How Cancel for Any Reason Coverage Works with Some Current Events

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance can provide coverage for a number of events that may not be covered under standard Trip Cancellation insurance. There are several current events that may impact travelers, and knowing how CFAR works could be valuable if you are planning an upcoming trip.

What is Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

CFAR coverage is an optional upgrade that can provide reimbursement up to 75% of your trip cost if you have to cancel for any reason at all prior to 48 hours before your scheduled trip departure.

In order to be eligible for Cancel for Any Reason coverage, you must:

1. Purchase your insurance coverage within 21 days of your initial trip deposit;
2. Insure 100% of the cost of all travel arrangements that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions by the travel supplier; and
3. Cancel your trip 48 hours or more before your scheduled departure date.

Cancel for Any Reason is available with Arch RoamRight’s Preferred, Elite, Pro and Pro Plus plans.

You can learn more about Cancel for Any Reason and how it could provide coverage for your trip on our website.

Deaths in the Dominican Republic

With the recent series of unfortunate deaths of American travelers in the Dominican Republic, those who are thinking of planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, as well as those who have already planned their trip, may be hesitant to travel there. Cancelling a trip for this reason is not covered under the standard Trip Cancellation benefit. However, CFAR offers coverage even for events such as the situation in the Dominican Republic, even when they do not fall under standard Trip Cancellation. A reminder that if you are only eligible to purchase CFAR coverage if it has been no longer than 21 days since your initial trip deposit date.

If you wish to still travel, but want to change your destination in light of these unfortunate events, you can notify us of the change in destination or travel dates. We will need this information in order to update your travel insurance policy. These changes to your policy are at no additional charge unless trip cost or trip length changes.

Please note, however, that fees from airlines, hotels, or other common carriers that occur as a result of changing trip plans are not eligible for coverage under travel insurance in this instance.

Shark Attacks in the Bahamas

Several accounts of fatal and near-fatal shark attacks on tourists in the Bahamas have left many travelers uneasy about taking trips there. It is important to remember that the likelihood of an unprovoked shark attack is very rare, and that cancelling a trip due to fear of shark attacks is not a covered reason under standard Trip Cancellation. However, CFAR can provide coverage if you choose to cancel your trip due to concerns about getting in to the water.

How other travel insurance benefits works with these current events

While shark attacks are rare, and plenty of Americans travel to and from the Dominican Republic without incident, there are other benefits of travel insurance that can help if you or a traveling companion experience an unfortunate event.

Medical Coverage

In the unlikely case that you experience a medical emergency like a shark attack, Arch RoamRight could be able to provide medical coverage. Our travel insurance plans can include emergency medical, medical evacuation and trip interruption benefits. In the unfortunate case that this happens while on your trip, having travel insurance can help with outstanding medical fees, allowing you to get the care you need while on your trip.

Beyond providing coverage in the event of a medical emergency, all Arch RoamRight insureds have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance line which puts trained emergency travel assistance providers at your fingertips. They also can help you find quality, local medical care and provide translation services if needed.

Repatriation of Remains

In the unfortunate event that you or a traveling companion passes away while traveling – regardless of your destination – Arch RoamRight’s repatriation of remains benefit will help prepare and return your remains home. Alleviating this concern can be a tremendous relief for loved ones who are grieving and trying to navigate the logistics of international repatriation.

Cancelling out of fear of something happening can only be covered by CFAR

In the instance of both the deaths in the Dominican Republic and the shark attacks in the Bahamas, cancellation can only be covered if you have Cancel for Any Reason coverage. Cancellation over fear of something happening – like fear of a shark attack – is not a covered reason for trip cancellation under the benefit in the standard Arch RoamRight travel insurance plan.

While purchasing CFAR is always a decision you have to make on your own, there are a few other times when it might need to be considered. Read more on our posts about Travel Insurance and Destination Weddings, Traveling and Ebola, and Travel Insurance for Small Business Owners.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.