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We’ve compiled a list of travel insurance companies that offer cancellation cover, now you can compare and choose the right policy. Some policies can give you cover if you catch coronavirus and have to cancel your trip, but most won’t cover cancellation costs because of border closures.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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Cancellation cover protects you from the financial expenses of having to cancel a trip or cutting it short. Cover can be featured as a benefit in travel insurance or can be purchased as a standalone policy. It can also be featured as a benefit in a policy or purchased as a stand-alone insurance policy.
Having cancellation in your travel insurance means that you can claim money back up to a certain amount depending on the reason for the cancellation.
You can get cancellation cover in a few different ways;
Handy if you're staying close by, spent a decent amount on your trip and aren't concerned about medical cover.
The easiest and safest option, especially if you've spent a lot on your trip.
A clever way to maximise other benefits if you don't need that much cancellation. Only pay for the cancellation cover that you need.
Cancellation only cover is available if your trip is in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and there are only a handful of Finder partners who offer a policy with coverage like this. Depending on your policy, you can get cover for up to $10,000.
Cancellation only policies are a good idea if you've spent a lot on your trip. Consider all the things you pre-book; flights, accommodation, car hire, activities, etc. You risk losing all that money if you don't have cover and you need to cancel the trip because of something unexpected.
Brand | Policy Name | Amount | Go to site |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Domestic Cancellation | Chosen amount | Get quote |
![]() | Australian cancellation and baggage, Australian cancellation baggage and rental vehicle excess, New Zealand and Pacific Islands cancellation and baggage | $2,000 | |
![]() | Domestic Cancellation | $1,000 |
*Table was last updated in September 2019
You'll find that most comprehensive policies will include unlimited cancellation cover or at least between $20,000 - $50,000. For peace of mind, it would be the easiest option to just choose a policy with unlimited cancellation, however you could think about the value of your trip and if you've actually spent more than $20,000 in the first place. If you haven't, you could be paying for a benefit that you don't actually need.
For peace of mind, these are our partnered brands that offer unlimited cancellation cover.
Brand | Policy Name | Amount | Get to site |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Comprehensive, domestic, frequent traveller and already overseas | Unlimited | |
![]() | Gold plus cover | Unlimited | |
![]() | Ultimate and domestic | Unlimited | |
![]() | Comprehensive and domestic | Unlimited | |
![]() | Comprehensive and annual multi-trip | Unlimited | |
![]() | Comprehensive, snow sports plus, domestic plus, frequent traveller saver | Unlimited | |
![]() | Gold | Unlimited | Get quote |
![]() | International comprehensive and domestic | Unlimited | Go to site |
![]() | International comprehensive and annual multi-trip | Unlimited | |
![]() | Comprehensive, frequent traveller and australia only | Unlimited | |
![]() | International, frequent traveller, domestic and domestic frequent traveller | Unlimited | |
![]() | The works and annual multi-trip | Unlimited | |
![]() | International travel plan and annual multi-trip | Unlimited | |
![]() | Comprehensive and inbound travel | Unlimited | |
![]() | Top | Unlimited | |
![]() | Plan C and Plan D | Unlimited |
*Table was last updated in September 2019
If you value flexibility and want to get the most out of your benefits, this option could be suitable for you. These policies either exclude cancellation cover or provide minimal cover in the base policy. At time of purchase, you then have the option to choose what level of cancellation cover is best for your trip, and you pay for that amount. This means, if you don't need much cancellation cover, you won't have to pay for it.
We did the research and found these Finder partners who offer policies that allow you to choose your level of cancellation cover.
Brand | Policy Name | Amount | Get to site |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | International comprehensive | Chosen cover | |
![]() | Comprehensive, Domestic cancellation, Inbound | Chosen cover | Get quote |
![]() | Comprehensive, multi-trip and domestic | Chosen cover | |
![]() | Comprehensive and essentials | Chosen cover | |
![]() | Comprehensive and essentials | Chosen cover |
*Table was last updated in September 2019
Here are some examples of pre-paid travel expenses you can claim back on cancellation cover:
The best policy for one person might not be the best policy for another, so your ideal policy really just comes down to your specific requirements. Here are some tips on how to settle on the right policy:
When looking for cancellation cover, enter your trip details into our search engine. You can then select "Cancellation fees" on the sidebar or have a look at the second column in the table to show specific amounts.
Find a policy with Cancellation Cover
Some insurers come right out and tell you what they'll cover, while others only tell you what they won't cover (these are called exclusions and we'll touch on them later). At any rate, what the covered events all have in common are that they are unexpected and outside of your control.
Below are some situations that are commonly recognised as qualifying for cover, as long as there's no way you could have seen them coming (ie, unexpected). Just make sure you check your insurer's policy documents because not every insurer treats these situations exactly the same.
For the most part, yes, but it does depend on the reason for the cancellation. Here are a few examples;
When booking a trip, your flight is usually the first big payment you have to make. That's why it's a good idea to buy travel insurance when you buy your flight to cover you for unexpected cancellations.
Find out how to protect your finances during the global coronavirus pandemic with insurance.
Similarly to flights, there are some circumstances when you can claim hotel cancellation under your travel insurance. Here are some examples;
Just because your travel insurance policy includes cancellation cover, don't assume that you will be covered if you cancel your trip for any reason (unless you bought that policy). As we touched on above, travel insurers only cover you when you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to situations that are unexpected and outside your control. That means no cover will be provided if:
If you're making a travel insurance claim for cancellation, there are a few simple things you can do to improve the chances of your claim being paid:
You should buy travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip because the whole purpose of travel cancellation cover is to cover you for events that happen before your trip. If you wait until the date of the trip to buy insurance, you're basically wasting your trip cancellation cover.
Get a quote for travel insurance and compare options with cancellation cover. Our comparison tool will show you the policies with the most cancellation cover at the top of the list.
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The only times it won't cover your tour is if you cancel because of change of mind, if the tour company cancels the tour (because they will be liable for your compensation) or if the reason behind your cancellation is generally excluded from your policy.
If you're already on your tour and need to cancel, you might be able to claim back the unused portion, but this all depends on your policy type.
Our Finder partners only offer this for domestic trips. It can be hard to find insurance that will cover trip cancellation only for international travel. You might be able to get some sort of add on directly with an airline, hotel or tour company if you're worried about needing to cancel.
Reasons for cancelling a trip can include sickness, a death in the family, an unexpected natural disaster and government warnings to name a few. Essentially, the cancellation has to be due to an unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstance.
This doesn't include reasons such as not getting your annual leave from work approved, breaking up with a partner before the trip or change of mind.
Yes, all policies offer a cooling-off period during which you can cancel your cover and get a full refund. This is usually between 14 and 30 days after purchase and will only be paid if your trip hasn't yet started and you haven't already made any claims.
It definitely can, but it also depends on your illness. To get your claim approved, you need to have a certificate from a medical practitioner saying that you're not fit to travel. This means that you won't be covered for mild headaches and stomach cramps.
Another thing to consider is pre-existing medical conditions. If your illness is related to a pre-existing medical condition that you haven't disclose, you won't be covered for any expenses.
It will depend on the policy you choose. Some insurers will provide cover for claims related to terrorist threats while others will exclude it. You can find out who will offer cover terrorism here.
Picture: GettyImages
Jessica Prasida is an associate publisher for Finder specialising in travel and home insurance. She loves travelling and is a wannabe dumplings master. Jess has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification. She is currently studying a Master of Marketing.
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I have booked a flight for next April 2020 for an overseas holiday. Am l able to get insurance if l have to cancel the flight due to work not giving me holidays at this time?
Hi Diane,
Thanks for getting in touch with us at Finder.
Unfortunately, most insurers won’t consider this a reason outside of your control. Examples of this would be if there was a death in the family or an unexpected natural disaster.
You might be eligible for Cancel-for-any-reason cover, but this is only available through certain travel agencies and brokers.
I hope this helps, and good luck with getting your leave approved!
Kind regards,
Jessica
I am holding travel insurance which only covers the cruise component of a subsequently extended trip that follows the cruise. I will commence the cruise in less than three weeks and I am outside the refund window. The included medical conditions are quite limited. Do insurers decline to insure on declared non included conditions and refund the premium?
If I take out an alternate policy for the whole trip with another insurer will I have a problem when it comes to claiming? Do I have to deactivate the unused policy? I do not favour extending my existing policy.
