After months of meticulous planning and booking, you and your family are about to embark on a cruise for the next week. Bags are packed, and excitement is brewing in the house. However, just three days before your trip, your son becomes ill and is uncomfortable traveling. Unfortunately, this means you must cancel your journey. When such last minute emergencies or issues occur, CFAR, or Cancel For Any Reason, can come in handy.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- What CFAR is and what it covers
- How CFAR can be helpful for a cruise
- Why travel insurance is recommended for a cruise
What is Cancel For Any Reason?
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is a benefit that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and be reimbursed for a part of your pre-paid, non-refundable expenses. Typically, CFAR will cover up to 75% of these costs.
Adding CFAR to your insurance plan can allow for reimbursement for expenses like:
- Transportation
- Hotel deposits
- Vacation rental stay
- Event tickets
- Other nonrefundable travel expenses
For cruises in particular, it can be beneficial to have an option to get your money back for activities that may have been planned, accommodations, and flight or transportation expenses.
How Can CFAR Be Helpful For a Cruise?
Cruises often have strict cancellation policies and guidelines, making CFAR quite helpful when it comes to expenses and having a peace of mind. Here are some example scenarios where CFAR can come in handy:
Tropical Storms
Let’s say a hurricane or tropical storm takes place from the location you are embarking on your cruise from. Cruises may need to decide whether or not to allow for the cruise to even depart, or make itinerary changes, which can leave people anxious about their plans.
Standard travel insurance policies may provide coverage for cancellations and schedule changes you need to make if the storm is named after you purchase your plan. However, standard insurance will not cover hurricanes or storms that were announced before you purchased insurance.
If you did buy your policy after a storm was announced and your cruise ends up making an itinerary change you are not happy with, CFAR can provide coverage for passengers who need to alter their travel plans.
Change of Mind
Most standard travel insurance policies will not provide coverage if you simply change your mind and do not want to go on your cruise anymore. However, CFAR can offer reimbursement, even if there is no defined reason for your cancellation. So long as you make your cancellation 48 hours before departure, you can be reimbursed 50-75%.
Injuries or Illness
Let’s say a week before your cruise, you become extremely ill and feel uncomfortable about traveling. While standard trip cancellation will usually cover 100% of your non-refundable, prepaid costs, if you need to cancel due to illness, you will need a doctor’s note /records deeming you ‘unfit for travel.’ So, if your illness or injury is concerning to you and you want to cancel based on personal judgement, CFAR can allow this.
Why Should I Consider Travel Insurance For a Cruise?
If you do have a cruise coming up, it may be in your best interest to consider purchasing travel insurance. Cruises can be quite expensive, with flight costs, cruise expenses, drink packages and excursion costs racking up. Here are a few reasons why travel insurance is recommended:
Trip Interruption: Let’s say your cruise ship is dealing with mechanical issues, and the entire journey must be cancelled for all passengers. Travel insurance can offer coverage for costs and reimbursement for accommodations you may need, and help organize your journey back home.
Baggage Loss: Let’s say you arrive at your port, but your luggage is lost on the way. All of your fancy outfits and clothing for cruise theme nights will now not make it into the boat with you. If this does occur, travel insurance can offer reimbursement if your baggage is delayed for a certain number of hours (depending on the policy).
Medical Emergencies: If you end up getting extremely sick or require medical attention after becoming injured on your cruise, trip insurance can help cover costs. Regular health insurance will likely not offer coverage overseas, which is where travel insurance can be beneficial. If you require emergency medical evacuation while on your cruise, trip insurance is a good option, even offering an included 24/7 assistance service.
Travel insurance can be a reliable safety net, being a small cost protecting you from larger costs while on your cruise.
Best Cruise Travel Insurance Plans
Best Overall Travel Insurance For Cruises: iTravelInsured Choice Cruise
Most Affordable Travel Insurance For Cruises: iTravelInsured Travel Lite
Best Cruise Travel Insurance For Seniors: iTravelInsured Travel LX
How Can I Find the Best Cruise Insurance Plan?
If you need further assistance or have questions about selecting the best cruise insurance plan for you, our Customer Success Team is more than happy to assist you.
- CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and be reimbursed for 50-75% of your pre-paid, non-refundable expenses.
- CFAR can be helpful on cruises, offering last minute protection for situations like hurricanes, sickness, change of mind, and more if you need it.
- Standard trip cancellation may not provide coverage for certain situations or scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions About If CFAR Is Helpful On a Cruise
What circumstances should I choose standard trip cancellation over CFAR?
Sticking with trip cancellation under a standard travel insurance plan may be the right choice for you if you want protection against serious emergencies or situations, like severe weather or illness. However, CFAR is the right choice if you are seeking the freedom to cancel for any reason at all, are traveling during uncertain times, or planning an expensive journey.
Should I pick travel insurance over cruise line insurance packages?
Travel insurance is often recommended for cruises over cruise line packages for a variety of reasons. Cruise line insurance will not cover the entire cost of your trip, only the cost of your cruise, often has low coverage amounts, and are not cost effective. Not only this, but while cruise lines may claim to offer Cancel For Any Reason, reimbursement is only given to you in the form of future cruise credit, not cash back.
When should I purchase travel insurance for a cruise?
It is a good idea to purchase your travel insurance policy immediately after you book your cruise. This way, your accommodations and your insurance plan are set, and you can qualify for benefits like Cancel For Any Reason.
How much does Cancel For Any Reason cost?
CFAR coverage will typically add 40-60% to the cost of your travel insurance price, and travel insurance itself typically costs between 5%-10% of your entire trip cost.
What if I need to cancel my cruise after the 48 hour deadline?
CFAR does require that you cancel your trip 48 hours before your scheduled departure date. If you do need to cancel within the 48-hour window, the CFAR benefit will not apply. If you feel like you need to cancel in the middle of a trip, Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) may be a good option for you, allowing you to interrupt your trip for any reason that is not covered by your policy.
Can I use CFAR if I have a family emergency before my cruise?
Yes, CFAR can apply if you need to cancel your cruise due to a family emergency, or any situation that standard travel insurance may not cover.
Is Cancel For Any Reason worth it for cruises?
For your next cruise, Cancel For Any Reason can provide a reliable safety net if you do run into emergencies, medical situations, or last minute changes. While standard travel insurance does include trip cancellation benefits, Cancel For Any Reason provides for flexibility and freedom, with the ability to cancel and have a peace of mind.
How can I purchase CFAR?
Since CFAR is an add-on to a standard trip insurance policy, once you have found the plan that suits your needs, you can purchase Cancel For Any Reason on top.
