Travel Insurance is purchased before an event occurs. For example, you can't buy travel insurance after you decide to cancel a trip, for the same reason that you can’t buy car insurance to cover an accident that has already occurred.

It does not cover losses from an event that you know is likely to happen, like a hurricane that has been forecasted. This is known as a "foreseeable event."

Travel insurance can reimburse you if your trip is cancelled due to Covered Reasons, like severe weather events, accidents, illnesses, or the death of a family member, etc.

Covered Reasons, and other important details about the policy, are all described in a document called the Description of Coverage (DOC). It’s a good idea to read the DOC before you buy your insurance plan.

If you need to cancel your trip, you should contact your vendor(s) to refund your expenses first. (Tour operator, airline, hotel, etc.)

If your purchase is not refundable, you can file a claim according to your insurance policy. There may be a time limit to file any claims, and you will need to provide proof of your loss(es).

If you want or need to cancel for any other reason – like not having enough snow for skiing on a ski trip, or changing your mind because you are afraid to travel – you will need Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage in order to receive benefits.

This is usually an upgrade for which you will be charged additional premium. Other eligibility requirements may apply.