Hi Hugh,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
For your first question, (Do insurers decline to insure on declared non included conditions and refund the premium?) it really depends on the conditions as to why the insurer would decline the claim. You may need to contact your insurer directly to check if this is within the policy you signed up for or not. For your second question, (If I take out an alternate policy for the whole trip with another insurer will I have a problem when it comes to claiming? Do I have to deactivate the unused policy? I do not favor extending my existing policy.). Doubling up and having two insurance policies is actually more common than you might think. … However, many insurance policies renew automatically, and if you don’t cancel your original policy before taking out new cover then it’s possible you could pay twice for the same thing.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
We would like to book our own non refundable flights from Sydney to Perth. Stay a few days at a motel that we book. Fly to Broome. Book a 4 day cruise around WA. Flight back to Perth/Sydney. Can we get cover for all these portions if we need to cancel for something unseen such as broken leg?
Hi Margo,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Yes, non-refundable deposits for pre-booked flights and accommodation are examples of pre-paid travel expenses you can be reimbursed for under trip cancellation cover. Unexpected events which are outside of your control like serious injury, you probably be covered. Some insurers come right out and tell you what they’ll cover, while others only tell you what they won’t cover – these are called exclusions.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am planning a 12 week trip for 2019 and have just been advised I may be called up for jury service until Oct 2019. Which policies cover jury service?
Hi Kat,
Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting finder.
When you’re called up for jury duty or to serve as a witness in court, this is recognized as qualifying for cover, as long as there’s no way you could have seen them coming (ie, unexpected).
Just make sure you check your insurer’s policy documents because not every insurer treats these situations exactly the same. You will need to provide evidence of this.
To know which insurance provider’s cover jury duty, you may use the table above. Simply enter the information needed on the fields and click GET QUOTE NOW. This will show the list of providers.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Regards,
Nikki
My husband is in aged care suffering from dementia. He is physically well, apart from an inability to walk, which has him confined to a wheelchair.
Would I be covered if say, he had a fall which caused severe injury or worse?
He is a fall risk.
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
According to our review on travel insurance exclusions, the family emergency portion of your policy reimburses you for expenses incurred by you if a relative dies unexpectedly during your journey or becomes hospitalised due to illness or injury like if your husband had a fall and caused severe injury. Common exclusions include the following:
I suggest that you double check this situation with your chosen insurer.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I plan to go on a trip for 10 days from July 11 to July 20. Deposit is due May 8. When taking out travel insurance on May 8 should the period of insurance be from May 8 to July 20 or from July 11 to July 20.
Hello Barry,
Thank you for your comment.
Generally, booking a travel insurance as soon as possible means you can benefit from cancellation cover. Once you’ve purchased a policy, cover for cancellation costs starts straight away. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Will cancellation cover be valid in the event that lessees of a business default and we, as landlords, have to cancel all commitments and holidays to operate the business?
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
It does say on our Travel Cancellation Insurance review that cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, tour operators, rental car companies, and more are covered by travel insurance. You can review the PDS and T&C of your policy to confirm this or reach out directly to your specific insurance to get more accurate information.
Cheers,
Joanne
can you get insurance to cover your deposit for a cruise which is not going until mid next year? How do I ensure I don’t lose my deposit for any reason
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your question.
finder.com.au is a comparison and information service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations.
Generally, most travel insurance brands won’t allow you to take out cover more than one year in advance, insurers do this to minimise their own risk. However, It could be a good idea to check with your trip provider to see if they have any cancellation cover options.
All the best,
Zubair
My son is looking at doing the Youth World Challenge through his school. The cost is approx. $8,600, which has to be raise by the school, family and students. However a deposit and regular payments are required at regular intervals with a lump sum due near the date. As the dates are not set, and that the time has been reduced from 15mths to 9mths for the payment, if we have to cancel due to not being able to raise the funds, will the cost be covered by insurance?
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your question.
Generally, travel insurance does not provide cover for cancellation due to financial, contractual or other business obligations. For more clarification on this matter best to consult the product disclosure statement or insurer directly.
Cheers,
Zubair
I bought Travel Insurance with Insure and GO on the 2nd September 2016 for a trip which commences on the 27th September 2017 for 32 days.
They charged me $690 for two adults which included an extra $427 surcharge for a pre-medical condition.
The airline are willing to refund in full because they changed my flight details so the only other cost for the holiday is about $200 for accommodation for a stop over each way.
There is an excess of $100 per claim on the policy.
Can I claim any of the pre-medical declaration costs as these will not apply until travel begins as we now cannot travel due to my wife having a serious illness which was not diagnosed until December last.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You will need to contact InsureandGo claims department about these matters. You can select the “Get Quote” button of InsureandGo on the table found on this page to be redirected to their website where you can learn more about how to get in touch with them.
All the best,
Richard