment while watching a partial eclipse.

If you can’t make it to the path of totality but still want to experience it, many organizations are providing live video streams of the eclipse, including NASA and Time and Date . The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco, will also offer a sonification of the eclipse and a broadcast in Spanish.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

If you’re willing to travel, the next total solar eclipse is on Aug. 12, 2026. People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Spain will experience the event.

But if you want to see an eclipse in the United States, you’ll have to wait a long time. While a total eclipse will graze parts of Alaska in 2033, the next one to reach the lower 48 states is on Aug. 22, 2044. That event crosses parts of Canada and ends in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

For those willing to wait until 2045, the eclipse of Aug. 12 that year will start in California and travel east, exiting the country in Florida.

What have we learned from solar eclipses?

In the 1800s, a French astronomer discovered the element helium by studying the spectrum of sunlight emitted during an eclipse. These events also allowed the first scientific observations of coronal mass ejections — violent expulsions of plasma from the sun’s corona — which can cause power outages and communication disruptions on Earth. Scientists also confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which says that massive objects bend the fabric of space-time, during a solar eclipse in 1919.

And there is more to discover. This April, NASA plans to fly instruments on planes to capture images of the solar corona, and launch rockets to study how the drop in sunlight during an eclipse affects Earth’s atmosphere. A radio telescope in California will try to use the moon as a shield to measure emissions from individual sunspots .

The public is joining the fun, too. During the eclipse, a team of ham radio operators will beam signals across the country to study how solar disturbances can affect communications. Some people along the path of totality will record sounds from wildlife . Others will use their phones to snap pictures of the eclipse to help sketch out the shape of the solar disk .

An earlier version of this article referred imprecisely to eclipse on other worlds. Some appear larger than the sun in sky, they are not all partial eclipses.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller