Cancellable Travel Insurance

Plans change. Whether you want the flexibility to cancel your policy or you're looking for travel cancellation cover for trips and flights, here's everything in one place. Read about what's covered, what isn't, and how claims work.

Cancelling your Holiday Extras travel insurance policy

Looking for cancellable travel insurance? In the UK, most policies include a cooling-off period.

With Holiday Extras Travel Insurance, you can cancel within 14 days of receiving your documents. As long as you haven't started your trip and haven't made (or intend to make) a claim, we'll give you a full refund.

After 14 days, you can still cancel at any time, but refunds are not usually given. In exceptional cases, we may consider one, please always contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Important to know:

• In some cases, we may need to cancel your policy. If this happens, we'll give you 14 days' written notice and refund the premium you've paid for the unused part of your policy period.
• Once a policy is cancelled, your cover ends, and you won't be able to make a claim under that policy.
• Single Trip: You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your documents for a full refund (as long as you haven't travelled or claimed).
• Annual Multi-Trip: You can also cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period for a full refund (as long as you haven't travelled or claimed). After that, you may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for the time left on your policy. The exact terms can vary, so it's best to check your policy documents.

It's best to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you're covered straight away if you need to cancel.

Travel Insurance For Trip Cancellation

Searching for travel cancellation insurance, trip cancellation coverage or cancellation cover travel insurance? With Holiday Extras, our policies include Cancellation (before you go) and Curtailment (cutting your trip short) across three cover levels. See exactly what's included and the limits in our cover level table.

Common trip cancellation reasons you could be covered for:

• Bereavement
• A change to your policy resulting in us declining to cover your medical conditions

What isn't usually covered:

• Reluctance to travel/changing your mind
• Losses you could get back from the airline, hotel or tour operator – you're expected to try them first before claiming on insurance
• Known events or undeclared pre-existing medical conditions

Per person or per policy?

Cancellation limits are generally per person, per trip on UK policies; always check your schedule and wording. Excesses also often apply per person/claim.

Flight Cancellations

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, UK law (CAA guidance) says you must be offered a refund or rerouting at the earliest opportunity. You're also entitled to care and assistance (meals, communications and, if overnight, accommodation) while you wait.

Eligibility for compensation depends on notice and cause, and "extraordinary circumstances" (e.g. severe weather) don't qualify.

Travel insurance generally does not cover airline flight cancellations.

Tip: For package holidays, you may have additional protections through your tour operator/ATOL; check their refund policy first.

Cancel for any reason travel insurance: what it means

You might have heard about 'cancel for any reason travel insurance'. In the UK, standard policies don't cover "change of mind", which is why you won't be able to claim simply because you no longer wish to travel.

Some companies offer cancel-for-any-reason-style add-ons that reimburse a partial share of trip costs when you cancel for reasons outside standard cover. Availability and reimbursement percentages vary by provider. Always check your schedule and policy documents.

Why choose Holiday Extras cover?

Our travel insurance is simple, with emergency medical cover, 24/7 emergency support, and AnywhereGP for non-urgent advice. Every policy also includes protection for both cancellation and curtailment. Getting covered is quick and simple, with instant quotes online and easy medical screening.

Over 40 years experience in travel services.

Voted Best Insurance Provider 16 years running – since 2009.

Tailored policies to suit your personal requirements.

£13.8 million paid in claims last year, providing reliable support when it matters most.

Smart, simple cover with help from our AI assistant, SYD.

Let us answer your questions

What is "cancellable travel insurance"?

Cancellable travel insurance helps you recover your money if you need to cancel your trip for reasons covered by your policy. This usually includes things like illness, injury, or emergencies that stop you from travelling.

With Holiday Extras Travel Insurance, you can cancel within 14 days of receiving your documents, provided that you haven't started your trip or made a claim.

Get a quote

Is cancellation cover standard?

Most travel insurance includes cancellation cover as standard, but the amount you can claim depends on your policy. Always check your policy details to see how much cancellation protection is included.

With Holiday Extras Travel Insurance, you'll get clear cancellation cover designed to fit your trip. Take a look at our cover level table for a full breakdown of what's included.

If you paid for your holiday with a credit card, you may also have some protection through your card provider.

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

If your flight is cancelled for a reason covered by your policy, you may be able to claim for your costs. Airlines may also offer refunds or alternative flights, so check with them first before making a claim.

If you have a policy with Holiday Extras, check your policy documents to see exactly what's included. Not sure where to start? Try SYD (Search Your Documents), our tool which makes it quick and easy to find the answers you need in your policy.

Just ask

Does insurance cover cancellation for any reason?

No. Travel insurance only covers cancellations for specific reasons listed in your policy. For example, illness, injury, or other emergencies. It won't cover you if you simply change your mind or no longer want to travel.

Do I need to contact my providers before claiming?

Yes. Always speak to your airline, hotel, or tour operator first, as they may offer refunds or rebooking. If they can't help, then you may be able to claim through your travel insurance.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness?

Most travel insurance policies cover cancellation if you can't travel because of illness. This usually applies if you, a travelling companion, or a close family member becomes unwell before your trip. You'll need a doctor's note or medical evidence to support your claim.

With Holiday Extras Travel Insurance, cancellation and curtailment cover is included as standard, protecting you if the unexpected happens. Cover can vary, so always check your policy documents to be sure what's included.

AnywhereGP: 24/7 Medical Help

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We're thrilled to introduce AnywhereGP, powered by Air Doctor – your on-the-go medical solution abroad!

Included FREE with every Holiday Extras travel insurance policy, it provides fast, reliable medical support for everything from minor illnesses to urgent concerns, keeping you supported along the way.

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Choose your cover

Planning a one-off getaway? Our single-trip travel insurance has you covered. If you travel more than once a year, save time, money and hassle with our Annual insurance – perfect for holidays abroad and UK getaways, all year round.

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Single Trip Travel Insurance

Coverage for single-trips, protecting against unexpected events, emergencies, and trip cancellations.

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Annual Travel Insurance

Our annual multi-trip policies cover you for an unlimited number of trips over a twelve month period.

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Medical Travel Insurance

All medical conditions considered and 24/7 medical help available to you whilst you're abroad.

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Backpacker Travel Insurance

Let travel insurance be your safety net, ensuring your trip remains unforgettable for all the right reasons.

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Get cover for winter sports to safeguard you and your equipment throughout your trip.

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