Cancellation
What is Cancellation Cover?
Cancellation cover is an option that can be added to all our policies in various forms.
It can cover things such as airfares, accommodation (hotels, Airbnb, campsite fees, the cost of hire cars, special events, adventure experiences, concerts or tours and trips.
Generally, the amount of cancellation cover you add to your policy should be sufficient to cover any costs or outlays that you would lose if you were unexpectedly forced to cancel your trip.
What are the Cancellation Cover options?
The amount of Cancellation cover you add is per person unless stated otherwise and the amount you have selected will be shown on your certificate of insurance. Our standard cancellation cover protects your travel costs from many scenarios such as being unable to travel, or cutting your trip short due to illness or injury, or other events which may impact your travel such volcano eruptions, a death in the family, or your house being destroyed by fire.
Domestic Cancellation Cover.
Our Domestic Comprehensive Care policy has a minimum amount of cancellation cover set at $1000, but you can increase this by the amount you require up to $Unlimited cover and the amount you choose and that shows on your certificate of insurance is per policy.
The Domestic Cancellation Only policy has cover options starting at $200 up to a maximum amount of cover of $1500 for Cancellation, Amendment and Additional Expenses and the limit chosen is applied per person.
International Cancellation Cover.
Our international policies, Essentials Care, Comprehensive Care and our Australia Inbound policies, can include cover for Cancellation and Amendment for amounts ranging from $0 to $Unlimited. For all of these policy types the cancellation cover you choose is the total coverage per policy.
Do you offer cover for cancellation related to Covid-19?
Yes, we do automatically include cover for Covid-19 related cancellation. Full details of this cover and other benefits related to COVID-19 please see our Covid-19 page.
Need extra flexibility? Cancellation Plus Cover – for life’s “Didn’t-See-That-Coming” moments.
We get it — life happens. Plans change. Things come up. That’s where Cancellation Plus Cover steps in with even more flexible cancellation cover.
For those unexpected “change of heart” or “life-got-busy” situations that aren’t covered under standard cancellation insurance, this optional upgrade gives travellers the flexibility to cancel before departure and claim back a portion of their non-refundable trip costs.
How Cancellation Plus Cover Works
Our standard Cancellation Cover already protects travellers against major unforeseen events — think natural disasters, sudden illness, or the death of a close family member.
Cancellation Plus Cover goes further. It’s an optional add-on available on selected International and Domestic Comprehensive Plans, designed for travellers who want freedom to cancel for a reason not otherwise covered.
This upgrade can be a game-changer for anyone who values flexibility and peace of mind.
What scenarios can Cancellation Plus Cover? (That standard cover doesn’t)
Sometimes, plans fall through for reasons outside traditional “insured events.” With Cancellation Plus Cover, you may be covered if you need to cancel because:
- Your work leave wasn’t approved after booking.
- You’ve started a new job or have job changes that clash with travel dates.
- Unexpected home or personal expenses mean travel isn’t possible right now.
- You simply change your mind about travelling.
Cost & Eligibility.
Cancellation Plus Cover is available as a paid add-on — because more flexibility means more protection.
- It can only be added when the policy is purchased (not afterwards).
- It’s available only if your departure date is more than 7 days away from the policy issue date.
- If you buy an Annual Multi-Trip Plan, you only need to add it once — it covers all trips for the year.
When setting up cover, make sure to include all prepaid travel expenses like flights, accommodation, tours, and any other non-refundable costs.
Important Timing Rules.
- You must cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
- It only covers costs paid within 48 hours before buying your policy (or after).
- Payments made more than 48 hours before policy purchase won’t be included.
Example: If you paid a small deposit six months ago but are now paying the balance within 48 hours of purchase, the new payment is covered — but the original deposit isn’t.
Cover Limits.
If you cancel for any reason not otherwise covered, we’ll pay the lesser of:
- 75 % of the non-refundable, unused portion of your prepaid travel costs; or
- 75 % of your Cancellation Cover sum insured.
- The maximum we’ll pay is $10,000 per policy.
When Cancellation Plus Cover Doesn’t Apply
Your claim won’t be covered if:
- You paid for all or part of your trip more than 48 hours before purchasing your policy.
- You cancel within 48 hours of departure.
- Your travel was prevented by any of the following: Widespread physical destruction at the destination due to war, terrorism, or nuclear events – Government-imposed restrictions such as border or airspace closures – Transport disruptions such as volcanic ash clouds or closed sea lanes.
In such cases, you may still be eligible to claim under the Amendment or standard Cancellation Costs benefit of your policy.