Can I Cancel Travel Insurance and Get a Refund?

Can I Cancel Travel Insurance and Still Get a Refund?

Yes, it is true most of the travel insurance plans can be cancelled and refunded but it only depends on your cancellation time and the rules of the provider as to the extent of the refund. Really, almost all companies allow a free look period, which is generally 10-15 days, right after the purchase. If you cancel during that time limit and have not yet traveled or made a claim, a full refund of 100% will be given to you.

Refunds after the free look period are more restricted. A few insurers may give a partial refund if the trip is not yet starred but many policies expire or become non-refundable once the review window closes. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades are usually non-refundable after they are bought.

What Is a Free Look Period in Travel Insurance?

The Free Look Period, is the time which starts right after the purchase of a travel insurance plan, during which you can thoroughly check your coverage. In case of dissatisfaction, you have the option to cancel the plan and get a refund, provided that:

• Your trip did not start.
• You have not made any claims.
• You did not suffer any losses that are covered.

This period guarantees that you are given sufficient time to verify that the plan fits you without the risk of losing your premium.

When You Qualify for a Full Refund on Your Travel Insurance?

You can usually get your money back if:

• You cancel within the Free Look Period (usually 10–21 days).
• Your trip hasn’t started.
• You haven’t filed a claim.
• The policy documents clearly allow cancellation during this review window.

When Travel Insurance Is Not Refundable?

A refund may not be possible if:

• The Free Look Period is over.
• You’ve already begun your trip.
• You’ve filed a claim.
• You’ve purchased optional upgrades like CFAR, AD&D, or rental car coverage (varies by provider).

At American Visitor Insurance, we advise travelers to review their policy terms carefully, as many plans become non-refundable once the review window closes or coverage benefits have been used.

How to Cancel Your Travel Insurance Policy?

Cancelling your travel insurance policy is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure you receive any eligible refund. Here’s how to do it:

Do All Travel Insurance Companies Have a Free Look Period?

Most travel insurance companies, including Seven Corners, IMG, Trawick International, Travelex, HTH, and Travel Insurance Services, offer a Free Look Period ranging from 10 to 21 days. This period allows travelers to review their plan and cancel for a full refund if done within the specified time and before the trip begins. Through American Visitor Insurance, you can easily purchase these plans and take advantage of their Free Look Period for added peace of mind.

Quick Guide: Free Look Periods by Travel Insurance Provider

Here’s a quick overview of Free Look Periods offered by popular travel insurance providers, all available through American Visitor Insurance.

Travel Insurance Refund Rules and Cancellation Policy

Travel medical insurance that does not include trip cancellation coverage is cancellable before the start date. Most companies do not charge any cancellation fee before the policy starts, so if your plans change, if your visa application is denied, or for any reason, you can get a full refund on your policy. To be sure, you should check the cancellation policy of your plan before your purchase to be sure you have the flexibility you want. To get your refund, you must contact the insurance company in writing. We are not the insurance company, but your agents. We can forward your mail to the correct place, but be sure there is time for that before the policy starts. You could call us and we can give you the information you need.

Trip cancellation plans generally only have a 10-day "free look" period in which you can cancel the policy after your purchase. This is because those plans, in effect, begin immediately after you buy them. They are in place should you get sick or something happen to interfere with your travel plans, you can get a refund on the non-reimbursable costs of your trip which you have insured. This is a good option for an expensive cruise or tour for which you are investing a bit of money to take.

In that case, you do not get a refund on your insurance, but you may be able to get a refund on your trip costs if the plan allows it for the circumstances of your trip cancellation. In that case, you should consult the details of the policy you are purchasing.

What If I Don’t Get the Visa for Travel? Will I Get My Money Back on the Travel Insurance?

The process for obtaining a refund of your travel insurance cost when your visa is denied can vary depending on the terms and conditions of the specific travel insurance policy you purchased. Here are some general steps to consider:

• Check for exceptions: Before purchasing your insurance plan, check on the cancellation policy. Some policies may have specific conditions or exclusions related to visa denials, so be sure to understand these conditions when purchasing your policy.
• Review your policy: First, carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. Pay particular attention to the section that discusses trip cancellation or trip interruption due to a visa denial.
• Contact your insurance provider: Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as you receive the visa denial. You'll want to inform them of the situation and inquire about the possibility of a refund. Note that most companies require you to ask for a written cancellation notice. This notice should include your policy number, at least the name if the primary insured, their date of birth, and a brief reason for the cancellation.
• Provide documentation: Your insurance company may request documentation to support your claim. This could include a copy of your visa denial letter, any application fees you paid for the visa, and any other relevant documents. Note that for some policies, you are not required to have any documentation since you can cancel for any reason. You will know this after reviewing your policy.
• Follow their instructions: Your insurance company will guide you through their specific claims process. Follow their instructions and provide all the required information promptly. As soon as you can, you should begin to process your cancellation. Do not wait until your trip was supposed to start.
• Wait for a decision: The insurance company will review your claim and make a decision on whether you are eligible for a refund based on the terms of your policy. If you policy had already started, there may be some cancellation fee associated with cancelling the policy. Refunds will be made to the credit card used for the initial purchase.

It's essential to act promptly and be aware of the deadlines and requirements outlined in your policy. Keep copies of all communication with your insurance provider for your records.

Remember that not all travel insurance policies cover visa denials, and coverage can vary between different providers and policy types. If you're unsure about whether your policy covers visa denials or how to proceed, it's a good idea to contact your insurance company or us as your agents for clarification.

Travel Insurance Cancellation & Refund FAQs

Summary: How to Cancel Travel Insurance and Receive a Refund

This page helps you understand how to cancel your travel insurance and get a refund. Most plans include a Free Look Period, usually 10–21 days, during which you can review your coverage and request a full refund if your trip hasn’t started and no claims have been filed. It also explains what happens after the Free Look Period and how to cancel your policy Through American Visitor Insurance, which acts as your authorized agent and forwards your cancellation request to the official insurer for processing. A quick reference of popular plans and their Free Look Periods is also provided so you can make informed decisions.